Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
June 14, 2023

The Environmental Protection Bureau of Cotia, São Paulo, Brazil, organized a series of activities in response to World Environment Day. On June 7th, the Cotia City Council held a meeting of Conselho Municipal do Meio Ambiente e Agropecuária to commend groups and individuals who have contributed to environmental initiatives. I.B.P.S. Do Brasil were awarded recognition by the municipal government for its long-term promoting environmental protection and ecological preservation.

Venerable Miao You(middle) received the certificate. photo／I.B.P.S. Do Brasil

Certificates of recognition were presented by the authorities to seven groups and individuals who have made contributions to environmental initiatives. The recipients include Venerable Miao You, Abbess of I.B.P.S. Do Brasil, Angela Maluf, Samantha, the Secretary of the Education Bureau, Marly, the head of Coopernova recycling plant, the Brazilian branch of Symrise International, a factory specializing in essential oils and cosmetic ingredients, Luxo de Lixo, a garbage recycling and sorting company, and Preserva Recicla, an oil recycling company. 

Additionally, nearly 80 people from various sectors participated in the event, including Venerable You Qian, Head of Cultivation Department of I.B.P.S. Do Brasil, Marcinho Prates, the President, all city councilors, directors, and residents of Cotia.

Venerable Miao You(middle) and Venerable You Qian(left) took a photo with Agnaldo Gomes Pereira, Environmental Protection Director. photo／I.B.P.S. Do Brasil

Cotia City's Conselho Municipal do Meio Ambiente e Agropecuária organized the commendation ceremony for the first time, aiming to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of environmental protection, and encourage greater participation and promotion for significant contributions to environmental conservation.

When receiving the award, Venerable Miao You expressed gratitude to the city government for recognizing the environmental efforts of I.B.P.S. Do Brasil and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Brazil. Venerable Miao You emphasized that this award belongs to all Brazilian Fo Guang members, and they will continue to promote the environmental and spiritual preservation principles of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, awakening people's awareness of environmental protection.

Venerable Miao You expressed gratitude to the city government for recognizing the environmental efforts of I.B.P.S. Do Brasil and BLIA Brazil. photo／I.B.P.S. Do Brasil

Venerable Miao You also reiterated Venerable Master Hsing Yun's view on environmental protection. She stated that as early as the time of the Buddha, the promotion of environmental protection, non-killing lives, and the preservation of life were advocated. It is the responsibility of everyone to protect nature, preserve ecological balance, and safeguard the environment. I.B.P.S. Do Brasil has been actively promoting environmental protection, waste sorting, resource recycling, loving the Earth, and ecological preservation. Additionally, tree planting and adopting a vegetarian diet for carbon reduction have made significant contributions to environmental conservation.

Venerable Miao You(right) reiterated Venerable Master Hsing Yun's view on environmental protection. photo／I.B.P.S. Do Brasil