Rio, 11 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Minister of Environment, José Carlos Carvalho, participated yesterday (10) in the launch of the Natural Education Project in the Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro.

The project has a budget of R$1.2 million (US$420,000) and a 30-month lifetime. It will train young residents near the Tijuca National Park to be ecotourism guides. Schools in the area will also get classes on environmental awareness. It is estimated that by the end of the project, 480 schools and some 24,000 students will have participated through games and learning. (AB)