In Abruzzo, the system consists of a network of public and private bodies that make up the regional network of Environmental Education Centres of regional interest (CEA), which serve as key reference points for citizens, schools, educational agencies, local authorities and businesses.

In line with the guiding principles of sustainable development, the CEAs implement projects tailored to the specific characteristics of their local areas. They carry out educational programmes, school trips with learning activities, training initiatives, produce teaching and outreach materials, and are involved in documentation, research, communication and public information. Each CEA operates with its own methodology in addressing sustainability-related topics, supporting and encouraging participatory and educational processes by making its expertise available to the community.

The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Abruzzo and Molise “G. Caporale” was officially recognised as a CEA of the Abruzzo Region by Regional Council Resolution No. 906 of 9 August 2006. Its educational projects, primarily aimed at schools of all levels, focus on the following areas: Veterinary Public Health (food safety, food hygiene), Urban Veterinary Hygiene (human–animal–environment interactions), environmental monitoring (e.g. quality of sea and river water, aquaculture), and Animal Welfare.

The main activities carried out by the CEA of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Abruzzo and Molise “G. Caporale” include:

• Health education projects.

• Educational visits and workshops.

• National and international placements and training internships.

• Outreach activities (participation in trade fairs, conferences, open days, etc.).