2008 milestones
In 2008, the abertis foundation continued to build on its role as the abertis tool for corporate responsibility by promoting initiatives along its four main lines of action: road safety, research promotion, dissemination and community relations.
One of the major exponents of work to encourage safe, responsible mobility
was the
Road Education at Schools Programme. The initiative finalised in 2008
with the result that 1200 schools, 101,269 pupils and 3600 teachers have taken
part. As of the 2008-09 academic year, the programme can be followed online
by means of a specific microsite
aimed
at parents, teachers and pupils.
As far as research is concerned, of particular note was the setting up of
the research development programme, enabling other projects with the opportunity
to benefit from the assistance of the abertis
foundation. Moreover, the board of trustees of the institution
has set up a Scientific Board
formed by prominent figures from the fields of the environment, demographics,
the economy and road safety, who are an asset to the steadfast, professional
and quality nature of the research the foundation fosters.
One of the largest commitments undertaken last year was the expansion of the foundation internationally since a new office was opened in Rome and another is set to open in Paris in 2009. Owing to this commitment to reach out to a wider public, this report, which is published online for the very first time, is available in Catalan, Spanish, English, French and Italian. As well as being more environmentally friendly, the new online format allows readers to gain further insight into certain issues by following the sections they are most interested in.
Lastly, it is important to highlight the drive and activity undertaken in relation to the Castell de Castellet, the abertis foundation headquarters and a fort bearing major cultural and historical significance. 2008 saw us gain a greater acquaintance of the fort owing to the discovery of major archaeological remains making it possible to trace its history back some 2500 years.