The Regional Network of Ecotecas (Environmental Awareness Raising Centres) from the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea will be mobilised this week to mark the European Maritime Day which is celebrated tomorrow.
This event was established in 2008 by a tripartite declaration from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, and it underlines the “need to promote a greater awareness concerning the importance of oceans, the dynamics of a maritime economy and the richness of the European heritage, whose benefits should be celebrated every year.”
The same declaration also suggests the organization of “awareness raising activities and the creation of integrated networks in this important event of environmental nature.
Several activities will take place in the Azores, spread throughout different Islands, and will appeal to the awareness of the population for the potential of European oceans and seas, which play a crucial role in everyday life not only to coastal communities, but also to all European Union citizens.
This year’s programme includes activities such as a boat trip around Vila Franca do Campo seashore, addressed at the community. Being promoted by the Lagoa Ecoteca, this initiative is developed in a partnership with Vila Franca do Campo and with the collaboration of Ponta Delgada Maritime Police Command, and the Vila Franca do Campo Marina.
In turn, the Angra do Heroísmo Ecoteca celebrates the event with a coastal pedestrian walk “Tavares,” focusing on the theme “Seabirds,” addressed at junior high schools students.
Providing children an exciting trip to the marine ecosystems of the Azores, through the exploration of an interactive DVD “Viagem ao fundo do mar dos Açores” (Voyage to bottom of the Azores sea) by the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, is the proposal of Graciosa Ecoteca in collaboration with the Ecoclub of the EB1/JI of Guadalupe.
The Pico Ecoteca will promote “Histórias com Espinhas” (Stories with Fish Bones) at “hora do conto” (story time), with stories about marine biodiversity and its protection. The local Ecoteca on Santa Maria has prepared a Photo paper on the Marine Areas of that Island of the Eastern Group, being addressed at the community.
The Faial Ecoteca proposes the construction of marine animals from diverse residues, preceded by a discussion on the importance of marine biodiversity and its main characteristics.