Go4BioDiv Booklet 2012

Luisa Sette Camara, 21Albrolhos, Brazil18As part of my studies in law in university, I conducted a research aboutmarine underwater noise pollution and its impacts on marine mammalsin Abrolhos Marine National Park. This way, I have become aware of thethreats Abrolhos is facing and since then, I have been advocating for abetter protection of the site. ‘Abrolhos’ means life for me because of thenature and culture of this volcanic archipelago. It means life because ofthe strong relationship that Abrolhos’ local community has with the ocean.The community respects nature and recognizes its intrinsic value. There isno need of research or economic valuation to show them the importanceof the archipelago - they already know it. This relationship is reflected inthe local culture, such as the folkloric party called “Marujada”: importantelements are songs related to the sea, and religion. With regards to nature,Abrolhos is a unique site that is home and refuge for thousands of species.It is the breeding area of humpback whales, which were almost extinctby commercial whaling, and home to a wide range of threatened species.Thus, Abrolhos is a refuge, a place to find peace in the middle of thechaotic outside world – for all the living organisms, including mankind.