Designing Ecological Habitats - Gaia Education

impact, recovery anD conservation of coastal ecosystems in brasil 217
A B C
It was only from 2004 on that the first positive results appeared, thanks
to finding the proper mix of native plants, Spartina alterniflora, Hibiscus
permambucensis, Schinus terebinthifolius, Bacopa sp., and including some fruit
trees. This successful mix attracted birds, crustaceans and some mammals,
which also contributed to the strengthening of the system. The areas are
fully restored in 2010 with trees ranging from 1m to 5m in height.
An important part of the restoration of the environment is the contribution
of NGOs in educating against depredation actions. Main goals of
this education are relaying understanding of the historic, cultural, social
and economic recovery that will accrue to the community. Positive results
of environmental restoration, in this regard, are transforming the minds
of the population and the surrounding community, who still consider the
mangroves a proper place for domestic and industrial dumping.
An interesting fact is that around the year 2005, schools in the region
started assisting in the re-planting operations. This was when Foundation
Ondazul began a new program promoting joint efforts among schools,
businesses, and universities, inspiring a community process of environmental
recovery.
The current stage of recovery is a scientific production, with studies
of genetic variability among plants, studies of economic valuation of the
ecosystem, the distribution of crustaceans, among other interdisciplinary
studies. The goal is to increase knowledge of the recovery of degraded
ecosystems to highlight that areas originally devastated can restore their
biodiversity, allowing subsistence activities to return in a sustainable manner,
thus improving the quality of life in the region.
Conclusion
Mobilizing communities through awareness and clarification programs
about the importance of the mangrove ecosystem is crucial, especially in
respect to the projection of future developments like the proposed
Petrochemical Plant of Rio de Janeiro, the largest enterprise yet envisioned.
Just as happened in Guanabara Bay, the projected scenario is of increased
pollution, contamination and destruction of ecosystems. Despite the attention
Steps enclosure for
containment of solid
waste. (A) beginning
of the process, (B)
fencing completed,
and (C) result of the
enclosure.