Release of turtles reinforces environmental education in Soure, Marajó
The effort to conserve Amazonian fauna was part of the programming of the Summer Camp in the Tucumanduba community and the Summer Operation 2025
In the rural area of the municipality of Soure, in the Marajó Archipelago, a moment of renewal and hope marked the morning of residents, visitors, and local authorities: the release of 21 turtle hatchlings — 19 Amazon turtles and two tracajás. They were returned to nature as part of the programming of the Summer Camp held in the Tucumanduba community and the Summer Operation 2025, executed by the Government of Pará.
The activity was coordinated by the Institute for Forest Development and Biodiversity of Pará (Ideflor-Bio), through the Management of the Administrative Region of Marajó (GRM) and the Eastern Marajó Regional Office, in partnership with the Mangal das Garças Zoobotanical Park and the municipal secretariats of Environment and Social Promotion of Soure.
The animals, raised in captivity under the technical care of professionals from Mangal das Garças in Belém, from the laying of the eggs to the juvenile stage, were reintroduced into their natural environment after reaching the ideal phase for release. The action, which represents an important effort to conserve Amazonian fauna, mobilized the community around the theme of protecting local ecosystems, especially among children.
Educational materials were distributed and playful activities were carried out with the children, emphasizing the ecological role of turtles and the risks these species face, such as illegal trafficking and the destruction of aquatic habitats. “The release goes beyond the direct preservation of the species: it is an action that contributes to the balance of aquatic ecosystems,” explained the biologist from Mangal das Garças, Basílio Guerreiro.
Partnerships - The success of the initiative reinforces the importance of inter-institutional partnerships and social participation in the protection of Marajó ecosystems. For the residents of Tucumanduba, the release of the turtles was more than a holiday event, symbolizing a reconnection with nature and a lesson in respect for life in the rivers of the Amazon.
According to the manager of the Administrative Region of Marajó, Hugo Dias, one of the main objectives of the activity was to integrate environmental education actions with practical experience, uniting conservation and citizenship. “It is a symbolic gesture, but with a great impact on the territory, because it shows children, from an early age, the value of caring for nature. The emotion of the residents at the moment of release shows that we are on the right track,” he stated.
Connection with nature - The manager of the Eastern Marajó Regional Office of Ideflor-Bio, Osiane Barbosa, reinforced the educational character of the action. “Working with communities, bringing knowledge and promoting experiences like this strengthens people's connection with the territory and biodiversity. Awareness is the first step towards long-term conservation,” said Osiane Barbosa.
The activity also contributed to the state strategy for the conservation of Amazonian fauna, within the integrated actions of the Summer Operation 2025, which seeks to unite leisure, safety, and environmental education in various municipalities of the State. The collaboration with the Summer Camp of Soure demonstrated the importance of joint work between environmental agencies, scientific institutions, and municipal management.
