In Pará, Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park celebrates 29 years
The anniversary featured an ecological race and the traditional birthday celebration, with cake and a communal snack to celebrate this important Conservation Unit (UC)
As part of the special program for the 29th anniversary of the Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park, the Araguaia Administrative Region Management (GRA) of the Pará Institute of Forest Development and Biodiversity (Ideflor-Bio) held the 1st Children's Ecological Race in the Santa Cruz community, in São Geraldo do Araguaia, southeastern Pará, over the weekend.
The activity brought together more than 20 children from the community, who participated in the race competing for medals with enthusiasm. At the end, there was the traditional birthday celebration, with cake and a communal snack, to celebrate the 29 years since the creation of this important Conservation Unit (UC) in the region.
The Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park was created through Ordinary Law No. 5,982, on July 25, 1996, as a Conservation Unit of Integral Protection. The area encompasses more than 24 thousand hectares of rich biodiversity, between the municipalities of São Geraldo do Araguaia and São Domingos do Araguaia. The territory preserves typical ecosystems of the Amazon biome and houses archaeological sites, caves, and trails that attract researchers, tourists, and local residents.
In addition to its scenic beauty and environmental value, the Park has established itself as a space for environmental education, sustainable development, and strengthening ties with surrounding communities.
Belonging - The manager of the Araguaia Administrative Region of Ideflor-Bio, Laís Mercedes, highlighted the importance of the action with the children. According to her, the celebration of the anniversary reinforces the commitment of the Government of Pará to environmental conservation combined with social inclusion and the development of traditional populations in the region.
“Bringing the community into the park's celebrations is essential. This generation that ran today is the same one that will take care of the forest tomorrow. This is how we build a sense of belonging and care for the environment,” she emphasized.
A resident of the community, Vangela Costa, expressed gratitude for the moment and highlighted the support received. “We are happy to see the Park remembering our community. I thank Ideflor-Bio and the Government of Pará for being present and doing such beautiful work. Our children will never forget this day,” said the community member.
Text by Pablo Allves / Ascom Ideflor-Bio
