The
Alcatrazes Archipelago, on the South Atlantic, is one of the most extraordinary
marine insular life refuges of the planet. It is the biggest nest of migratory
sea birds on the Brazilian's Southeast region. The area is being threaten
by the bombing practices of the Brazilian Navy over its ecosystems, in opposition
to the preservation of its wild nature.
In
order to defense this area the NGO Brazilian Coastal Defense Society (SDLB),
created the Alcatrazes Project, putting together environmentalists and scientists
from different institutions. The SDBL has been working for the preservation
of this natural patrimony and proposed the creation of the Alcatrazes Marine
National Park supported by various segments and entities of the Brazilian
society.
The island's natural environmental importance is very clear. It is a shelter to large colonies from five different kinds of sea birds as well as a remarkable natural laboratory that holds unique species - endemic ones, from which 16 have been recently described - in its ecosystems.
The
name "Alcatrazes" derives from the ancient name of the Bobbie (Sula leucogaster),
(atrevido e simpático) diver sea bird whose colonies spread over the rocky
coast of most islands in the Archipelago. The frigate (Fregata magnificens)
is another sea bird present in high numbers reaching the local population
twice the size of the Caribbean one.
The
exuberance of the terrestrial and marine environment is shown in the variety
of shapes and colors of life forms. Along with the remarkable landscape, this
exuberance could justify the creation of the Marine Park. Working on the defense
of the wilderness the SDLB has set a strategy focusing on promoting research
expeditions, combining environmentalist and research efforts, that result
on the increase of scientific knowledge.
Sea mammals like the Bryde's whale and spotted dolphins find shelter and food at Alcatrazes. The majority of the 150 identified fish species are associated with the rocky sea floor. Five of the sea turtles species that appears in Brazil are found there.
Hundreds of plants and animals are known in Alcatrazes, confirming its biological richness. In its environmental, there are at least one frog and one snake, along with spiders, centipedes and other insects, one beautiful orchid variety and the Chasm-Queen flower, that evolved separated from the continent during the past 10.000 years, and became unique species in the world.
There are 23 species that lives in Alcatrazes that figure in the state of São Paulo's list of animals and plants under the threat of extinction. Among those are 2 terrestrial ones, 5 birds and the remaining split between mammal, reptiles and salt water fishes.
Alcatrazes is the only safe spot off coast, to a large portion of shoreline, near the cities of São Sebastião, Ilhabela e Bertioga, that can give shelter to fishermen and recreational boats during storms or emergencies. This is also the best North Shore circuit to sail competitions and an excellent place to snorkeling or scuba diving.
There
is a full hand of legally binded provisions to protect Alcatrazes nature,
as the existence of Tupinambás Ecological Station over 4 insular bodies, the
Brazilian Forestall Code, it is listed by the Defense Coordination of Artistic,
Architectural and Historic Heritage (CONDEPHAAT), Federal and State Constitutions,
the Resolution 01/86 by the National Environment Council, a Municipal Protected
Area, international treaties on protect migratory birds and the Biodiversity
Convention, among others. Due to disrespect of laws by the Brazilian Navy,
an issue of citizenship, the São Sebastião Preserving Group (MOPRESS), the
Pro-Juréia Association and the SDLB join together to install a (Ação Civíl
Pública), that is under appreciation by the Superior Court.
Celebrating the International Year of the Oceans, the Alcatrazes Project prepares a book summarizing its work, scientific results and general data from the Archipelago and expeditions, as well as the opening of Alcatrazes Home Page, to display information and issues on the case.
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Hole cavity caused by 127mm cannon projectile.
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127mm cannon projectile.
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After ten years, during which the military authorities have shown no sensibility to the claims of environmentalists and society, the most concrete way towards the preservation is to carry a campaign against the state's land subtraction and bring the denounces to a global level, based on the terms that Alcatrazes belongs to the Biosphere Reserve and its destruction means losses on global biodiversity.
Military reasons cannot jeopardize the important and sublime life diversity. There are lots of environmental reasons that justify the effectiveness preservation of the islands, assuring a long term perpetuation destiny to Alcatrazes wild nature, saving it to next generations.
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Original Rain Forest before the Navy exercises begin.
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Picture taked after seventen years of navy firing
exercises.
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We invite all that love nature and think that it is important to preserve it to join the struggle for the Alcatrazes preservation.
