"Uma Floresta com História" (A Forest with History) is the title of a comic book, presented today at the newly created Forest Dissemination Centre of the Fontinhas Forest Centre on the island of Terceira.
This is an initiative of the Regional Government that was born from an idea of Terceira Forest Service in partnership with Santa Clara School; the texts were written by Ana Bretão, teacher at the aforementioned school.
The book presentation was attended by the Regional Directors for Education and Training, Maria da Graça Teixeira, and for Forest Resources, Anabela Isidoro, as well as by other entities and the Santa Clara School students.
On the occasion, Anabela Isidoro said that the work aims to "disseminate the most important milestones in the history of Azorean forest, from the time of discoveries to present day."
In the book, "Vivota," the mascot of Fontinhas Forest Dissemination Centre, and his friend "Pio" guide the reader throughout 28 pages on a historical retrospective since the arrival of the first settlers to the islands, focusing on the main aspects of the remarkable evolution of forests over the centuries in the Azores in general and Terceira.
Using appealing images and carefully written texts, the book addresses several subjects concerning the Azorean forest, such as the over-exploitation of primitive forests, forest exploitation as a support to economic activities, the implementation of forest services in the Azores, the incentive measures for afforestation actions and the ongoing domestication of some natural forest species.
In a relaxed way, but without forgetting the accuracy of facts, this initiative aims to address serious issues and raise the awareness of students for the importance of preserving the Azores natural heritage.
Regarding the activities planned for the Forest Dissemination Centre, the Regional Director said that several schools have shown interest in visiting this centre.
For now, "we will continue with the themed exhibition at the Centre and the promotion of the book," launched today, among the children who visit that place.