SOS Cory's Shearwater Campaign contributes to worldwide conservation of species, says Brito e Abreu
The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stressed in Ponta Delgada the importance of the SOS Cory's Shearwater Campaign for the conservation of Cory's Shearwaters that nest in the Azores. The government official noted that this is an "internationally respected" initiative that projects the Region as "as a case of success regarding nature conservation initiatives.”
"About 65% of the world population of this seabird species reproduced on our islands and, therefore, the success of the Azores destination is also recognised by Cory's Shearwaters as a honeymoon destination," said Fausto Brito e Abreu, who spoke at the opening session of the SOS Cory's Shearwater Campaign 2015.
The Regional Secretary for the Sea stressed "the Region's special responsibility in the conservation of this species," adding that the goal is to make the campaign "even more relevant and enhance the use of collected scientific data."
Brito e Abreu also mentioned the need to "raise the awareness of tourists to collaborate in night brigades, which can be seen as a different type of tourism."
Held since 1995, the SOS Cory's Shearwater Campaign is an initiative of the Azorean Government, through the Regional Directorates for Sea Affairs and the Environment. It is implemented by Island Natural Parks.
This initiative takes place every year from October 15 to November 15 and contributes to the saving of thousands of juvenile specimens.
This campaign features a component of environmental education with exhibitions, sessions at schools and actions jointly organised by PSP (public security police) and (national republican guard) and scouts to raise the awareness of drivers for this situation. It also includes a component of nature conservation with the organisation of night brigades for the rescue of Cory's Shearwaters rescue and the initiatives for the placement of ring tags on several specimens in order to facilitate the study of the species.
During the SOS Cory's Shearwater campaign, a total of 2,841 specimens were registered and saved. It involved over three hundred partners and about 2,500 people, including volunteers and audience awareness activities.