On World Environment Day, public school students visit Utinga Park
The program was considered a true outdoor class for 40 first-grade students from Albanízia de Oliveira State School
In celebration of World Environment Day, this Thursday (5), the Camillo Vianna State Park of Utinga, in Belém, was the stage for a true outdoor class for 40 first-grade students from Albanízia de Oliveira State School. The program included ecological trails, visits to the Bolonha and Água Preta lakes, and a lecture on environmental preservation, promoting a practical and transformative experience about the importance of nature in urban life and the formation of citizenship.
The action is part of the special agenda promoted by the Institute of Forest Development and Biodiversity (Ideflor-Bio) during Environment Week. At Utinga State Park, students were able to closely learn about environmental projects such as the Monitoring and Reintroduction of Ararajubas, a bird symbol of the Amazon fauna, which has already been extinct in the surroundings of Belém, in addition to reflecting on the impacts of deforestation and human actions on the environment.
For teacher Lorena Martins, responsible for the class, the activity reinforces the school's commitment to environmental education. "Activities like this foster the student's critical thinking and real environmental awareness, as they bring the challenges and beauty of our biodiversity into their daily lives," she stated. The school began the week's activities with an internal conference on the environment, where the students themselves proposed projects for their communities.
Teacher Erika Negrão, who teaches Environmental Education, highlighted the importance of practice outside the classroom. "They were able to learn about the water treatment system last month and now, Utinga State Park, which broadens this view of territory. It is essential for students to understand the place where they live and how they can contribute to its preservation," she explained.
Student protagonism also marked the activity. Student Mariah Martins emphasizes the relevance of experiential learning. "I think this is very important, for the school to bring these teachings, because this is our habitat. We live in a place surrounded by nature and we need to take care of it." Student Beatriz Feitosa said she was impacted by the information about environmental degradation. "What caught my attention was deforestation and illegal mining. Sometimes it seems small, but it affects everyone," said the student.
Biodiversity - Utinga State Park is one of the main Conservation Units in the Metropolitan Region of Belém. In addition to housing more than 400 species of animals and 150 species of plants, it is responsible for about 70% of the water supply for the capital of Pará, through the Bolonha and Água Preta lakes, serving more than 1.5 million people. The visit to the Park helped awaken in students the awareness of this strategic role.
Jefferson Azevedo, representing Ideflor-Bio, emphasized the role of school visits in shaping new generations. "Many do not know that Utinga State Park goes far beyond leisure. It is an area for biodiversity protection and, at the same time, one of the most important sources of water for the city. Bringing this information to young people is planting a seed of responsibility and respect for nature," he stated.
Service - Located on Avenida João Paulo II, in the Curió-Utinga neighborhood, Utinga State Park operates from Wednesday to Monday, from 6 am to 5 pm, and remains closed on Tuesdays for maintenance. The space welcomes visitors of all ages and also schedules visits for schools and universities, which can be requested via email [email protected].
