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Public Aquariums

Over the past decades, several forums and international conferences have discussed alternatives to the model of development adopted by society. The Agenda 21, a document that was produced during the Conference of the United Nations for Environment, in 1992, highlights the importance of countries to promote leisure and environmentally sound tourism activities, making use of museums, zoos, aquariums, etc.

Benefits

• Adequate space for Environmental Education and Research aimed at Environmental Conservation;
• Rapid economic return;
• Tourist attraction of great potential;
• Public recognition.

Activities developed in aquariums

Research

The aquariums that are open to the public are also Research Centers, aimed at the study of aquatic species and environment. Much of the information generated through work done at the Aquarium, such as veterinary treatment, behavior of the species, reproductive habits, environmental education methodologies etc, can be published in scientific magazines. Agreements with universities encourage further research in aquariums.

Rescue and rehabilitation of aquatic animals

People naturally look for public aquariums when they find hurt animals requiring veterinary treatment. The work of rescue and rehabilitation of wild fauna associated with aquatic environments, whether it consists of mammals, reptiles or birds, is an important contribution of aquariums to environmental conservation.

Professional training

Courses and training on several topics related to environmental conservation are held frequently in Public Aquariums. Within them several professionals have the opportunity to qualify for the management of aquatic animals, for the care and rehabilitation of the fauna and for knowledge and environmental conservation.

Environmental Education

The Public Aquariums are important environmental education centers. For those visiting, thousands of people have the opportunity to get to know, learn, admire and respect aquatic life. Eco-informative panels, videos, lectures, plays and workshops complement environmental education activities. In addition, the structure of the aquariums themselves can be an educational tool so far that technologies and strategies are adopted for sustainability such as the use of rain water, filtration and reuse of grey water, sorting and recycling of solid waste etc.

Educational Campaigns

The Public Aquariums often promote educational campaigns to alert and educate the population about the importance and the alternatives of environmental conservation. Campaigns on garbage in the sea, the conservation of the fauna, are some examples.

Tourism and Leisure

Aquariums are important places for tourism and leisure for all ages. They act as tourist attraction centers stimulating the economy. In addition, they are often sought by the media and thus promote the city in newspapers, websites, radios and TVs.

Terramare: Consulting, Projects and Construction of Aquariums Limited

Terramare is a consulting company, affiliated to the Aquarium of Ubatuba that develops projects and has built aquariums for the general public in Brazil for over ten years combining tourism, research, education and economic development to environmental conservation.