Small, fast and ecologist like a hummingbird

by Silvia Musso

It is sea time again.
Sardinia has always been synonymous of environment and natural unspoilt landscapes. Thus the Municipality of Villasimius in partnership with the Capo Carbonara’s Area Marina Protetta (Protected Marine Area) few days ago launched a new campaign directed mainly to tourists, to raise awareness for environmental protection.

Campaign’s strength point it is a short animated spot "La favola del colibrì” (The hummingbird’s tale) directed by Paolo Zucca from Oristano wich took inspiration from an African well-known story.In the spot, sent to all the local Sardinian’s TV and distributed via CD in the tourist points of interest, the message conveyed is easily understood: as the hummingbird, all of us in our small and simple gestures , can help to achieve great things. Message that we find also in the words of Wangari Maathai, first African woman, and first environmentalist, that receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She began his acceptance speech thus: "Although I am the winner of the Award, it is a recognition to the work of many individuals and groups all over the globe. These people work quietly and often without reward to protect the environment, promote democracy, defend human rights and ensure equality between women and men. In doing so they plant seeds of peace".

There is a reason on the hummingbird chosen. The smallest bird in the world it’s responsible of 85% pollination of the trees in the Amazon forest. This means that without him, and his quick flight, in three generations rainforests will disappear with catastrophic consequences for the entire planet. The shape of the beak that fits perfectly into the flower is due to the mutual benefit between flora and fauna. Same mutual benefit that Villasimius’s administration want to improve between man and environment.

Everyone can doing something to contribute on environmental protection, as from everyday life and focusing on small things.

Besides the cartoon will be distributed informational leaflets, supported by signs of renewal in the Protected Marine Area, in order to better "guide" visitors to help the environment.
Manuela Vestro, campaign manager said: "These restrictions can not prevent you from enjoying the area. For the protection and proper use of these beauties, all residents and tourists are invited to observe the rules governing the area, avoiding activities that could create damage or risk to animal and plant species of which is inhabited, follow the rules for waste collection and manage water consumption in a responsible manner. In this way the natural heritage that belongs to everyone, is a priceless wealth and untouched that you can enjoy over time".

Simone Atzeni, Protected Marine Area Director, says satisfied: "Companies in our area have grown, partly because they had to adjust to highest quality standards, which the tourists appreciate very much".