Photo: Cristiano Andújar/PMF

Located within the Mona Nature Reserve (municipal natural monument of Lagoa do Peri), Lagoa do Peri, the largest body of fresh water in Santa Catarina, with a water surface of five square kilometers, will receive the Blue Award for the eighth time on the 27th Flag.

The international certification, administered in Brazil by the IAR (Instituto Ambientes em Rede), recognizes actions to restore and preserve the natural environment, including water quality and bathing facilities.

As a result of analysis carried out by an international and national jury, the seal mainly indicates the good quality of the water in this place, guarantees swimming conditions and is valid for the 2023/2024 season.

According to Florianópolis City Hall, the flag raising in Lagoa do Peri is due to take place by December 15, with a possible inspection before the raising.

The site, managed by Floram (Municipal Environmental Fund) and the Municipal Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development, was recognized for the efforts and activities undertaken by the groups in favor of the restoration and conservation of the natural environment. .

Photo: Cristiano Andújar/PMF

“To qualify for the Blue Flag, several criteria relating to environmental management, water quality, environmental education, safety and services, sustainable tourism and social responsibility must be met, maintained and confirmed annually. The Blue Flag is the world’s largest award in this segment, so we are very proud to have won this title again,” emphasizes Mayor Topacio Neto.

“The Lagoa do Peri spring has historical significance for the city, maintaining the balance of the ecosystem in the region and allowing for the conscious use of its resources for water supply. It is with great joy that Florianopolis repeats this feat for the eighth time,” said Fabio Braga, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development.

According to the capital’s mayor’s office, among the criteria, of which there are 34 in total, are good beach cleaning conditions, adequate toilet structure and waste collection equipment, monitoring of sensitive habitats, provision of services and safety, as well as water quality and the absence of pollutants.

Ecosystem at the conservation stage

Photo: Cristiano Andújar/PMF

The water in Lagoa do Peri comes from a number of springs rising on the slopes of the south of the island. The entire region is preserved as a natural heritage by Law no. 10.530/2019, which resulted in the creation of Mona (Municipal Natural Monument of Lagoa do Peri) in Lagoa do Peri. Primary Atlantic forest can be found in this protected area.

Mona da Lagoa do Peri covers an area of ​​4274.43 hectares. The Peri Lagoon stands out, the waters of which are not subject to tidal fluctuations, since it is located at an altitude of approximately 3 meters above sea level. The source supplies water to almost all areas of the south and east of the island of Santa Catarina.

The Municipal Natural Monument of Lagoa do Peri also contains some of the main ecosystems under conservation and restoration of the original Atlantic Forest. This is a nursery for typical animals such as otter and capuchin monkey. There are even endangered birds such as the blue jay.