Public presentation of the results of the campaign
- June 25th, 2012
- Biodiversity
- Print Article
Last Friday, 22 June by 9:00 a.m. in the auditorium of Pico da Urze campus of the University of the Azores, were made public the results achieved by "SOS Termites: United we stand, divided we fall," the first campaign of public risk communication to fight against termites in the Azores, implemented in the summer of 2011, 14 communities "at risk of infestation" of the cities of Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo, Horta and Vila do Porto.
PROJECT SUMMARY: In response to an urban pest, which has caused serious damages to the infrastructures of the wooden houses of the principal cities of the Azores, was created a strategic alliance between researchers in the social and natural sciences since the disinvestment policy makers and the population trigger coping strategies. Based on the diagnosis outlined by studies of perception and risk assessment - increase levels of infestation, lack of mutual trust between involved and representations of the plague as being / being unmanageable - designed to be a program of risk communication that promote dialogue between stakeholders, mediating the different perspectives in the presence combining research with social intervention In order to encourage a behavioral change in people and encourage participation in the prevention and control measures were established partnerships in the financing of the 1st regional campaign to consolidate social risk, with four affected counties. Different devices were activated according to the ratio of the target audience with the infestation. Makers committed themselves on offering free traps accompanied by instructions (key initiative of the campaign) to 21,654 households that, giving visibility to their responsibilities, to promote confidence in local government. Symbolizing the joint effort of civil society in combating infestation, T Squadrons, pilot action in five communities, also paid for voluntarily aid door-to-door to residents. Reached an index of regional participation of 8.5% recorded in 1846 traps, 84,851 (approx.) termites eliminated and five new foci of infection detected with the squads revealed a highly significant impact on the adoption of prevention and control behaviors.
To know more about this project see the report and summary of the impacts produced