Ironman in Floripa was again a sucessfull event and Oscar Galindez, Argentinean, was the great winner this year, for the third time.

1) Oscar Galindez (Argentina) at 8:21:11
2) Reinaldo Colucci (Brazil) at 8:29:12
3) Eduardo Sturla (Brazil) at 8:29:27

This year I have got the oportunity to work as a volunteer staff for the Ironman qualifying Florianopolis. This Saturday I have helped athletes to check in their bikes on trasition area- where you get it after the swimming. Great experience to get an idea about the athletes profile and feelings before the race.
The start is tomorrow at 7:30 am.

On last Thursday, Federal police arrested about 19 people involved in corruption for legalizing ambiental licenses for constructions in preserved areas. The operation called “Moeda Verde”, investigated people from public administration, construction business and ambiental institutions. It was broadcasted nationwide and opened our eyes to how illegally things were going in urban development.
Il Campanario Village resort, still under construction in Jurerê, was the inicial point of the investigation, suspected of getting building license permit facilitated by governmental institutions and city council. What followed was a snowball of findings that culminated on accusations and prisons.
After this happening that shaked Florianopolis, governmental institutions and local communities are reviewing the city development plan and discussing ways to get a sustainable development in the island.
It is a fact that more than 58% of Florianópolis constructions are discordant with ambiental laws and the number tend to rise if no urgent measures are taken. The island has limited resources and it cannot cope with development in the way it is going now.

It seems that for some people it is better to have a brand new car on the garage, a large house overlooking the sea and a generous amount of money in the bank account, than having a place were all can live in harmony with nature.
Since I have start living here I have dreamed about an action to stop those bastards who go outlaw and destroy the ecossystem just to fill their egos…what happened it is just a tip of the iceberg but gives me some hope.

photos taken by Semyle