Cerrado Biosphere Reserve

The Cerrado Biosphere Reserve, situated in the Brazilian states of Goiás, Tocantins, Maranhão, Piauí, and the Federal District, is defined by the Cerrado biome.

This biome is characterized by dense savanna woodlands, short trees, bushes, and grasslands, making it the second-largest vegetation formation in South America and covering 25% of Brazil's land area.

The reserve spans 296,500 square kilometers (114,480 square miles). It is one of six Brazilian Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO, along with the Atlantic Forest, São Paulo Green Belt, Pantanal, Caatinga, and the Central Amazon.

The Cerrado offers diverse landscapes, including natural grasslands, savannas, palm swamps, and forests with numerous streams and waterfalls. It is a significant water source and is home to unique ecological features, such as the upland grass beds of Chapada dos Veadeiros and the Paraná River valley wetlands.

The deciduous and semi-deciduous forests within the reserve contain hardwoods valued for cattle fencing and construction, making them a priority for biodiversity conservation.

Conservation efforts in the Cerrado Biosphere Reserve focus on restoring altered areas and creating ecological corridors. The region is inhabited by over 200,000 people engaged in ecotourism, production, and commerce of native fruit pulps.

The Cerrado Fruits Project, initiated by the Timbira communities and their regional neighbors, represents an economic alternative within the reserve. This project aims to generate income, conserve biodiversity, and achieve economic sustainability by collecting, freezing, and packaging native fruits like cashew, bacury, buriti palm, and hog plums for sale.

The management of the Cerrado Biosphere Reserve operates under a consortium system involving various economic, rural planning, and conservation entities at the state level.

Scientific support is provided by numerous universities and institutions, contributing to a well-informed approach to conservation and sustainable development in the region. The Cerrado Biosphere Reserve is a practical example of responsible environmental stewardship and community-driven sustainability.