Atlantic Forest

The Itaipu Biosphere Reserve, located in eastern Paraguay, is a striking example of the successful integration of biodiversity conservation and sustainable human development. This reserve encompasses the semi-deciduous subtropical Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, a critical ecosystem. Managed by Itaipu Binacional, a bi-national entity established by Paraguay and Brazil, the Itaipu Biosphere Reserve showcases how collaboration, innovative management, and education can harmonize human activity with nature's preservation.

Located in the mountainous regions of Southern Atlantic Brazil and extending into northeastern Argentina, the Araucaria moist forests ecoregion is a remarkable example of the ecological abundance found within the Atlantic Forest biome. This coniferous forest ecoregion boasts diverse landscapes, unique flora, and a rich biodiversity.

Nestled in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, Brazil, the Atlantic Forest Southeast Reserves stand as a testament to the incredible biodiversity and ecological richness of the Atlantic Forest. This World Heritage site, part of the larger Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve, encompasses some of the finest remaining examples of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biomes in the world.

The Serra do Mar Coastal Forests, an ecoregion nestled along the southeastern coast of Brazil, stand as a bastion of biodiversity and ecological richness within the Atlantic Forest biome. This ecoregion encompasses a mosaic of montane forests, high summits, and lush valleys, creating a haven for many plant and animal species. These forests remain a vital stronghold for conservation efforts, harboring endemic species and a critical center of endemism in South America.

Nestled on the border between the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, the Caparaó National Park is a testament to Brazil's rich natural heritage. Encompassing the majestic Caparaó Mountains within its boundaries, this park offers a sanctuary for diverse ecosystems, from dense montane rainforests to alpine meadows. Pico da Bandeira, the third-highest mountain in Brazil, lies at the park's heart.

The Upper Paraná Atlantic forests, also known as "Selva Paranaense," represent a verdant expanse of tropical moist forests nestled within the South American Atlantic Forest biome. This ecoregion, characterized by its rich biodiversity and ecological significance, stretches across the southern reaches of the Brazilian Highlands, extending through southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina.

The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves in northeastern Brazil exhibit a stunning variety of ecosystems, showcasing the Atlantic Forest biome's evolutionary history and ecological processes. The landscape is characterized by coastal tablelands, sandy beaches, sea cliffs, lagoons, and coral reefs, creating a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The region boasts an exceptional botanical diversity and is particularly rich in tree species.

Spanning northeastern Paraguay, the Bosque Mbaracayú Biosphere Reserve is a vital stronghold for biodiversity and sustainable development. Located in the upper Jejuí River basin near the Brazilian border, this UNESCO-designated reserve protects a mosaic of ecosystems, including the endangered Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, Chaco savannahs, and dry forests. At the heart of this biosphere reserve lies the Mbaracayú Forest Natural Reserve, a pristine area that safeguards one of the last remnants of Paraguay's Atlantic Forest.

Brazil's Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve is one of the world's most ambitious conservation projects, safeguarding the remaining critically endangered Atlantic Forest. As Brazil's first biosphere reserve, this vast network covers 14 states and extends along Brazil's Atlantic coast from Ceará in the northeast to Rio Grande do Sul in the south. What makes this reserve remarkable is its innovative approach to conservation in one of the world's most densely populated areas, where over 120 million Brazilians live alongside some of the planet's most endangered ecosystems.