The Southeast region of Brazil is home to an impressive wealth of biodiversity, represented by the three biomes that make it up: Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Caatinga. Each of these biomes has unique characteristics and plays a fundamental role in preserving the region's fauna, flora and natural resources.
The Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biomes in the country, is known for its exuberant diversity of species. It is home to a multitude of trees, plants, birds, mammals and amphibians, many of which are endemic and found only in this ecosystem. The Atlantic Forest is also famous for its tropical forests, winding rivers and stunning waterfalls. Unfortunately, much of this biome has been deforested over the years due to urban expansion and agricultural activity, but conservation efforts are underway to protect this precious forest.
The Cerrado, in turn, is the second largest biome in South America and extends across a large part of Southeastern Brazil. Despite often being considered an arid landscape, the Cerrado is a true jewel of biodiversity. It houses a multitude of plant species, such as the famous twisted trees known as “buritis”, and is home to emblematic animals, including jaguars, maned wolves, giant anteaters and toucans. Furthermore, the Cerrado plays a vital role in regulating water resources, supplying numerous sources of important rivers in the region.
Finally, the Caatinga is a unique and fascinating biome, characterized by its vegetation adapted to semi-arid conditions. It is found mainly in the Southeast states, such as Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. Its thorns and cacti hide a variety of animals, such as the nine-banded armadillo, Lear's macaw and boa constrictor. The Caatinga is also known for its impressive landscapes, with rock formations, mountains and green caatingas after the rainy season.
Despite their environmental relevance, deforestation occurs in the three biomes present in the Southeast region: Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Caatinga. The loss of native vegetation was 30% in the Forest Formation, 61% in the Savanna Formation and 9% in the Campestre Formation. In an online event, representatives from the Public Ministry and MapBiomas (a Climate Observatory initiative, co-created and developed by a multi-institutional network involving universities, NGOs and technology companies with the purpose of annually mapping land coverage and use of Brazil and monitor changes in the territory) discussed actions already taken and proposed solutions to deal with the problem.
Although the Southeast region represents only around 2% of the country's total deforestation, it is worrying to note that three of the four states – Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais – still recorded significant increases in deforestation. Minas Gerais, for example, had an increase of 48% in the number of deforestation alerts identified, but a reduction of 4% in the total deforested area.
MapBiomas data highlights that the majority of settlements are located on private properties, which allows those responsible to be identified only through remote systems. The State Public Ministry has played an important role in action against deforestation, with the “Mata Atlântica em Pé” operation expanding its operations and acting based on identified alerts. In 2020, fines totaling more than R$ 32.5 million were imposed for 650 deforestation alerts in the Atlantic Forest, corresponding to an area of 6,000 hectares.
Embrapa Cerrados, located in Planaltina – in the Federal District – was created to create solutions to improve agricultural conditions in the Cerrado biome. Researchers at this center work mainly on three themes: Management and Conservation of Natural Resources, Plant Production Systems and Animal Production Systems, in partnership with public service and private sector sectors.
In 2012, a notice was launched aimed at the sustainable use of the caatinga (forest management and energy efficiency), by the Climate Fund and the National Forest Development Fund – Brazilian Forest Service, including areas of Rio Grande do Norte.
However, statistical data on deforestation in the Southeast region highlights the continuous need to improve and intensify efforts to combat illegal deforestation. The loss of natural areas is alarming and has a direct impact on biodiversity and local ecosystems.
Raising awareness about the relevance of environmental conservation also plays a fundamental role, as it is necessary for the population to understand the negative impacts of deforestation and the importance of sustainable practices.
Atlantic Forest: Natural Beauty and Conservation Challenges
The Atlantic Forest is one of the richest and most threatened biomes in Brazil. Stretching along the country's east coast, from Rio Grande do Norte to Rio Grande do Sul, this ecosystem is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, as well as playing a fundamental role in climate regulation and resource conservation. water.
This Biome passes through the territories of the states of Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina, and part of the territory of the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Paraná, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo and Sergipe. It presents a variety of formations, encompassing a diverse set of forest ecosystems with very different structure and floristic compositions, following the climatic characteristics of the region where it occurs.
Around 70% of the Brazilian population lives in the Atlantic Forest territory. Springs and springs supply cities, being one of the factors that have contributed to water crisis problems, associated with scarcity, waste, misuse of water, deforestation and pollution.
The Atlantic Forest is a region of incredible richness and diversity, characterized by its exuberant vegetation and adapted to high humidity conditions. In this biome, we find a variety of species, from bryophytes to vines and orchids, which contribute to the beauty and uniqueness of this ecosystem.
The fauna is equally remarkable, with many endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Among the most common animals are amphibians, with a wide variety of anurans, as well as mammals and birds of different species. Orographic rains, influenced by the elevations of the plateau and mountains, contribute to the high precipitation in this region.
The biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest is comparable to that of the Amazon, encompassing diverse ecosystems depending on variations in latitude and altitude. There are pioneer formations, resulting from favorable climatic conditions or recovery processes, in addition to areas of high altitude fields and contact tension enclaves. The interface between these areas creates unique conditions for fauna and flora, providing a great diversity of species.
The Atlantic Forest, in addition to its beauty and exuberance, also holds world records when it comes to biodiversity. This region is home to an impressive number of tree species, with a record of 454 species per hectare recorded in Southern Bahia. This arboreal diversity contributes to the complexity and richness of this ecosystem.
In terms of animals, the Atlantic Forest is truly surprising. It is estimated that there are approximately 1,600,000 species of animals in this region, including a wide variety of insects.
When it comes to vertebrates, the Atlantic Forest also boasts extraordinary numbers. Mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians total 1361 species, 567 of which are endemic, that is, found exclusively in this region. Furthermore, among the vertebrate groups, felines deserve to be highlighted, with 3% of the world's species found in this biome. These endemic species are particularly vulnerable to environmental threats and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
Unfortunately, the Atlantic Forest has suffered an intense process of deforestation over the years, mainly due to agricultural expansion, urbanization and uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources. Deforestation has resulted in the loss of much of its original forest cover, leading to the decline and even extinction of several endemic species.
Currently, it is estimated that less than 12% of the original Atlantic Forest vegetation is still preserved, making it one of the most threatened biomes in the world. This alarming scenario demands urgent preservation and recovery actions, aiming to protect the unique biodiversity and essential ecosystem services that the biome offers.
The accumulated deforestation in the Atlantic Forest reveals a worrying scenario in several Brazilian states. Based on updated data from 2023, we can observe increases in deforestation in each region.
Minas Gerais occupies first place in this sad ranking, with an accumulated deforestation of 14,182.18 km², corresponding to 22,62% of the total. Next, we have Bahia, with 13,720.81 km² deforested, representing 21,89% of the total. These alarming numbers highlight the pressure on the Atlantic Forest in these two states.
Other states that also have high deforestation rates are Rio Grande do Sul, with 6,930.66 km² (11,06%); Santa Catarina, with 6,619.03 km² (10,56%); and Paraná, with 6,527.79 km² (10,41%). These numbers highlight the extent of deforested areas and the urgency of effective conservation actions in these locations.
It is important to highlight that deforestation also affects other states, such as Pernambuco, with 3,612.94 km² (5,76%); São Paulo, with 2,810.37 km² (4,48%); Alagoas, with 2,307.75 km² (3,68%); Espírito Santo, with 1,865.19 km² (2,98%); Sergipe, with 1,780.33 km² (2,84%); Paraíba, with 766.33 km² (1,22%); Mato Grosso do Sul, with 599.07 km² (0.96%); and Rio de Janeiro, with 549.87 km² (0.88%).
These data reveal the extent of deforestation in the Atlantic Forest and the urgent need to intensify conservation and preservation efforts in this important biome. Deforestation compromises not only the region's unique biodiversity, but also essential ecosystem services such as climate regulation, water resource conservation and soil protection.
Conservation Units play a fundamental role in protecting the Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biomes in Brazil. These preserved areas have as their main objective the conservation of biodiversity, the protection of ecosystems and the promotion of the sustainable use of natural resources. Among the Conservation Units that make up the Atlantic Forest, those that show the largest increases in accumulated deforestation stand out.
At the top of this list, we have the Alto do Mucuri Environmental Protection Area, with an accumulated deforestation of 400.03 km², which represents 10,16% of its total area. Next comes the Muricí Environmental Protection Area, with 292.42 km² deforested (7,43%), and the Serra do Ouro Environmental Protection Area, with 199.42 km² deforested (5,06%).
These alarming numbers highlight the pressure on these Conservation Units and the need for effective actions to protect them. In addition to those mentioned, other important areas also face significant challenges, such as the Serra da Esperança State Environmental Protection Area (184.36 km² – 4,68%) and the Devonian Escarpment State Environmental Protection Area (181.35 km² – 4,61% ).
It is important to highlight that these Conservation Units have rich biodiversity and are home to endemic and endangered species. For example, the Litoral Norte Environmental Protection Area (179.09 km² – 4,55%) and the Caminhos Ecológicos da Boa Esperança Environmental Protection Area (152.83 km² – 3,88%) are habitats for a great diversity of animal and plant species. .
The Ilhas e Várzeas do Rio Paraná Environmental Protection Area (150.84 km² – 3,83%), the Lagoa Encantada Environmental Protection Area (120.70 km² – 3,07%) and the Rota do Sol Environmental Protection Area (93.13 km² – 2,37%) also face significant challenges in relation to deforestation and the conservation of their ecosystems.
Another important Conservation Unit present in the Atlantic Forest is the APA Serra do Mar (89.41 km² – 2,27%), which covers an extensive area and has a great diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. APA Serra do Mar plays a fundamental role in protecting biodiversity and conserving the biome's remaining forests.
The Cerrado: The Brazilian Savanna and its Unique Ecosystem
The Cerrado, one of Brazil's five major biomes, covers an extensive area of approximately 25% of the national territory. It extends over approximately 1.8 to 2 million square kilometers, covering several states, such as Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Distrito Federal, Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí and parts of São Paulo. Furthermore, it is also possible to find small portions of cerrado in other states or in separate areas within other biomes, such as the Amazon Rainforest.
Considered the second largest plant formation in the country, right after the Amazon Forest, the Cerrado is characterized by great biological diversity. Furthermore, more than 40% of woody plant species and 50% of bees found in the Cerrado are endemic, that is, they are only found in this region.
The distribution and extent of the Cerrado are influenced by the tropical climate prevailing in the region. Precipitation varies from 750 to 2000 mm per year, with an average rainfall between 1100 and 1600 mm per year in most of the biome. It has two distinct climatic seasons: the dry season, which lasts approximately five months (from May to October), and the rainy season, which occurs for the remainder of the year (from October to May).
The Cerrado, in addition to its characteristic vegetation and terrestrial biodiversity, also houses a variety of aquatic environments essential for the balance of the biome. Among these environments, we find springs, ephemeral lagoons, swamps such as buritizais and veredas, as well as rivers and streams that form the main hydrographic basins in Brazil.
In the Cerrado core, the Paraná, Amazon and Eastern Brazil Domains are located. The Paraná Domain encompasses the headwaters of the Paranaíba River, its tributaries on the left bank and some tributaries on the right bank, such as the São Marcos River. The Eastern Domain of Brazil covers the sources of the São Francisco River, in the state of Minas Gerais, and tributaries on the left bank, such as the Paracatu River and the Urucuia River. The Amazon Domain covers the courses of the Upper and Middle Araguaia River and Tocantins River, in addition to the upper courses of some tributaries of the Xingu, Tapajós and Madeira rivers.
Furthermore, there are significant connections between the headwaters of the rivers that form the Tocantins, São Francisco and Parnaíba river basins, forming areas known as “Águas Amendmentadas”. These areas are located in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais and the Federal District. These regions play a fundamental role in regulating water flow, contributing to the maintenance of aquatic ecosystems and the water supply in different regions of the country.
The Cerrado's aquatic environments are vital for wildlife and play a fundamental role in maintaining the biome's biodiversity and ecological cycles. They provide habitats for a variety of aquatic species such as fish, amphibians, reptiles and waterfowl. Furthermore, these environments are crucial for supplying water to the Cerrado vegetation and to the human communities that depend on the water resources in these regions.
However, like the rest of the Cerrado, aquatic environments face significant threats, including deforestation, water contamination, habitat fragmentation and dam construction. These human activities have negative impacts on water quality, aquatic biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by these environments.
In the Cerrado biome, current statistics show a worrying situation regarding deforestation and loss of vegetation. Consolidated deforestation represents the largest proportion of outbreaks, totaling 101,502, which corresponds to 42.6% of the total. This means that a large area of land has already been converted to other uses, such as agriculture, livestock or urbanization.
Primary vegetation, which is the most preserved and natural form of the Cerrado, also suffered a high number of deforestation outbreaks, totaling 94,415, which represents 39.6% of the total. This data is alarming, as it indicates that even the most valuable and intact areas of the biome are being impacted by deforestation.
Recent deforestation, which are recently deforested areas, recorded 39,694 outbreaks, which is equivalent to 16.6% of the total. This suggests that pressure on the Cerrado continues, with the conversion of new areas for different human activities.
Other categories, such as secondary vegetation, also presented a significant number of deforestation hotspots, with 1,929 and 952 hotspots, respectively. Although they represent a smaller percentage of the total, they are still worrying, as they indicate the continued loss of natural areas and the reduction in the diversity and quality of Cerrado ecosystems.
The numbers show that Tocantins and Goiás lead the accumulated deforestation in the Cerrado, with deforested areas of 48,293.33 km² and 48,229.04 km², respectively. These values represent 16,08% and 16,06% of the total deforested, highlighting the pressure on these states in particular.
Other states also record significant levels of accumulated deforestation, such as Maranhão and Mato Grosso, with 45,595.89 km² and 45,167.64 km² deforested, corresponding to 15.18% and 15.04%, respectively. Minas Gerais and Bahia are also among the most affected states, with 41,409.34 km² and 24,984.72 km² deforested, representing 13,79% and 8,32% of the total, respectively.
These numbers are worrying, as they indicate a considerable loss of natural areas in the Cerrado, which has significant consequences for biodiversity, water resources and the region's ecological balance. Deforestation in these areas compromises the survival of unique plant and animal species, as well as contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases and the loss of vital ecosystem services.
The Cerrado biome covers a vast territorial extension in the Brazilian states, and conservation units play a crucial role in preserving this important ecosystem. However, the most recent statistical data reveals an alarming panorama regarding the accumulated deforestation in these protected areas.
Among the Cerrado conservation units, the state of Tocantins recorded the largest increase in accumulated deforestation, with a deforested area of 48,293.33 km², representing 16.08% of the total deforested. Next, we have Goiás, with 48,229.04 km² deforested (16.06%), and Maranhão, with 45,595.89 km² deforested (15.18%). These numbers reveal the magnitude of the challenge faced in protecting the Cerrado in these regions.
Other states that have high rates of accumulated deforestation are Mato Grosso, with 45,167.64 km² deforested (15.04%), and Minas Gerais, with 41,409.34 km² deforested (13.79%). These numbers reflect the constant pressure on conservation areas in these states, putting the Cerrado's biodiversity and natural resources at risk.
With regard to specific conservation units, the Ilha do Bananal/Cantão Environmental Protection Area is the one with the largest increase in accumulated deforestation, covering an area of 4,767.84 km², which represents 26.30% of total deforestation in the units of conservation of the Cerrado. In second place, we have the Rio Preto Environmental Protection Area, with 2,466.60 km² deforested (13.60%).
Other conservation units also suffer from accumulated deforestation, such as the Upaon-Açu/Miritiba/Alto Preguiças Environmental Protection Area, with 1,093.13 km² deforested (6.03%), and the Rio de Janeiro Basin Environmental Protection Area , with 997.05 km² deforested (5.50%). These numbers highlight the urgency of effective actions to halt deforestation in these protected areas and guarantee the conservation of the Cerrado.
Caatinga: The Diversity that Blooms in the Semi-Arid
The Caatinga is one of the most fascinating and unique biomes in Brazil. With an area of approximately 844,453 km², the biome covers 11% of the national territory, being found in the states of Ceará, Alagoas, Bahia, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe. The name “Caatinga” is of Tupi-Guarani origin and means “white forest”, which well characterizes the appearance of the vegetation in the dry season, when the leaves fall and only the white, shiny trunks of trees and bushes remain in the dry landscape.
The striking characteristic of the Caatinga is its semi-arid climate, with long periods of drought and lack of rain. The plants that inhabit this adverse environment are adapted to these conditions, presenting reduced leaves and twisted trunks. During the dry season, many of these plants lose their leaves, ensuring their survival.
Rich in biodiversity, the biome is home to 178 species of mammals, 591 species of birds, 177 species of reptiles, 79 species of amphibians, 241 species of fish and 221 bees. Around 27 million people live in the region, most of them needy and dependent on the biome's resources to survive. The caatinga has immense potential for the conservation of environmental services, sustainable use and bioprospecting which, if well explored, will be decisive for the development of the region and the country. The biodiversity of the caatinga supports several economic activities aimed at agrosilvopastoral and industrial purposes, especially in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, chemical and food sectors.
The plant diversity of the Caatinga is surprising, with species adapted to different ecological niches. Among the typical plants of this biome, the juazeiro, mandacaru, xique-xique, macambira, umbu and maniçoba stand out. These plants play a fundamental role in preserving the shallow, stony soil characteristic of the region.
The Caatinga fauna is also rich and diverse, housing species adapted to the extreme conditions of the biome. Among the animals that inhabit the Caatinga are the hyacinth macaw, the puma, the capuchin monkey, the armadillo, the red brocket deer, the yellow-snouted caiman and the marmoset. North East. These species face daily challenges finding water and food, but they have developed unique survival strategies.
Around half of the land in the Caatinga is of crystalline origin, characterized by hard and ancient matrix rocks that do not favor the accumulation of water. The other half is made up of sedimentary land, which has good groundwater storage capacity.
This diversity of rock origin results in a complex set of soils in the Caatinga, forming mosaics and distributed in different ways even over small distances. Soils in the Caatinga can vary from shallow to deep, from high to low fertility and from clayey to sandy textures. This variety of soils, combined with the characteristic relief, results in a diversity of landscapes and vegetation in the region.
The relief of the Caatinga is marked by mountains, plateaus, plateaus and the sertaneja depression. The mountains and plateaus, as they are the highest portions, have a milder climate and greater humidity due to the rain, which allows the development of larger and more closed forests. The backcountry depression, with shallow and stony soils, is home to low-sized plants, such as shrubs and cacti. Furthermore, it is possible to find rock outcrops known as “lajedos”, which act as unique ecosystems and are home to succulent plants, such as cacti and bromeliads.
As for rivers, most in the Caatinga are intermittent, that is, they only flow during the rainy season and remain dry during the dry season. Perennial rivers, which have running water all year round, are less common. The São Francisco River and the Parnaíba River are examples of large perennial rivers in the region. The formation of rivers in the Caatinga is influenced by the mountains and plateaus, which block rain clouds coming from the coast and allow the formation of hillside springs and humid areas.
The set of unique characteristics of the Caatinga, such as the semi-arid climate, the diversity of soils and the varied relief, make this biome considered special. Although there are other semi-arid regions in the world, the Caatinga stands out for its richness of exclusive species and its greater diversity in relation to these regions. Climatic events that occurred over thousands of years shaped life in the Caatinga, resulting in unique plant adaptations and the formation of endemic species.
The Caatinga is a unique and extremely sensitive ecosystem, which covers a significant area of the national territory. However, numbers show that several regions are suffering from high rates of deforestation, which represents a threat to their biodiversity and environmental balance.
According to the data, the state of Bahia leads the accumulated deforestation in the Caatinga, with a devastated area of 41,197.15 km², which corresponds to approximately 34.52% of the total. Next, we have Ceará, with 28,223.50 km² deforested, representing around 23.65% of the biome's area.
Other states also present worrying rates. Pernambuco records an accumulated deforestation of 11,293.98 km², corresponding to 9.46% of the total area of the Caatinga. In Paraíba, deforestation reaches 9,024.86 km², which represents 7.56% of the biome. Piauí and Rio Grande do Norte have similar numbers, with deforested areas of 9,004.11 km² (7.55%) and 8,645.01 km² (7.24%), respectively.
Minas Gerais, the state that is home to part of the Caatinga, also faces worrying deforestation, with 7,420.45 km² (6.22%) of devastated area. Sergipe and Alagoas have smaller but still significant numbers, with 2,434.15 km² (2.04%) and 2,092.89 km² (1.75%) deforested, respectively.
Deforestation in the region has direct impacts on biodiversity, the availability of water resources, the climate balance and the quality of life of the populations that depend on this ecosystem.
Statistical data reveal an alarming reality regarding the accumulated deforestation in the Caatinga Conservation Units. Among the most affected areas, the Chapada do Araripe Environmental Protection Area stands out, which lost 2,067.42 km² of vegetation, representing 37.81% of the total deforested, followed by the Serra da Ibiapaba Environmental Protection Area, with 1,333.91 km² deforested. , corresponding to 24.40% of deforestation.
The Lago de Sobradinho Environmental Protection Area also presents a worrying situation, with deforestation of 519.82 km², representing 9.51% of the total. Next, we have the Dunas and Veredas do Baixo Médio São Francisco Environmental Protection Area, with 256.42 km² deforested (4.69% of total deforestation), and the Delta do Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area, with 133.13 km² deforested (2.431 TP3T of total deforestation).
Other affected areas include the Serra do Sabonetal Environmental Protection Area, with 123.25 km² deforested (2.25% of total deforestation), the Marimbus/Iraquara Environmental Protection Area, with 113.10 km² deforested (2.07% of the total), and the Serras e Brejos do Capibaribe Environmental Protection Area, with 106.27 km² deforested (1.94% of deforestation).
Furthermore, the Boqueirão da Onça Environmental Protection Area recorded deforestation of 88.14 km² (1.61% of the total), followed by the Piquiri-Una Environmental Protection Area, with 84.60 km² deforested (1.55% of total deforestation) . The Rio Preto Environmental Protection Area suffered deforestation of 75.40 km² (1.38% of the total).
The Armadillo Wildlife Refuge was impacted by deforestation in an area of 40.28 km² (0.74% of total deforestation). Finally, the Bonfim/Guaraíra Environmental Protection Area had deforestation of 37.31 km². These data illustrate the urgency of adopting effective measures to combat deforestation and guarantee the conservation of Caatinga Conservation Units. Awareness about the importance of conserving the Caatinga and the need to preserve its biodiversity must be disseminated locally, regionally and globally.
Preservation of Biodiversity in the Southeast: Deforestation and the Need for Conservation Measures
Based on data provided by MapBiomas, it is possible to observe some trends in federal and state actions in relation to deforestation in the states of Southeast Brazil.
In Espírito Santo, all deforested areas were the target of federal or state actions in 2019, 2020 and 2021. In 2022, this percentage decreased to 66.2%. These numbers indicate a high level of government engagement in combating deforestation in the region, although there is room for improvement in the last year.
In Minas Gerais, the percentage of areas deforested through federal or state actions was 32% in 2019, falling to 30.2% in 2020. There was a significant increase in 2021, reaching 58%, but a reduction in 2022 to 45%. These numbers demonstrate considerable variation in government actions over the years, with less government participation in addressing deforestation in certain periods.
In Rio de Janeiro, in 2019, only 12.8% of deforested areas had federal or state actions. This number increased to 39.5% in 2020 and to 39.9% in 2021. However, in 2022, there was a drastic drop to 2.4%. This variation shows an inconsistent government presence in combating deforestation in the state.
In São Paulo, the percentage of areas deforested with federal or state actions was 50.6% in 2019, decreasing to 46.6% in 2020. There was a significant increase in 2021, reaching 65.3%, but a reduction in 2022 to 26. 4%. This data reveals considerable fluctuation in the government's approach to deforestation in the state over the years. As for the number of alerts, the proportion with federal or state actions follows a similar pattern in relation to the mentioned states.
Based on statistical data on deforestation in the Southeast region, it is possible to have a more precise view of the extent of the problem and its characteristics. In total, 13,389 hectares were deforested throughout the year, with a number of alerts of 2,746. The largest area deforested in a single event was 294.90 hectares, while the average area of alerts was 4.88 hectares. Furthermore, the panel developed by MapBiomas, 2022, indicates that one of the main drivers of deforestation stands out in agriculture with 89.7%.
In terms of average deforestation speed, around 36.68 hectares were lost per day in the Southeast region. Regarding deforestation by biome, it is observed that the Atlantic Forest was the most affected, with 13,389 hectares deforested and 2,746 alerts registered. The Cerrado also suffered significant losses, with 32,264 hectares deforested and 600 alerts. The Caatinga, in turn, had 6,609 hectares deforested and 364 alerts.
In the overall total, based on data from 2022, the deforested area in the Southeast region reached 52,261 hectares, with a total of 3,710 alerts registered. These numbers reflect the need to strengthen environmental preservation, inspection and awareness actions to stop deforestation and protect the biodiversity of these important biomes.
The Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Caatinga are biomes highly affected by deforestation, which highlights the magnitude of protecting these unique natural areas. The preservation of these biomes is essential not only for maintaining biodiversity, but also for climate regulation, the conservation of water resources and the preservation of vital ecosystem services.
Nature conservation plays a fundamental role in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity, which is facing an alarming rate of species extinction. The Nature Conservancy (TNC, international, non-profit organization) highlights the importance of this preservation agenda and the role of Brazil, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, in leading efforts in this direction.
One of the main objectives is to promote the 30×30 initiative, which aims to protect 30% of essential habitats by 2030. Without nature conservation, it becomes impossible to face climate change and stop the extinction of species.
In addition to expanding protected areas as a biodiversity conservation strategy, the importance of ensuring access to genetic resources and the appropriate sharing of benefits arising from their economic use is highlighted.
Furthermore, it signals the relevance of this agenda for indigenous, riverside and quilombola peoples, who are the guardians of forests and the genetic heritage of biodiversity. Studies indicate that these people, representing only 5% of the world's population, protect around 85% of the planet's biodiversity.
Indigenous, riverside and quilombola peoples have an intimate and harmonious relationship with nature. Their ancestral cultures value and respect the interconnection between all living beings, recognizing that human survival depends on the preservation of natural ecosystems. For centuries, these people have been the guardians of the forests, acting as vigilant sentinels against destruction.
Its conservation practices include the management of seeds, medicinal plants and other genetic resources of great importance. By preserving and sharing their knowledge about the healing properties of plants and the sustainable use of natural resources, they contribute to the preservation of species and entire ecosystems.
Under this premise, the Oakpar Foundation develops the Biomas do Brasil Program, whose mission is to combat climate change and its impacts, promoting the preservation of the environment and mitigating the effects of global warming caused by human actions.
Its main objective is to disseminate the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biodiversity, promoting the conservation of remaining natural resources and areas of great importance to humanity.
It seeks to reinforce resilience and adaptation capacity to climate risks and natural disasters, in addition to promoting socio-environmental awareness and the defense and conservation of natural resources threatened by activities such as real estate speculation, fires, mineral extraction and predatory exploitation of fauna and flora.
Discover the Biomas do Brasil Program: Click here
The Brazilian Biomes Program will be implemented in preserved and/or impacted areas, with biological relevance and natural landscape value, in the six Brazilian biomes: Amazon Forest, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Pantanal, Pampa and Caatinga. Its focus is on the creation and maintenance of conservation units of full protection and sustainable use, especially environmental parks in the form of Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs). These areas will feature improvements and structures for conservation and public visitation, such as botanical spaces with artisanal items and seedlings of Brazilian flora species, and arboretums with nurseries, orchids, herbariums, butterfly gardens, trees, shrubs and ornamental, medicinal, edible and herbaceous plants . Therefore, preserving Brazil's biomes is protecting the essence of life in all its forms, ensuring a sustainable future for present and future generations.
