The North Region of Brazil, with a territorial extension of 3,853,676.948 km², is home to most of the Amazon biome, representing about 45% of the country's total area. Formed by seven states – Amazonas (AM), Pará (PA), Acre (AC), Roraima (RR), Rondônia (RO), Amapá (AP) and Tocantins (TO) –, the region is home to the immense Amazon Forest and has the greatest biodiversity on the planet, with an extensive fauna and flora. It also owns the largest hydrographic basin in the Americas and the largest river in the world – the Amazon River.

A characteristic of the population in this region is the concentration of people on the banks of the rivers, who survive from fishing. In addition to the ribeirinhos – the name these people receive –, the region is inhabited by indigenous, cabocla, extractivist and black communities, remnants of quilombos, and populations that live in cities.

Despite its immense environmental wealth, the North Region faces social and economic challenges. With an average Human Development Index (HDI) of 683, it is the second region with the lowest HDI in Brazil, second only to the Northeast. The population density is the lowest in the country, with only 4.1 inhabitants per square kilometer, which reflects the vastness and preservation of its natural environments.

The predominant climate in the North Region is equatorial, with high temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year. Humidity is high, which favors the exuberant growth of vegetation and the abundant reproduction of animal species. The Amazon, with its tropical forest, is recognized worldwide as one of the places with the greatest diversity of plant species, in addition to being the habitat of countless species of birds, fish and insects.

The hydrography of the region is marked by the rivers of the Amazon and Tocantins basins, providing an important river network that plays a fundamental role in regulating the ecosystem and transporting people and goods. However, despite all its immensity, the North Region is the least populated in Brazil, with a population of approximately 17,834,762 million inhabitants – updated 2022 census, of which the majority resided in urban areas.

The region's economy is based mainly on the extraction of natural resources, such as latex, açaí, wood and nuts. In addition, the North Region is rich in minerals, especially the Serra dos Carajás, in Pará, where most of the country's iron ore is extracted. The industrial sector is concentrated mainly in the Manaus Free Trade Zone, which is home to more than 500 industries aimed at various sectors, such as electronics, chemicals, information technology and the manufacture of motorcycles, bicycles and soft drinks.

Despite its natural wealth and economic potential, the North Region faces social challenges, such as insufficient environmental sanitation, illiteracy and infant mortality. Population coverage by primary health care teams is still low, which contributes to the spread of diseases and epidemics, such as the case of measles that affected the region in 2018.

The Amazon biome is a true source of wealth when it comes to the medicinal potential of the plants and animals that inhabit it. For millennia, indigenous peoples and other communities living in the region have used natural resources to treat a variety of illnesses and diseases.

This traditional knowledge was passed down from generation to generation, resulting in a vast collection of knowledge about the medicinal properties of Amazonian species. Healers, who hold this valuable knowledge, have played an important role in caring for the health of communities, using plants, roots, bark, seeds and other natural components in their therapeutic practices.

However, the continued destruction of the Amazon biome, whether through deforestation, irresponsible exploitation of natural resources or climate change, threatens both the survival of these species and the traditional knowledge associated with them. As forests shrink in size, the opportunity to discover new species and explore their medicinal potential is also lost.

It is estimated that only a small fraction of the species of the Amazonian flora has been studied in detail in relation to their medicinal properties. Less than 0.5% of the species have been thoroughly investigated by scientists. This means that there is a vast unexplored territory of plants with still unknown therapeutic potentials.

The Amazon's unique biodiversity offers a myriad of chemical compounds, many of which have the potential to become the basis for manufacturing effective medicines. In fact, many drugs widely used today, such as quinine to treat malaria, have their origins in Amazonian plants.

Preserving the Amazon biome is not just a matter of environmental conservation, but also a way of ensuring that traditional knowledge associated with its biodiversity continues to be transmitted and explored.

Amazon: The Forest of Treasures in Northern Brazil

The Amazon Rainforest is the most famous and extensive biome in Brazil, covering almost half of its territory. Furthermore, this lush forest extends into parts of other neighboring countries, forming a unique and diverse ecosystem. Its natural richness has attracted researchers from all over the world over the centuries, interested in discovering its secrets and preserving its magnificence.

With its impressive 5 million square kilometers, it is the largest biome in Brazil and is home to an unparalleled wealth of wildlife and lush vegetation.

In addition to its impressive biodiversity and climate function, the Amazon Rainforest is also a home to millions of people, including indigenous communities. This region is home to the largest indigenous population in the country and has important cities such as Belém and Manaus.

In the heart of the Amazon, we find a population of around 433,000 indigenous people, whose cultures and traditions are intrinsically linked to this vast forest. Their lives and ancestral knowledge are fundamental for the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

The diversity of plants in the Amazon is simply breathtaking. With approximately 30,000 cataloged plant species, including majestic trees, colorful flowers and valuable medicinal plants, the Amazon rainforest is a true botanical paradise.

The fauna is also extraordinary. With an estimated 30 million animal species, the fauna of the Amazon is truly impressive. The region is home to 311 species of mammals, such as the jaguar, the pink dolphin and the sloth, which play crucial roles in the local ecology. In addition, there are more than 1,300 species of birds, such as the blue macaw, the toucan and the parrot, which fill the Amazonian skies with their colors and melodious songs. But most of the Amazonian fauna is made up of insects, such as beetles, moths, ants and wasps, which play key roles in local ecosystems.

Reptiles also play an important role in the Amazon ecosystem, with 350 different species including alligators, turtles and snakes. Amphibians are also abundant, with 163 species of frogs, toads and tree frogs contributing to the region's complex web of life.

Despite all this diversity, the Amazon faces significant threats. About 152 plant species and 24 animal species are currently threatened with extinction.

In the Amazonian rivers, we find an impressive aquatic richness, with approximately 1,800 species of fish. These rivers are vital habitats for many species, including the Amazonian manatee.

The plant diversity of the Amazon Rainforest is equally spectacular. Divided into three main categories, the upland, floodplain and igapó forests – they are home to giant trees such as the chestnut tree and kapok, considered the “queen of the forest”. In lower and periodically flooded areas, lower vegetation appears, such as bushes, vines, mosses and the memorable water lily. Orchids and bromeliads also embellish the landscape, providing a spectacle of colors and shapes.

Although the Amazon Forest has already been called the “lungs of the world”, studies show that oxygen production is balanced by the forest's own consumption of carbon dioxide. However, its importance for climate regulation is unquestionable. The forest stores approximately one-fifth of the planet's fresh water and plays a crucial role in cloud formation and rainfall distribution, directly influencing the climate in South America.

The soil of the Amazon rainforest is generally very sandy. It has a thin layer of nutrients that is formed from the decomposition of leaves, fruits and dead animals. This layer is rich in humus, very important organic matter for some plant species in the region. In deforested areas, heavy rains "wash" the soil, carrying away its nutrients. It is the so-called leaching process, which leaves the Amazonian soils even poorer. Only 14% of the entire territory can be considered fertile for agriculture.

Unfortunately, the Amazon rainforest faces major threats, such as deforestation and fires. Logging and agricultural expansion, mainly for cattle raising, have caused the loss of vast areas of forest and the extinction of several species.

Statistical data for 2023 point to deforestation in the Legal Amazon, highlighting the extent of the problem in each state in the region. These statistics provide a clear view of the most affected areas and make it possible to understand the severity of deforestation and its impacts on the forest and biodiversity.

The state of Pará leads the ranking with a deforested area of 49,561.45 km², representing 41,13% of the total deforested in the Legal Amazon. These impressive numbers highlight the urgency of action to combat deforestation in this region. Massive deforestation in Pará poses a significant threat to the rainforest and its natural resources.

In second place, we have Mato Grosso, with 22,577.88 km² deforested, which corresponds to 18,73% of the total. This state, known for its agricultural activity, faces challenges related to the expansion of crop and pasture areas, which result in habitat loss and forest fragmentation.

Rondônia, occupying third place, registers a deforestation of 15,576.31 km² (12,92% of the total). This state has historically been affected by deforestation due to activities such as logging and land conversion for agricultural purposes. Deforestation in Rondônia highlights the need for effective measures to contain this destruction.

Amazonas, with a deforested area of 15,453.60 km² (12,82%), occupies the fourth position in this sad ranking. Considered the largest state in the Legal Amazon, deforestation in this region has significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by the forest, such as climate regulation and maintenance of water resources.

The other states also present worrying numbers. Acre registers 6,356.45 km² (5.27%); Maranhão, 6,175.60 km² (5,12%); Roraima, 3,657.82 km² (3,04%); Tocantins, 694.58 km² (0.58%); and Amapá, 460.09 km² (0.38%). While deforested areas can vary in extent, they all contribute to biodiversity loss, climate change and other negative impacts.

According to data on deforestation – at the level of municipalities – we have at the Altamira end, with a deforested area of 6,127.36 km², representing a significant portion of the total deforested in the Legal Amazon. This municipality, located in the state of Pará, faces significant challenges in terms of deforestation due to activities such as expanding agriculture and building infrastructure.

Next is São Félix do Xingu, also located in Pará, with a deforested area of 5,522.99 km². This municipality has historically been impacted by deforestation due to logging, expansion of agriculture and extensive livestock.

Porto Velho, capital of Rondônia, ranks third, with a deforested area of 4,833.14 km². The strategic location of this municipality, close to border areas and important transport routes, contributes to the pressure on the rainforest.

Lábrea, located in the state of Amazonas, has a deforested area of 3,701.31 km², ranking fourth on the list. This municipality faces challenges related to illegal logging, land grabbing and unsustainable agricultural activities.

In fifth place, we have Novo Progresso, in Pará, with a deforested area of 2,814.46 km². This municipality also suffers from the advance of agriculture and the opening of new areas for cultivation and pasture.

The other municipalities also present worrying numbers in relation to deforestation, including Colniza, Novo Repartimento, Apuí, Pacajá, Itaituba, Portel, Nova Mamoré and Novo Aripuanã.

Regarding the deforestation that occurred in indigenous lands in the Legal Amazon, Apyterewa is the most affected indigenous land, with a deforested area of 455.83 km², representing 11,45% of the total deforested in indigenous lands in the region. The destruction in this indigenous land, located in Pará, is worrying, as it directly affects the lives and livelihoods of the communities that live there.

Cachoeira Seca ranks second, with a deforested area of 418.05 km², corresponding to 10,50% of deforestation in indigenous lands. This indigenous land, also located in Pará, faces serious challenges related to the invasion of illegal loggers and the advance of agriculture.

Ituna/Itatá, located in Pará, has usage restrictions due to the presence of isolated indigenous groups. The FUNAI (National Indian Foundation) Ordinance prohibited the permanence and entry of people who are not part of Funai's staff and people who are not indigenous. Those that do not fit into this group can be considered invasive, which requires even greater protection to ensure their preservation. It has a deforested area of 238.24 km², representing 5,98% of total deforestation.

Other indigenous lands affected by deforestation include Maraiwatsede, Trincheira Bacaja, Yanomami, Awa, Kayapó, Alto Rio Guamá, Parque do Xingu, Munduruku, Alto Turiaçu and Bacurizinho. All these indigenous lands face pressures arising from the illegal exploitation of natural resources, land grabbing and invasions.

There was also deforestation in some of the Conservation Units (UCs) in the Legal Amazon, highlighting the most affected areas.

The Triunfo do Xingu Environmental Protection Area is the most affected UC, with an accumulated increase in deforestation of 4,069.92 km², representing 35,00% of the total deforested in the UCs. This data is alarming, as this area is crucial for the protection of flora, fauna and natural resources present in the region.

The Jamanxim National Forest occupies the second position, with an accumulated deforestation of 1,134.62 km², corresponding to 9,76% of the total. This PA is known for its rich biodiversity and for harboring endangered species, which highlights the urgency of strengthening its protection.

The Jaci-Paraná Extractive Reserve is in third place, with an accumulated increase in deforestation of 1,075.78 km², representing 9,25% of total deforestation. This CU plays an important role in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources by traditional communities living in the region.

Other PAs affected by deforestation include the Tapajós Environmental Protection Area, the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, the Altamira National Forest, the Lago de Tucuruí Environmental Protection Area, the Guajará-Mirim State Park, the Terra do Meio Ecological Station , the Baixada Maranhense Environmental Protection Area, the Upaon-Açu / Miritiba / Alto Preguiças Environmental Protection Area, the Gurupi Biological Reserve and the Nascentes Serra do Cachimbo Biological Reserve.

Guardians of the Forest: The Challenges Faced by Amazonian Indigenous Peoples

The culture and identity of indigenous peoples are precious treasures that must be preserved and valued. Over the centuries, these communities have been guardians of ancestral knowledge, passed down from generation to generation, and of a way of life that is intrinsically linked to nature and harmony with the environment.

The preservation of indigenous culture is fundamental not only for the survival and well-being of these communities, but also for the cultural diversity of the planet as a whole. Each indigenous people has a unique view of the world, a wealth of traditions, rituals, languages, arts and knowledge that enrich humanity's cultural tapestry.

Indigenous culture is a source of spiritual and philosophical wisdom. Indigenous peoples have a deep spiritual connection to the land, viewing it as a sacred entity and a generous mother who provides sustenance and shelter. Its rituals, dances and ceremonies are expressions of reverence and gratitude for nature and ancestors, reinforcing the importance of living in harmony with the environment and all forms of life.

Preserving indigenous culture and identity does not mean freezing them in time, but recognizing and respecting their continuous evolution. Indigenous peoples also adapt to social, economic and environmental changes, and have the right to develop and strengthen their traditions according to their needs and aspirations.

Unfortunately, throughout history, indigenous peoples have faced threats to their culture and identity. Colonization, forced assimilation, prejudice, land loss and discrimination have posed significant challenges to the preservation of their traditions.

Deep in the Amazon rainforest, an indigenous Yanomami people wage a determined battle for their own survival. Remaining relatively isolated from the outside world for centuries, they now face an imminent threat: the relentless invasion of illegal miners in search of mineral wealth. This invasion jeopardizes not only the existence of the Yanomami, but also their culture and traditional way of life.

With a population of approximately 29,000 people, the Yanomami depend on fishing, hunting and gathering fruits to sustain their communities. However, the greed for gold and other precious minerals has attracted a wave of illegal explorers, flouting environmental protection laws and infiltrating their ancestral territory. It is estimated that over 20,000 prospectors were present, causing devastating damage.

Davi Kopenawa, a Yanomami leader dedicated to protecting indigenous rights and lands in the Amazon, regrets the invasion of his sacred land and the contamination of rivers with mercury resulting from gold extraction practices. This invasion poses a threat not only to the physical survival of the Yanomami, but also to the essence of their culture and ancestral wisdom.

Joenia Wapichana, the first and only indigenous woman elected to the Brazilian Congress, warns of the seriousness of the situation. The devastation caused by miners and economic interests put not only biodiversity at risk, but the very existence of indigenous peoples. Loggers and miners enter the Yanomami territory, intensifying environmental and health problems, endangering the survival of indigenous communities.

Illegal mining has devastating effects on the Amazonian environment, which has deep spiritual importance for the Yanomami and other indigenous communities. Trees are cut down, habitats are destroyed and rivers are contaminated by mercury, affecting water and the entire local food chain. Mercury contamination poses a serious health risk, causing organ damage and affecting children's development.

In addition to mercury, prospectors bring with them a series of other ills. Child malnutrition reaches alarming levels, since the Yanomami – mostly hunters and gatherers – are forced to depend on imported foods with low nutritional value. Cases of malaria have also increased in recent years, due to pools of stagnant water left by miners, which become breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit the disease.

The profound interconnection between the existence of the Yanomami, and the land they ancestrally inhabit, is widely recognized. For the Yanomami, the land represents much more than a mere place of residence. It is the basis of their culture, source of livelihood and connection to biodiversity and the planet's vital cycles.

The declaration “Without the land, there is no existence for us and without the land, there is no biodiversity, rivers or animals” precisely summarizes the vision of the Yanomami. They understand that their very survival is inextricably linked to preserving the land they have occupied for generations.

The land plays a central role in Yanomami life and knowledge. It is where they find essential natural resources for their food, traditional medicines and materials for their daily activities. Fishing, hunting and gathering fruits in the vast Amazonian forests are essential for their subsistence and for maintaining their traditional way of life.

Furthermore, the land represents a source of ancestral wisdom that is passed down from generation to generation. The Yanomami have a profound knowledge of the healing properties of the medicinal plants that the forest offers. They understand the natural cycles, the secrets of the earth and the harmonious interactions between all living beings that inhabit this environment.

The Yanomami's relationship with the land is based on deep respect and balance. They recognize that the preservation of nature is fundamental to the survival of all living beings, including human beings. They believe in the importance of harmony between natural elements for the health and well-being of their communities.

During the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the demarcation of the Yanomami territory, the presence of the UN Human Rights representative for South America, Jan Jarab, reinforced the organization's full support for the legitimate demands of the indigenous peoples of Brazil. He highlighted the importance of removing illegal prospectors from indigenous territories and protecting indigenous peoples, recognizing them as the guardians of the Amazon rainforest.

During four days of celebration, participants engaged in traditional rituals, dances and shared stories under the village's communal roof, known as a shabono. At night, children would sit on the floor, wide-eyed, watching movies projected onto a large screen. These moments highlight the importance of preserving the culture and identity of indigenous peoples, while incorporating contemporary elements into their experience.

In her words, Wapichana, one of the participants in the celebration, expressed the indigenous view that nature and life are inseparable. Faced with the effects of climate change facing the planet, she highlighted the need to learn from indigenous values in order to care for forests and rivers in a more sustainable way and build development in harmony with nature.

Indigenous peoples recognize their responsibility to nature and the environment, considering them as a mother who deserves care and protection. They understand the interconnectedness of all living things and value the importance of preserving the earth as a source of life, food and well-being for all. This vision underscores the urgent need to protect indigenous lands, promote their demarcation and ensure respect for the rights of these peoples.

In the article entitled “20 days in the Amazon Rainforest with the Huni Kuin Indians”, the author, Ricardo Moreno, shares his experience of immersion in the Amazon rainforest, specifically in the region of Acre, where he spent 20 days living with the Huni Kuin people. The text reports the author's motivation to seek adventure and new experiences, and how this journey through the Amazon became the greatest adventure of all.

During his stay, he had contact with traditional forest medicine, met important people, slowed down the pace of life, reflected on himself and his essence, and discovered a deep interest in spirituality and religion. It describes experiences lived in the forest, such as waking and sleeping according to the rhythm of day and night, eating locally grown food, interacting with children and connecting with nature.

The author also highlights the importance of medicinal plants in the Huni Kuin culture, mentioning the wisdom of shamans and communication with plants during the use of natural medicines. It emphasizes the purity and wisdom of the indigenous people, as well as the beauty and complexity of life in the forest.

At the end of the report, Ricardo expresses gratitude for the experiences he had and the lessons learned during his journey in the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the importance of appreciating the little things and connecting with one's essence. The text ends with a reflection on life, respect for nature and the desire to be planted with the seeds of a mighty tree, to continue growing and sowing.

These communities have an ancestral wisdom, deeply connected to nature, which offers valuable teachings on harmony, respect and balance.

By protecting and valuing indigenous culture, recognizing the importance of cultural diversity and promoting respect for the human rights and self-determination of these communities. It is relevant to learn from their traditional knowledge, which is essential to face global challenges, such as environmental protection and the search for a more sustainable development.

The preservation of indigenous culture – and significantly the Biomes – is not just a task for indigenous peoples, but for society as a whole.

United for the Amazon: Conservation Projects in the World's Largest Rainforest

The conservation of the Amazon and its sustainable development have been fundamental guidelines for preserving the natural wealth and guaranteeing a sustainable future for the region and its communities. With a population of around 38 million people living in the region, coordinated actions are being implemented, such as Operation Guardians of the Biome, which has the participation of the Ministries of the Environment and Justice and Public Security.

This operation aims to combat deforestation, burnings, fires, trafficking in native fauna and flora, in addition to the illegal sale of forest products. Through the joint action of the inspection bodies, more than eight thousand professionals worked to combat 18,300 outbreaks of forest fires and 7,000 environmental crimes in the Legal Amazon. These efforts resulted in a reduction of 2.16% in deforestation between August 2021 and July 2022, according to data from the Real Time Deforestation Detection System (Deter).

The improvement of environmental quality in the region's cities is also a concern. 29 Decentralized Sewage Treatment Units have already been implemented in local communities, seeking to promote sustainability and the preservation of water resources. In addition, voluntary actions, with the participation of local residents, allowed the collection of 4 tons of waste in rivers in the region, contributing to the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.

Brazil has adopted a series of measures and programs to protect and preserve the environment, especially in the Amazon region. Some of these actions stand out as important strategies for combating illegal deforestation, valuing nature conservation and promoting environmental sustainability.

One of these initiatives is Operation Verde Brasil 2, launched in May 2022. This operation aims to combat environmental crimes, fires and deforestation in the Legal Amazon. It has the participation of institutions such as the Federal Police, the Federal Highway Police, Ibama, ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation), among other environmental control and public safety bodies.

The Floresta + Program is another relevant action, aimed at valuing and compensating those who preserve and take care of the Brazilian native forest. Using resources from the Green Climate Fund, the program remunerates activities for the protection, conservation and recovery of nature in the Legal Amazon. In this way, several land categories are contemplated, from private and permanent preservation areas to settlements, indigenous lands and conservation units.

In addition, Brazil seeks to stand out in the carbon credits market through the Floresta + Carbono program. This program aims to generate carbon credits from the conservation and recovery of native vegetation. Companies that fail to reduce their carbon emissions can offset them by investing in projects for the preservation and recovery of native forests.

In order to combat illegal deforestation, the Federal Government created the Executive Commission for the Control of Illegal Deforestation in 2022. This commission is responsible for proposing plans and guidelines to prevent and control illegal deforestation, in addition to coordinating the implementation of the National Policy for the Recovery of Native vegetation.

The National System for the Control of the Origin of Forest Products (Sinaflor +) was launched in 2022 to strengthen the control and fight against illegal deforestation in the Amazon. This initiative makes it possible to track the origin of the wood, bringing more security to the timber industry and helping to prevent fraud.

The Adapta Brasil platform, developed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe), brings together indicators and impacts of climate change in Brazil. This tool assists the public sector in adopting protective measures and preparing public policies to adapt to climate change.

A sustainable business model in the Amazon – the cultivation of açaí – has attracted increasing attention and has proven to be an important economic alternative for the region. Açaí, a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, is known for its nutritional richness and antioxidant properties, making it popular not only in Brazil, but also throughout the world.

The success of this sustainable business model is directly linked to the preservation of the forest and the responsible management of natural resources. Local farmers, many of them indigenous, have played a key role in the production of açaí, ensuring responsible harvesting of palm trees and respect for natural cycles.

The sustainable cultivation of açaí involves agricultural practices aimed at conserving biodiversity, such as planting in agroforestry systems, in which açaí palm trees live in harmony with other plant species. This cultivation method contributes to the preservation of the Amazonian ecosystems, promoting the regeneration of the forest and the protection of the local fauna.

In addition, the cultivation of açaí generates socioeconomic benefits for local communities. The sustainable production of the fruit provides jobs, income and improvement in the quality of life of farmers and their families. The commercialization of açaí also encourages fair trade, valuing the work of producers and contributing to local development.

Another important aspect of the sustainable cultivation of açaí is the concern with the production chain as a whole. From harvesting to processing and distribution, environmentally responsible practices are adopted, such as the use of biodegradable packaging and efficient transport, reducing carbon emissions.

This sustainable approach has aroused the interest of increasingly conscious consumers, who value products from sustainable sources and that contribute to the preservation of the environment. The cultivation of açaí in the Amazon has become a symbol of a business model that can reconcile profitability with socio-environmental responsibility.

In short, the cultivation of açaí as a sustainable business model in the Amazon demonstrates how it is possible to achieve economic success while preserving nature and promoting social development. This initiative is an inspiring example of how sustainability can be incorporated into business practices, contributing to the conservation of the Amazon rainforest and the appreciation of local communities.

The conservation of the Amazon and its sustainable development are issues of extreme importance for the preservation of the largest tropical forest in the world and for the well-being of the communities that inhabit it.

These initiatives seek not only to preserve the Amazon's rich biodiversity and ecosystems, but also to promote the socioeconomic sustainability of local communities. By encouraging sustainable business models, such as the cultivation of açaí, it is possible to reconcile environmental conservation with economic development, generating income alternatives and promoting the autonomy of Amazonian populations.

However, it should be noted that the conservation of the Amazon is not the responsibility of the government alone, but of society as a whole. It is up to each one to adopt sustainable practices on a daily basis, support projects and initiatives aimed at protecting the biome and press for effective environmental policies.

The Amazon plays a key role in regulating the global climate, conserving biodiversity and maintaining essential ecosystem services for life on the planet. Preserving and developing the region in a sustainable way is a collective responsibility, in order to guarantee the perpetuation of this unique and essential natural heritage for present and future generations.

Under this premise, the Oakpar Foundation develops the Biomes 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 the remaining natural resources and areas of great importance to humanity.

It seeks to reinforce resilience and adaptability 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 Biomes of Brazil Program

The Biomas do Brasil 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 creating and maintaining full protection and sustainable use conservation units, especially environmental parks in the form of Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs). These areas will have improvements and structures for conservation and public visitation, such as botanical spaces with handcrafted items and seedlings of Brazilian flora species, and arboretums with nurseries, orchid gardens, herbaria, butterfly gardens, trees, shrubs and ornamental, medicinal, edible and herbaceous plants. . Therefore, preserving Brazil's biomes is to protect the essence of life in all its forms, ensuring a sustainable future for present and future generations.