Local Context

The region of Bananal Island, between the states of Tocantins and Mato Grosso, is one of the most important centers of endemism of species for the Brazilian Cerrado. The biodiversity of the region has peculiarities, for example, being the largest wetland within the biome. An analysis indicates that the state of legal protection in the region is apparently satisfactory, because there are two strictly protected areas (Araguaia National Park and Cantão State Park), and several indigenous lands, but the real situation does not correspond to this picture . Over time, the Araguaia PN has been reduced by the expansion of indigenous lands.

The project therefore aims to establish an ecological corridor area in the Bananal Island region, in the municipalities of Marianópolis, Pium and Caseara, in Tocantins state. The project duration was between 2004 and 2006 and it was supported by Conservation International in Brazil.

Project Description

The project consists of mapping the land occupation dynamics in Bananal Island and issuing inventories of the local biodiversity (with emphasis on endemic and endangered species). The project also promoted the interaction with state and federal agencies to assist the implementation of existing protected areas and the creation of a local infrastructure capable of supporting the sustainable development of local communities.

The activities were focused on the dissemination of the Social Carbon concept and implementation of projects that show local communities how to get benefits from a series of activities that help reduce carbon emissions.

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Project Presentation (Portuguese)