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Programa Flora Cristalino

Research-based conservation and capacity building in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Context

The southern fringe of the Amazon basin, sometimes referred to as the 'arc of deforestation', is experiencing rapid habitat loss due to the pressures from logging and soya farming. The Cristalino State Park in Mato Grosso, one of the most biodiverse reserves in the region, remains under serious threat from fire and illegal logging due to current lack of management capacity. Little is known about the botanical diversity of the region, and regional capacity for research is limited. Completion of the reserve's Management Plan will provide the State and Federal governments of Mato Grosso and Brazil with the tools to establish a proper management infrastructure for the Park.

Programa Flora Cristalino

Programa Flora Cristalino is a collaborative programme involving Kew, the Fundação Ecológica Cristalino (FEC), the State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), the University of São Paulo (USP) and the State Secretariat for the Environment (SEMA). Its objectives include the following:

  • Support for regional conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
  • Improved knowledge of the vegetation of the region
  • Improved local awareness of the biodiversity of the region and its importance
  • Improved capacity and resources for botanical research in the region

 

Rubiaceae of Cristalino

The first of a series of printable photographic identification guides to the plants of the region.

[Click image to view PDF]
Click HERE to view web version
Activities
  • Botanical inventory and vegetation mapping (fieldwork August 2006 to December 2008)
  • Training in botanical research techniques (staff and students)
  • Support for the establishment of a herbarium at UNEMAT
  • Development and dissemination of educational materials
  • Development of management plans for private protected areas
  • Provision of baseline data and conservation assessments for development of a management plan for the Cristalino State Park
  • Support for local habitat restoration initiatives with smallholders
    [Portuguese]
Funding

Funding from the Kew-Rio Tinto partnership has supported the development of this project.