Brazil, situated in South America, is 8,514,877 km2 (8,459,417 km2 of land and 55,460 km2 of water) with 7,491 km of coastline.1 Being mostly tropical with a wide variety of terrains, Brazil is able to sustain 15 to 20% of the world’s biodiversity. More so, it is in the top 17 most biologically diverse countries in the world, and has the largest number of endemic species on a global scale.2 The Amazon Basin in Brazil is home to is home to thousands of species that are threatened by deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, introduction of alien species and use of hybrids and monocultures for agro-industry.1,2 Brazil is also highly culturally diverse with 200 indigenous peoples and 170 languages.2 The involvement of local communities in conservation is very important because they have extensive knowledge of the plant and animal species and of traditional methods of natural resource management.2 Some ICCAs are legally recognised in Brazil as part of the National System of Conservation Units (SNUCs).3 Local and indigenous communities have the right to manage, use and monitor natural recourses, to establish protected areas and to set up management plans.3 Communities are also given the power to control access to traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity and genetic resources.3 As ranching, agriculture and logging encroach on indigenous lands, communities require partnerships with organisations for the protection of conserved areas.4
1. The World Fact Book, South America, Brazil, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html, Accessed: 10/09/2010.
2. Convention on Biological Diversity, Country Profiles – Brazil, http://www.cbd.int/countries/?country=br, Accessed 11/09/2010.
3. Scherl, L.M. (2006) Brazil legal survey. http://www.iccaforum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=84&Itemid=100, Accessed 12/09/2010.
4. Oviedo, G. (2006) Community conserved areas in South America, Parks, 16, 68-73.