The Protected Landscape Approach - Centre for Mediterranean ...

The Protected Landscape Approach: Linking Nature, Culture and Community
Categories I to IV, and the second group refers primarily to Categories V and VI; Biosphere
Reserves, corridors and mosaics are also included as part of the system, recognised as special
protected areas, which are complementary to the conservation units. The legislation defines a
conservation unit (UC) as:
…a territorial space and its environmental resources, including jurisdictional waters,
with significant natural characteristics, legally instituted by Government, with defined
purposes for conservation and limits as well, under a special regimen for its administration,
on which appropriate warranties of protection are applied (Federal Law 9985/
2000)
The Integral Protection conservation units encompass several types of protected areas,
including National Parks and State Parks. In most cases, Brazilian National Parks and State
parks involve people within their limits, including traditional and rural communities and other
groups that may need support in reinforcing their stewardship of the area’s heritage, and
meeting sustainable development objectives. In the second group, Sustainable Use, the recent
legislation has created new categories with a strong emphasis on sustainable development.
These include Extractive Reserves, which correspond with Category VI (refer to Maretti’s
chapter in this volume for more on Extractive Reserves, and Brazil’s experience with this
model), and the Environmental Protection Areas – Areas de Proteção Ambiental or APAs –
which correspond with Category V. In the same law there is a separate chapter about Special
Protected Areas, where the Biosphere Reserves are defined. Table 1 presents all the federal
designations in Brazil’s national system of conservation units.
Table 1. Brazil’s national system of protected areas – SNUC
Integral
protection
Ecological
Station
Biological
Reserve
National
Park (State,
Local)
Natural
Monument
Sylvan
Wildlife
Refuge
Sustainable use Objectives Ownership Uses allowed
Environmental Protection
Area (large, with human
occupation; cultural, aesthetic
and biotic attractions)
Nature preservation;
scientific research
Integral preservation;
no human interference
Preservation of natural
ecosystems and scenic
beauty
Preservation of rare
natural sites; great
scenic beauty
Natural environment
protected for species
reproduction or
flora/fauna
communities
Protection of biological
diversity; regulating
occupation; ensuring
the sustainability of
natural resources;
improving inhabitants’
living conditions.
Public property
Public property
Public property
Public or private
(expropriated)
Public or private
(expropriated)
Scientific research;
educational visits
Scientific research;
educational visits
Scientific research;
recreation; tourism;
education
Public access
under authorization
Public access
under authorization
Public or private Fed. law n.
6938/81 and other
regulations,
according to
objectives
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