Aires protégées du Cerrado : Parcs nationaux Chapada dos Veadeiros et Emas

Photo : Marcosviniciusrs (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Located in central Brazil, these protected areas preserve distinct ecosystems of the Cerrado biome, one of the world's most biodiverse savannas. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park features dramatic escarpments, canyons, and waterfalls within a landscape of grasslands and woody shrubland, while Emas National Park encompasses vast plateaus with characteristic vegetation adapted to seasonal fire cycles. Together, these sites protect representative examples of the Cerrado's natural heritage, including numerous endemic plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. The geological formations reflect the region's ancient geological history, with rock formations and terrain shaped over millions of years. The Cerrado's ecological importance lies in its role as a carbon sink and water source for major Brazilian watersheds, supporting complex interactions between flora and fauna uniquely adapted to this environment. These protected areas are essential for the conservation of biodiversity that faces ongoing threats from agricultural expansion and development pressures in the region.