The Cerrado, a little-known jewel of Brazilian nature
In the heart of Brazilian territory, a unique savannah stands proudly: the Cerrado. Just as important as the Amazon rainforest, this little-known ecosystem plays an essential role in the fight against climate change. Covering a gigantic area of 2 million square kilometers, the Cerrado is home to exceptional biodiversity with more than 11,000 plant species and numerous animal species.
Known as the “cradle of waters”, the Cerrado is a true oasis in the middle of South America. Its springs supply eight major river basins and three aquifers in the region. This valuable ecosystem is closely linked to the Amazon rainforest, as the savannah depends on the latter for the precipitation necessary to conserve its rivers and aquifers. In return, the Amazon rainforest depends on the Cerrado to feed its waterways.
Unfortunately, the Cerrado is threatened by deforestation and the expansion of intensive agriculture. In fact, half of its surface area is currently dedicated to agriculture. The conversion of native vegetation into cultivated or livestock land generates the equivalent of 230 million tonnes of CO² each year, thus contributing to global warming.
In addition to the environmental consequences, this intense exploitation of land also leads to the drying up of waterways and pollution by pesticides. Fires also regularly ravage the Cerrado, destroying hectares of vegetation and endangering the region’s flora and fauna.
It is therefore crucial to protect this unique ecosystem and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Initiatives are already in place, encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly methods and the preservation of the Cerrado’s land and natural resources.
The Cerrado is truly a little-known treasure of Brazilian nature. Its conservation is essential to preserve the richness of its biodiversity and contribute to the fight against climate change. It is our responsibility as individuals and as a society to take action to preserve this extraordinary ecosystem and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.