The National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) is one of the World’s most sophisticated conservation models. Its concept goes beyond merely biodiversity conservation as it allows different uses of land and natural resources.

Therefore, SNUC turns out to be an instrument to potentialize actions of employment and income creation, enhance people’s quality of live and the country’s development without prejudice to environmental conservation.

In this event we expect to indicate future paths - with the announcement of major projects under implementation as well as debates about the System status, but most importantly, we will be presenting partnership and cooperation opportunities towards the consolidation of one of the largest Protected Areas System in the world.

SNUC’s Highlights

• the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) is the 4th largest PA system in the world, with roughly 1600 units, covering 1.5 million sq.Km – corresponding to the area of France, Portugal, Spain and Germany altogether


• contemplates all Brazilian Biomes with the Amazon, Cerrado and the Atlantic Rain Forest as the most protected ones


• has contributed, from 2003 until 2008, with nearly 75% towards the overall growth of the global protected area network(Global Biodiversity Outlook 3)


• in the Amazon region, PA often serve as “green barriers” to deforestation


• carbon stocks are estimated to be approximately 15gt, representing considerable contributions to climate regulation on a regional/continental scale