Cerrado: Guardian of the Waters and Natural Treasure of Brazil
Explore the richness of the Cerrado and discover how you can Make a Difference
The Cerrado biome is the heart of Brazilian biodiversity
A biome that protects our waters, also harbors an unparalleled diversity of life, and provides our very existence. Come and discover the Cerrado, one of Brazil's greatest natural treasures, and see what you can do to preserve this heritage.
WHAT IS THE CERRADO?
The vegetation of the Cerrado biome has an incredible fire-resistance capacity, with many species relying on natural fires to flourish. This is the result of thousands of years of evolution, but the increased frequency of fires facilitates the establishment of exotic grasses, such as Brachiaria, making the environment even more flammable and vulnerable to recurrent fires, degrading the quality of native vegetation and resulting in a significant loss of ecosystem services.
WHY IS THE CERRADO BIOME CRUCIAL FOR BRAZIL AND THE WORLD?
The Cerrado is Brazil's main source of freshwater, supplying eight of the country's twelve major river basins. Known as the "cradle of waters," without it, Brazil's major cities and agriculture would be at serious risk. Furthermore, the Cerrado is one of the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots, home to 5% of the world's fauna and flora.
The Cerrado is also essential to the global climate. Its forests, grasslands, and savannas store large amounts of carbon below ground, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. The savanna formation has the largest average carbon stock, ~39 t/ha.
Source: ScienceDirect
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CERRADO
Besides being an "inverted forest," with deep roots reaching 15 meters deep, the Cerrado is the only biome where you can find the maned wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ), the largest canid in South America, the rhea ( Rhea americana ), the largest bird in Brazil, and critically endangered species such as the Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus), a bioindicator of water quality. The Cerrado's vegetation has an incredible adaptability, surviving extreme conditions of heat, drought, and fire.
OTHER CURIOSITIES
The Cerrado is home to around 40% of Brazil's plant biodiversity.
More than 320 bird species are found in the Cerrado, many of them migratory.
Each year, approximately 0.5% of the Cerrado's original vegetation cover is lost.
THE CRADLE OF WATERS:
HOW THE CERRADO SUSTAINS BRAZIL
The Cerrado is Brazil's water reservoir. Its springs feed the country's main river basins, such as the São Francisco, Paraná, and Tocantins-Araguaia rivers. Without the Cerrado's vegetation, these springs would dry up, leading to a water crisis of unimaginable proportions. Preserving the Cerrado guarantees water for production and our survival.
Source: IPAM
• The Cerrado contributes 70% of the water that flows in central Brazil.
• The soil of the Cerrado biome is known for being a "natural sponge", absorbing water and slowly releasing it to feed the three large aquifers: Guarani, Bambui and Urucuia.
Source: Save Cerrado
Your Action Counts: Help Preserve the Cerrado
Small actions like supporting the consumption of products from sustainable practices, investing in reforestation projects, and raising awareness about the importance of the biome can make a big difference in maintaining it. The Cerrado das Águas Consortium works directly to conserve the Cerrado, and your support is essential to ensuring the success of our actions.
You can be a volunteer! Come restore the Cerrado with us;
Rethink your consumption. Waste leads to increased demand for raw materials from the Cerrado;
Promote the importance of the Cerrado on social media.
TRANSFORM YOUR ACTION INTO A POSITIVE IMPACT
TO THE CERRADO
Preserving the Cerrado begins with awareness and is strengthened by action. You can support in several ways: by making a donation, participating as a volunteer, or becoming a member of the Cerrado das Águas Consortium. Each contribution is an important step in defending this biome, essential for Brazil and the world.
Your donation helps fund restoration and conservation projects in the Cerrado.
Companies can join the CCA and contribute to the preservation of the Cerrado in a sustainable way and with a lasting impact.
Participate directly in field activities, planting trees, restoring degraded areas, and educating the community.
SEE BELOW THE REAL IMPACT OF OUR ACTIONS IN THE CERRADO
Our actions in the Cerrado would not be possible without the support of our partners, associates, and volunteers. Here, we share moving testimonials and success stories that demonstrate how collaboration between people and organizations is transforming the Cerrado and ensuring a sustainable future.
THE PRESERVATION OF THE CERRADO IS IN YOUR HANDS
The future of the Cerrado depends on all of us . By participating in CCA's initiatives, you are contributing to the protection of one of the planet's most important biomes. Your support is essential for us to continue our preservation, restoration, and environmental education projects. Join us in this vital mission.