Conservation Units, according to Federal Law 9.985/2000, are spaces with relevant natural and sociocultural characteristics, legally instituted by the Public Power and to which adequate protection guarantees are applied.

Inea manages 38 Nature Conservation Units (UCs) that are responsible for protecting more than 477 thousand hectares of the Atlantic Forest biome (36.4% of the total forest cover in the state), which represents about 10% of the state's territory.

These UCs include representative samples of the ecosystems dense ombrophilous forest, seasonal forest, altitude fields, restingas, mangroves, wetlands such as marshes, swamps, lagoons and lagoons, ensuring refuge for countless endangered species and the preservation of the existing biological heritage.

Furthermore, the UCs contribute to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources by traditional populations, and promote the development of sustainable economic activities in the surrounding communities.

The 38 protected areas under Inea's administration have been receiving maximum attention in their implementation and management, so that they can fulfill the purposes of their creation:

• preservation of biodiversity, natural landscapes, and samples of native ecosystems;
• scientific research;
• visitation, knowledge dissemination, and recreation in contact with nature (ie. Vem Pedalar and Vem Passarinhar programs)
• creation of job opportunities and businesses associated with tourism (ex. Guide and Conductor program)

The UCs managed by Inea have the largest trail monitoring network in Latin America, with 23 eco-counters in 12 Conservation Units. Additionally, Inea has structured programs to promote ecologically conscious visitation, such as the Vem Passarinhar Program (birdwatching) and the Vem Pedalar Program (cycling/adventure tourism).

Inea recognizes and supports the creation of private conservation units, the Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs). Currently, there are 107 RPPNs recognized by the state, responsible for the conservation of 8,988 hectares.

Inea receives support from several partners in actions such as institutional strengthening and management of the Conservation Units; support for the creation of RPPNs; acquisition and donation of areas for expropriation; support for research and public use, among many others.

Go to the Become a Partner section to find out more about how you can support us.

Example of partnership: The Vale Company has been a partner of Inea since 2020, supporting the implementation of surveillance and ecosystem protection actions in the Cunhambebe State Park. The company will invest R$17 million reais by 2030, through a Technical Cooperation Agreement, in actions for the acquisition of equipment (fire fighting, personal protective equipment), fire brigade services, environmental education, implementation of a protected area management system, team training, implementation of monitoring and communication systems, among others.