Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves
Country
Brazil
Inscribed in
1999
Criteria
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, consist of eight separate protected areas containing 112,000 ha of Atlantic forest and associated shrub (restingas). The rainforests of Brazil’s Atlantic coast are the world’s richest in terms of biodiversity. The site contains a distinct range of species with a high level of endemism and reveals a pattern of evolution that is not only of great scientific interest but is also of importance for conservation. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Significant concern
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Most intact and largest remaining fragments of Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian Northeast
Criterion
(ix)
The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, located between the southern coast of the state of Bahia and northern coast of the state of Espírito Santo, consist of eight separate protected areas containing representative remnants of the Atlantic Forest (dense rainforest) and a type of coastal shrubland vegetation ("restingas") associated with the Atlantic Forest. The protected areas that make up this World Heritage site preserve original environments and natural ecological processes–a forest archipelago that reveals an evolutionary structure of great interest to science and conservation (World Heritage Committee, 2015).
Exceptional biodiversity and endangered flora and fauna
Criterion
(x)
The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves represent one of the richest tropical forest regions in the world in terms of biodiversity. It contains around 20% of the world's flora, including 627 species of endangered plants (World Heritage Committee, 2015). The Atlantic Forest has the highest number of endangered species compared to other Brazilian biomes, having 593 vertebrate species threatened by extinction, and six already extinct in the wild (Galetti, 2021).
Exceptional faunal diversity with high degree of endemism
Criterion
(x)
The fauna of the region is represented by 261 species of mammals including 21 marsupials (of which 15% are endemic and 15% threatened), 620 birds (19% at risk), 280 amphibians and 200 reptiles. In total 185 species (of which 100 endemic) are threatened with extinction, including 73 species of mammals of which 21 are primates. Among the 118 species of endangered birds, 49 are endemic. All 16 species of amphibians that are threatened are endemic. Of the 13 species of reptiles that are threatened, 10 are endemic (World Heritage Committee, 2015).
Assessment information
The most significant current threats are the biological and ecological isolation of the relatively small forest fragments, which in the long run results in eroding biodiversity. Additional threats are intensified commercial land-use in the wider region, fires and wood extraction and some ongoing illegal hunting, which further adds to the degradation of the small area of natural habitat. Forest fires have been identified as one of the most serious threats to the remnants of the Atlantic Forests, as they result not just in direct damage, but also in longer-terms changes in the forest structure.
Fire & Fire Management
(Wildfires)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Fires are a routine instrument in pasture management in the region. Conversion of forest areas into agricultural areas in the broader region has been shown to result in increased occurrence of forest fires (de Santana et al., 2020) and fires are also predicted to increase with climate change. Forest fires have been identified as one of the most serious threats to the remnants of the Atlantic Forests, as they result not just in direct damage, but also in longer-terms changes in the forest structure (Menezes et al., 2019). In 2023, the State Party identified wildfires as both a current and potential threat affecting the interior and buffer zone of the World Heritage property (State Party of Brazil, 2023). However, its overall impact on the Outstanding Universal Value was assessed as low, as was the government's capacity to effectively address and mitigate wildfire occurrences. According to the site's Management Plan, wildfires are primarily caused by traditional soil-clearing practices employed by surrounding communities, particularly in the context of beef cattle ranching and subsistence farming, where fire is used without adequate control measures. Additional contributing factors include rainfall harvesting, intense solar radiation, and the presence of highly drained, sandy soils (Ministério Do Meio Ambiente, 2014a).
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Effects of roads)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Existing and planned roads are a key concern in terms of the well-documented direct and indirect effects of roads in forests (Ibisch et al., 2016). The Brazilian economic crisis has somewhat slowed down tourism infrastructure development (IUCN Consultation, 2017). The updated information provided by the State Party regarding ground transport infrastructure highlights the increasing potential negative impacts on the heritage values of the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves (State Party of Brazil, 2023). Damásio et al. (2021) analysed fauna mortality associated with the federal highway BR-101 and its effects on biodiversity within the Sooretama Biological Reserve, which are part of the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves. The study recorded 773 bat individuals from 47 species killed by road traffic over a five-year period, identifying insectivorous species as the most affected by this threat.
Unknown Threats
(Biological isolation and poor and decreasing connectivity)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
A major threat is biological isolation in particular of the smaller components, which will slowly reduce the biodiversity of the property, in particular given increasing infrastructure development and pressures outside the boundaries (UNEP-WCMC, 2012). New protected areas were established in the World Heritage site region: Serra das Lontras National Park (11.336 ha), Wildlife Refuge of Una (23.262 ha) and Rio dos Frades (894 ha), Extractive Reserves of Cassuruba (100.767 ha), Corumbau (89.596 ha) and Canavieiras (100.646 ha). Existing Parks had their areas increased: Pau Brasil (+ 7.381Ha) and Descobrimento (+ 1.548 ha). New private reserves were also established (IUCN Consultation, 2017). Nonetheless, conservation units created across the Atlantic Forest are considered insufficient to preserve the remaining biodiversity of this fragmented biome (Santos et al., 2018). In 2023, the State Party indicated that endangered and endemic fauna and flora species are expected to become a serious concern over the next six years (State Party, 2023). While no analysis has been undertaken specifically for the World Heritage site, it will be important to assess the degree to which it continues being affected by fragmentation in the years following its inscription on the World Heritage List.
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals, Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees
(Illegal hunting and wood extraction)
Other targeted species names
Eira barbara, Galictis vittata, Puma yagouaroundi, Pecari tajacu, Tayassu pecari, Dasyprocta aguti, Cuniculus paca, Cebus robustus, Callicebus melanochir, Callithrix geoffroyi
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Illegal hunting and wood extraction take place on continuous basis as part of the subsistence strategies of marginalized local people and indigenous groups (IUCN Consultation, 2017). Fauna that leave the property are often shot in surrounding lands (Estação, 2011), but poaching occurs inside the protected areas as well. The resilience of the populations affected by the small size of the forest remnants and poor connectivity between the remnants is limited. In the Discovery National Park, camera traps for biological studies were destroyed by gunshots and battering. One of the damaged cameras took pictures of domestic dogs indicating the presence of hunters (Alvarez, 2010). According to the Management Plan of Pau Brazil National Park (Minisetério Do Meio Ambiente, nd. a) mammals are the faunal group most affected by illegal hunting. With the exception of Sciurus sp. (squirrels), nearly all recorded species appear to be under hunting pressure in the region. This pressure stems from various factors, including perceived threats to livestock (Eira barbara, Galictis vittata, Puma yagouaroundi), crop damage (Pecari tajacu, Tayassu pecari, Dasyprocta aguti, Cuniculus paca), or hunting for sport and/or trade (Cebus robustus, Callicebus melanochir, Callithrix geoffroyi, Dasyprocta aguti, Pecari tajacu, Tayassu pecari). Hunting is identified as the second most significant driver of decline among nationally listed endangered mammal species, surpassed only by habitat loss and deforestation. The wood illegally taken out of the protected areas is used for houses building and artisanal products. In 2023, illegal hunting and wood extraction continued to pose threats both within and beyond the boundaries of the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves (State Party of Brazil, 2023), resulting in significant adverse effects on the property's World Heritage attributes.
By contrast, hunting and gathering practices by Indigenous peoples are not considered to have negative impacts on the property (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
By contrast, hunting and gathering practices by Indigenous peoples are not considered to have negative impacts on the property (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Residential Areas
(Residential infrastructure)
Outside site
According to the State Party, residential infrastructure constitutes a current threat that negatively impacts the property. However, this threat is considered to be stable (State Party of Brazil, 2023). No further information was found regarding this issue.
Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Climate Change)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
A growing number of studies project the impacts of climate change on the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest, consistently indicating—with high confidence—a significant risk of biodiversity loss. Vale et al. (2021) evaluated the performance of various general circulation models to estimate future climate-related impacts on the region’s biodiversity. Although the study identified considerable knowledge gaps, it emphasized ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) as one of the most suitable approaches, particularly in light of the Atlantic Forest’s socio-ecological context, given the supportive legal framework in several states that promotes conservation, restoration, and payment for ecosystem services. Additionally, Grelle et al. (2021) identified climate change as one of the principal global threats facing the biome. Climate change is expected to significantly affect the Atlantic Forest's biodiversity, particularly due to its fragmented landscape. Most forest patches are small and isolated, limiting the ability of species—especially canopy-dependent ones—to migrate in response to shifting climatic conditions. Projections indicate range contractions, altered species distributions, and community reorganization, with native species potentially moving out of protected areas and invasive species moving in (Galetti, 2021). Another source of specific information on climate change in the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves is a study by Bittencourt (2020). This research provides an analysis of potential biophysical impacts of climate change on two Brazilian World Natural Heritage sites, the Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, and the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, and identified critical areas within these reserves that should be prioritized by the government as part of the national climate adaptation strategy. Much of the existing information on climate change derives from broader studies on the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
Anticipated climate change is expected to affect various components of the World Heritage property. The fragmented forest areas, which are the result of long-term degradation, are particularly vulnerable to changing environmental conditions, including rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and extreme weather events. Negative threats driven by human activities—such as water infrastructure development, pollution, and land use change—have emerged as growing concerns, although they are currently assessed as low in impact. Social and cultural threats have also been identified as emerging concerns; however, there is currently insufficient data to evaluate their positive or negative effects on the World Heritage attributes.
Changes in Temperature Regimes
(Temperature extremes )
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Projections of climate change impacts suggest decreasing rainfall, increasing temperatures, more frequent occurrences of extreme weather events, and seal level rise (Marengo, n.d.). Other result coming out of the climate change is the coastal line erosion process and the expansion of the saline wedge, which would damage the mangroves systems. Predictions also exist for certain groups of species, for example, Lourenço-de-Moraes et al. (2019) conclude that 73.6% of oviparous species and 67.6% of viviparous snakes could lose at least half of their original range across the Atlantic Forest by 2080. The combination of increased temperature, changes in precipitation and soil moisture decline will result in significant changes in and redistribution of plant communities (Follador et al., 2018). According to the State Party (2023), temperature extremes are also expected to negatively impact the local hydrographic basin, including water resources and springs, thereby affecting the World Heritage attributes.
Commercial & Industrial Areas
(Water infrastructure)
Outside site
Water infrastructure and its associated impact on water pollution have been identified as a negative threat occurring outside the boundaries of the World Heritage property. Although the status of this threat is considered "stable," the State Party (2023) reports that the capacity of the authorities to address any major issues related to it is low.
Terrestrial Animal Farming, Ranching & Herding
(Land use change)
Outside site
Land conversion is identified as a current negative threat occurring outside the boundaries of the World Heritage property (State Party of Brazil, 2023). It includes activities such as livestock production and crop cultivation. According to the State Party, these activities are geographically limited and are currently assessed as having low impact on the property's attributes.
Changes in traditional ways of life and knowledge systems that result in negative impact, Identity/social cohesion/ changes in local population and community that result in negative impact
(Changes in traditional ways of life and knowledge system)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
In previous reports submitted by the State Party of Brazil to the World Heritage Convention, changes in traditional ways of life and knowledge systems were not considered relevant in terms of their impact on the property. However, in 2023 this threat was identified as relevant, due to an observed increase in its negative impacts and a reduction in its positive contributions (State Party of Brazil, 2023). No further details were provided to explain these considerations. This issue is likely linked to the broader threat category of “identity, social cohesion, and changes in the local population and community,” which was identified as having a high impact on the World Heritage attributes.
Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Drought)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Drought has been identified as a potential negative threat; however, its status is currently considered stable (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Pathogens
(Emerging diseases)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Emerging infectious diseases, such as the Yellow Fever Virus—a highly pathogenic virus for primates that caused the death of approximately 5,550 monkeys in Brazil in 2016—and "The Big Three" (rabies, canine distemper virus, and parvovirosis, all transmissible to wildlife from domestic dogs), pose a significant threat to global biodiversity conservation. These diseases have led to severe population declines and are contributing to widespread biodiversity loss across Brazil.
Emerging infectious diseases are one of the drivers of defaunation—defined as the global, local, or functional extinction of animal populations or species—in the Atlantic Forest. According to Galetti et al. (2021), other major causes of defaunation at a large scale include habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, hunting, illegal wildlife trade, invasive species, wildlife-vehicle collisions, infrastructure development, and climate change. Collectively, these threats affect approximately 34% of amphibian species, 26% of mammal species, and 16% of bird species reported in the Atlantic Forest.
Emerging infectious diseases are one of the drivers of defaunation—defined as the global, local, or functional extinction of animal populations or species—in the Atlantic Forest. According to Galetti et al. (2021), other major causes of defaunation at a large scale include habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, hunting, illegal wildlife trade, invasive species, wildlife-vehicle collisions, infrastructure development, and climate change. Collectively, these threats affect approximately 34% of amphibian species, 26% of mammal species, and 16% of bird species reported in the Atlantic Forest.
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Relationships between the managers of the protected areas within the World Heritage site, Indigenous peoples, and marginalized squatters have often been tense and confrontational. Following serious confrontations, a portion of Monte Pascoal National Park was returned to the Pataxó Indigenous community (de Souza, 2022). Advisory Councils for each of the three national parks within the World Heritage site have been established to provide a forum for discussion. Rocha (2024) analyzed the role of Decobrimento National Park in regional sustainability, considering changes in cultural dynamics and socio-environmental conflicts. The findings suggest conflicting views on the relationship with Indigenous communities, which may limit the effectiveness of the Advisory Council and its members' engagement with these communities. The signing of the Term of Commitment between the Pataxó Indigenous Community and the park management is highly symbolic, indicating potential for regional cooperation. In 2023, Brazilian authorities reported that cooperation between property managers and most stakeholders remains weak, except with Non-Governmental Organizations, with whom collaboration is considered positive (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Legal framework
The legal framework for the World Heritage site is built from a series of declarations of the 8 conservation units that make up the property. These include: (1) Sooretama Biological Reserve established by Federal Decree in 1943; (2): Monte Pascoal National Park established by Federal Decree in 1973; (3) Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve established in 1973 (formerly the Linhares Forest Reserve); (4) Una Biological Reserve designated by Federal Decree in 1983; (5) Pau-Brasil CEPLAC Experimental Station designated by Decree in 1993; (6) Pau-Brasil National Park designated by Federal Decree in 1998; (7) 1998: Veracel (formerly VeraCruz) Station, a private Natural Heritage Reserve, received legal protection under Resolution 240 of the National Environmental Council (CONAMA) which also prohibited logging the forest; and, (8) Descobrimento National Park established by Federal Decree in 1999 (UNEP-WCMC, 2012). New protected areas were established in the World Heritage site region - Serra das Lontras National Park (11.336 ha), Wildlife Refuge of Una (2007 - 23.262 ha) and Rio dos Frades (2007 – 894 ha), Extractive Reserves of Cassuruba (2009 - 100.767 ha), Corumbau (2000 - 89.596 ha) and Canavieiras (2006 - 100.646 ha). Existing Parks had their areas increased – Pau Brasil (+ 7.381Ha) and Descobrimento (+ 1.548 ha). New private reserves were also established (IUCN Consultation, 2017). In the area of the site in Espírito Santo, for example, three private reserves were established covering almost 3,000 hectares, expanding the connection between Linhares Forest Reserve and Sooretama Biological Reserve. In 2023, Brazilian authorities reported that adequate legal frameworks are in place for the property, its buffer zone, and the broader setting, along with acceptable capacity and resources to enforce legislation aimed at maintaining its Outstanding Universal Value, including the conditions of authenticity and/or integrity. However, they also acknowledged certain deficiencies in the implementation of these frameworks (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Governance arrangements
Governance arrangements are considered positive and with significant positive impacts for maintaining the attributes of the property. This is linked to the legal framework and management activities which were identified as adequate to maintain the Outstanding Universal Value but with some concerns (State Party of Brazil, 2023). Given that approximately 63% of the property is managed by government authorities, and 27% by private landowners (such as the Pau-Brasil Station and the Veracel Natural Heritage Reserve) and the Pataxó Indigenous community, enhancing the effective participation of all stakeholders in the implementation of the management system remains a pending challenge (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
There are ongoing difficulties in terms of coordinating with the large number of national, regional, and local governmental, non-governmental, and private entities and actors that have an interest in the property (UNEP-WCMC, 2011; IUCN Consultation, 2017). Ongoing forest restoration initiatives should be mentioned in the context of regional integration. The Cooplantar (Atlantic Forest Reflorestation of Southern Bahia), the Espirito Santo state Reforestation Program are examples of what has been designed as a large scale reforestation effort undertaken together with the forestry companies (IUCN Consultation, 2017). The influence and economic importance of the eucalyptus forestry in the broader landscape, had given the stimulus for the establishment of the Forestry Forum of South and Southern Bahia state and of the Forestry Forum of Espírito Santo state. Both are part of the Brazilian Forests Dialogue, a movement established in Brazil in 2005 that connects companies business and NGOs aiming to build a propositional agenda, as a way to amplify the sustainable practices and the scale of the biodiversity conservation efforts in the region. This Regional Forums are also interested in the creation of ecological corridors in the region. They have conducted the integration of planning and actions of organizations and companies, including the monitoring of biodiversity and the sustainable practices and management of eucalyptus plantations in buffer zones around strictly PAs and within Environmental Protection Areas (APAs). The pulp and paper companies also have created private reserves and developed tools and actions for the restoration of the Atlantic Forest, especially the Permanent Preservation Areas-APP and Legal Reserve-RL for compliance with the forest legislation (Mesquita et al., 2011; Campanili et al., 2015).
Boundaries
The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves is comprised of eight protected areas that represent the last remnants of the Atlantic Forest preserved in the region. Six of these protected areas are contiguous with two others located within reasonable proximity and connected by habitat corridors and semi-natural buffer zones (World Heritage Committee, 2015). A number of recent studies have questioned the effectiveness of the configuration of some protected areas comprising the World Heritage site, such as for example, the Descrobrimento National Park. Noting that at the time of their creation the configuration of the boundaries was not always based on conservation and ecosystem criteria, resulting in suboptimal boundaries, with important remnants of the Atlantic Forest not included (Euripedes et al., 2020). The boundaries of the property and its buffer zone are considered adequate for maintaining the property's Outstanding Universal Value. However, only the property boundaries are widely known and recognized by the management authorities and local communities or landowners. In particular, the buffer zone of Discovery National Park has been identified as facing significant challenges related to land use planning (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Overlapping international designations
The World Heritage site partly overlaps with the Mata Atlantica Biosphere Reserve. However, the establishment of more fluent communication and stronger synergies between the World Heritage site management and the focal points of the Ramsar Convention and the MAB Programme remains an outstanding task (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
The inscription decision in 1999 recommended that "the State Party should be encouraged to complete the "Plan of Action for the Atlantic Forest Region" and other initiatives indicated in the IUCN evaluation". There is no documented governmental response to this recommendation.
Climate action
The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves comprise eight distinct protected areas. However, no specific management strategy or climate change adaptation plan has been identified for this World Heritage property or its individual components. Although Brazil has developed national-level instruments—such as climate-related legislation and adaptation strategies—there is limited information on how these frameworks are being applied specifically at the site level.
Some of the most relevant national instruments addressing climate change and biodiversity include:
• Law No. 14.904/2024: Establishes national guidelines for the development of climate change adaptation plans. However, the extent to which this legislation will influence site-specific actions within the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves is not specified.
• National Adaptation Plan to Climate Change (2016): Developed by the Ministry of Environment, this plan outlines sectoral and thematic strategies related to biodiversity and ecosystems, though it does not provide measures specifically tailored to protected areas.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Strategy: A national framework aimed at conserving biodiversity. Its direct applicability to World Heritage properties is not detailed.
• Coastal Zone Strategy: Implemented through the National Coastal Management Plan (Law No 7661, 1988). This Strategy addresses climate resilience in coastal areas, with potential relevance to some components of the reserves.
• Adapta Brasil MCTI Platform: Proposes risk and impact indicators related to climate change in Brazil, but none specifically address biodiversity or protected areas.
• Interministerial Committee on Climate Change: Re-established under Decree No. 12.040/2024, this committee includes the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as a key member.
• National Adaptation Strategy: Currently under public consultation, its final content and applicability to protected areas is still pending.
• Plan Clima 2024–2034: This plan outlines goals across four pillars—mitigation, adaptation, climate governance and participation, and Nationally Determined Contributions. While it includes general references to protected areas, it does not outline specific actions for individual sites.
Some of the most relevant national instruments addressing climate change and biodiversity include:
• Law No. 14.904/2024: Establishes national guidelines for the development of climate change adaptation plans. However, the extent to which this legislation will influence site-specific actions within the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves is not specified.
• National Adaptation Plan to Climate Change (2016): Developed by the Ministry of Environment, this plan outlines sectoral and thematic strategies related to biodiversity and ecosystems, though it does not provide measures specifically tailored to protected areas.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Strategy: A national framework aimed at conserving biodiversity. Its direct applicability to World Heritage properties is not detailed.
• Coastal Zone Strategy: Implemented through the National Coastal Management Plan (Law No 7661, 1988). This Strategy addresses climate resilience in coastal areas, with potential relevance to some components of the reserves.
• Adapta Brasil MCTI Platform: Proposes risk and impact indicators related to climate change in Brazil, but none specifically address biodiversity or protected areas.
• Interministerial Committee on Climate Change: Re-established under Decree No. 12.040/2024, this committee includes the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as a key member.
• National Adaptation Strategy: Currently under public consultation, its final content and applicability to protected areas is still pending.
• Plan Clima 2024–2034: This plan outlines goals across four pillars—mitigation, adaptation, climate governance and participation, and Nationally Determined Contributions. While it includes general references to protected areas, it does not outline specific actions for individual sites.
Management plan and overall management system
Individual management plans for the component protected areas that make up the World Heritage site are in use, but need to be updated to reflect current threats. Management plan for Sooretama BR dates back to 1981, and its emergency action plan from 1994. For Una BR, the management plan dates back to 1997, Monte Pascoal NP-undated (ICMBio web page). A 2007 operating plan for fire management exists for the Sooretama BR (IBAMA, 2007). Descobrimento national Park finalized its management plan in 2014 and Pau Brasil National Park in 2016. As a way to integrate management, two Mosaics of Protected Areas were established in the region (IUCN Consultation, 2017). Mosaics of Protected Areas (MPAs) is a concept established by the Brazilian National Protected Areas System through Federal Law #9.985-00 (article 26) to strengthen clusters of public and private PAs. The Mosaics in the region are: the Extremo Sul da Bahia Mosaic with 8 public PAs and 4 privates PAs (Portaria nº 492-2010) and Foz do Rio Doce Mosaic with 4 public PAs and 3 private PAs (Portaria nº 489-2010) (Crepaldi et al., 2015).
Brazilian authorities reported that the current management system is only partially adequate for maintaining the property’s Outstanding Universal Value and is only partially implemented, which limits its potential to contribute to local economic development and livelihoods. Given that approximately 63% of the property is managed by government authorities, and 27% by private landowners (such as the Pau-Brasil Station and the Veracel Natural Heritage Reserve) and the Pataxó Indigenous community, enhancing the effective participation of all stakeholders in the implementation of the management system remains a challenge (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Brazilian authorities reported that the current management system is only partially adequate for maintaining the property’s Outstanding Universal Value and is only partially implemented, which limits its potential to contribute to local economic development and livelihoods. Given that approximately 63% of the property is managed by government authorities, and 27% by private landowners (such as the Pau-Brasil Station and the Veracel Natural Heritage Reserve) and the Pataxó Indigenous community, enhancing the effective participation of all stakeholders in the implementation of the management system remains a challenge (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Law enforcement
The enforcement of the management plans of individual component protected areas and their buffer zones has been weakening. Most of them are not updated. One reason is the shortage of staff and financial resources across government levels. Despite its benefits as an umbrella, the serial approach remains to be translated into a coherent approach to law enforcement on the ground.
Sustainable finance
Conservation International – Brazil (Conservação Internacional) launched in 2016 an instrument of funding and management of financial resources initially destined to seven federal PAs of the region: Pau Brasil NP, Monte Pascoal NP, Descobrimento NP and Abrolhos NP; Corumbau and Cassurubá Extractive Reserves; and Rio dos Frades Wildlife Refuge. The fund began with a $2.1 million grant from the Global Conservation Fund (GCF) and will be applied in the preparation of these PAs for public use, tourism and environmental education. According to the State Party (State Party of Brazil, 2023), 90% of the funding sources for the property originate from national or federal government budgets, while the remaining 10% comes from other conventions or programs. Among the protected areas, only Pau-Brasil National Park benefits from a permanent funding source through entrance fees. While the contribution of these funding sources is considered positive and relatively secure in the medium term, there has been a noted decline. The current budget is deemed acceptable; however, additional resources would be necessary to fully meet the property's management needs.
Staff capacity, training and development
Information on current staffing levels across the entire World Heritage property is not available. The capacity-building programs currently in place are only partially implemented. Key thematic areas—such as environmental sustainability, risk preparedness, development and education, and marketing and promotion—are among those with the least training opportunities available (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Education and interpretation programmes
Education and awareness programs primarily target local communities, Indigenous peoples, and local visitors. However, among these groups, Indigenous peoples have the least awareness of the existence and significance of the World Heritage property, in comparison to local communities and visitors.
While education and interpretation programmes are conducted in many of the component protected areas within the World Heritage property, programmes are only partially implemented. Visitor facilities such as visitor centres, site museums, guided tours, and transportation services could be improved (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
While education and interpretation programmes are conducted in many of the component protected areas within the World Heritage property, programmes are only partially implemented. Visitor facilities such as visitor centres, site museums, guided tours, and transportation services could be improved (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Tourism and visitation management
Since forest conservation is the paramount aim of the reserves, visitation to most of the sites is restricted to certain areas or trails, as at Una, Sooretama and the research stations. The latter encourages ecotourism, ecological researchers and environmental education and Veracel Reserve has a canopy observation platform. The CEPLAC Experimental Station also has an environmental education program but no visitors are encouraged to visit the neighboring Pau-Brasil National Park. The Vale do Rio Doce Reserve has excellent ecotourism facilities. The most visited site is Monte Pascoal National Park. It has a visitors' centre and marked trails up the landmark that gives the protected area its name (UNEP-WCMC, 2012). Pau Brasil National Park was part of a bidding process aimed to give concessions for some of the public use infrastructures already in place in this PA. Interpretive and visitor facilities within the World Heritage property—particularly in Pau-Brasil and Descobrimento National Parks—have been identified as having a current and increasing positive impact. The State Party (2023) highlighted both current and potential benefits of tourism, noting its growing positive contribution to the attributes of the property.
Sustainable use
The only permitted uses of the site are research, education, and tourism.
Monitoring
Monitoring is an integral part of the work of the research stations in some of the components of the World Heritage site. A coherent and coordinated monitoring programs across the multiple components remain a challenge. Since 1985, The SOS Mata Atlantic Foundation and The National Institute for Space Research (INPE) monitor the Atlantic Forest remnants in all 17 states were it occurs Between 2015 and 2016, of the total area under the Atlantic Forest Law - 130.973.638 hectares (93%) were evaluated. The deforestation in that period was 29.075 ha (IUCN Consultation, 2017). In 2023, the State Party reported positive outcomes from the implementation of monitoring systems. A comprehensive and integrated monitoring programme is in place, which is considered relevant to management needs and contributes to enhancing the understanding of the property's Outstanding Universal Value. However, participation in these activities is currently limited to managers, coordinators, and staff, with no involvement from other stakeholders (State Party of Brazil, 2023).
Research
There are two research stations: the Pau-Brasil CEPLAC Experimental Station, and the Veracel (previously Vera Cruz) Reserve For ecological research to use in its own reforestation programs and to educate the public about the flora and fauna of southern Bahia. Staff from the National Centre for Genetic Resources work there permanently and the station has released considerable information about its forest. All protected areas have some facilities to accommodate visiting scientists. The Una and CEPLAC reserves also function as in situ genetic seed banks. Better coordination and coherence across the multiple components would be highly desirable (UNEP-WCMC, 2012). From 2020 to the present, numerous studies, assessments, and research initiatives have been conducted within the protected areas that comprise the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves. Examples include: Silva et al. (2024) on roadkill of wild animals in the Sooretama Biological Reserve; Santos (2023) on social relationships in protected areas; Senna et al. (2024) and Gomes da Silva et al. (2022) on wildfire prevention and management; de Oliveira et al. (2024) and De Souza (2022) on flora analysis in Sooretama and the Reserva Natural da Companhia Vale do Rio Doce; Ribeiro et al. (2021), Venial et al. (2022), and Da Silva et al. (2023) on various topics; as well as multiple studies on insects in the Veracel Station Private Natural Heritage Reserve, including those by Ribeiro et al.(2021, 2022a, b), among others. However, access to these and other research findings remains limited due to the dispersed and uncoordinated nature of the available information. For example, in Monte Pascoal National Park; there is a small amount of research, but it is not planned. Research results are shared with local communities and partners but there is no active outreach to national or international agencies.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
After longstanding historic logging in the entire region, actively promoted through the construction of the coastal highway in the 1970s, what is today the buffer zone of the World Heritage site is under pressure from intense land use, mostly cattle ranching and forest plantations. Fire is but one example of the tangible impacts of this external pressure. Adding to those problems are the small dams built in farms for agriculture and livestock. There are ongoing difficulties in terms of coordinating with the large number of national, regional, and local governmental, non-governmental, and private entities and actors that have an interest in the property and impact activities on the periphery. Nonetheless, the component protected areas help to catalyze projects and initiatives such as the restoration of ecological corridors, aiming at linking the PAs.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Formal evaluations in 2002/2003 and 2010 of the management effectiveness of the 3 national parks and 2 Biological Reserves of the World Heritage site rated them all as “medium”, with the exception of the Sooretama Biological Reserve, which was rated as “good”. Since 2015, besides RAPPAN, ICMBio is annually applying the SAMGE (Monitoring and Evaluation System) while the Rapid Assessment and Priorization of Protected Area Management-RAPPAM is revised every 5 years. In 2015, ICMBio launched the SIGTerra – Protected Areas Territorial Information Consolidation System, which goal is to qualify land tenure information of the federal protected area. Between 2012 and 2015, under the Tropical Forest Conservation Act project, a protocol to be used by the PA managers to evaluate the PA effectiveness was developed. In 2015 the protocol was tested for the first time. The worst score was given to the physical protection of the assessed PAs. Personnel and management tools were also assessed as not satisfactory (IUCN Consultation, 2017). No updated management effectiveness evaluations could be found.
Despite notable success stories in specific thematic areas within individual component protected areas of this serial World Heritage site, the overall protection and management of the property remain of some concern. Although the legal framework beyond the boundaries of the World Heritage property is considered appropriate, the site lacks a coherent and integrated management approach across its multiple components. This reflects, in part, the limited participation of certain social sectors and the persistent conflicts with marginalized local residents, which have not been fully resolved. Additionally, increasing pressures across the broader landscape—despite widespread recognition of reduced connectivity as a major conservation concern—further exacerbate the challenges. These issues underscore the urgent need to strengthen the governance structure to support the progresses made on the establishment of a comprehensive land use planning and management system.
Good practice examples
- Even though most implementation work remains to be done the approach to integrate different conservation categories and governance arrangements under one umbrella continues to serve as an innovative example.
- The management system of the federal institution that menages the federal public APs have a good training system, solid procedures and systems that allow the
long term maintenance to guarantee that the better level of protection that Brasil federal institution can implement takes place at the Sites.
- In 2015, ICMBio launched the SIGTerra – Protected Areas Territorial Information Consolidation System, which goal is to qualify land tenure information of the federal protected area.
- The MMA Corridor Program II.
- A comprehensive study of conservation initiatives in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, undertaken by government agencies, NGOs, and universities, is presented in Grelle et al. (2021). These initiatives were led by federal and state authorities, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions in response to long-standing deforestation. A wide range of conservation actions have been planned and implemented, reflecting a coordinated effort to address the ongoing environmental challenges in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
- The management system of the federal institution that menages the federal public APs have a good training system, solid procedures and systems that allow the
long term maintenance to guarantee that the better level of protection that Brasil federal institution can implement takes place at the Sites.
- In 2015, ICMBio launched the SIGTerra – Protected Areas Territorial Information Consolidation System, which goal is to qualify land tenure information of the federal protected area.
- The MMA Corridor Program II.
- A comprehensive study of conservation initiatives in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, undertaken by government agencies, NGOs, and universities, is presented in Grelle et al. (2021). These initiatives were led by federal and state authorities, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions in response to long-standing deforestation. A wide range of conservation actions have been planned and implemented, reflecting a coordinated effort to address the ongoing environmental challenges in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
Most intact and largest remaining fragments of Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian Northeast
High Concern
Trend
Stable
The remnants of the northeastern portion of the Atlantic Forest, protected within the eight components that comprise the World Heritage property, are isolated and surrounded by pastureland, croplands, and timber plantations (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). These small and fragmented forest patches require intensive management efforts to ensure their conservation (World Heritage Committee, 2015). In addition to progress made in designating new protected areas in the surroundings of the World Heritage property, recent studies utilizing advanced remote sensing data suggest that up to 28% of the native vegetation of the Atlantic Forest may still remain. These findings highlight the potential to further expand forest cover through targeted conservation actions and the restoration of ecological connectivity (Rezende et al., 2018).The Atlantic Forest is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, with the Northern Atlantic Forest (NAF) having undergone a long history of fragmentation. In northeastern Brazil, Almeida & Souza (2023) identified a series of forest remnants known as the “Brejos Nordestinos,” totalling 747,926 hectares of remaining forest cover—representing only 18.8% of the original extent—distributed across 63,048 fragments. Notably, 41% of these fragments are smaller than 1 hectare. Only 896 forest fragments exceed 100 hectares in size, collectively covering 437,434.6 hectares. The NAF region contains few large patches with extensive interior (core) forest. When applying a 90-meter edge-effect buffer, the remaining core forest area is reduced to 216,628.0 hectares, which constitutes only 30% of the area in fragments larger than 1 hectare and a mere 5.4% of the total NAF region. Approximately 10.5% of the NAF region falls within designated Protected Areas (PAs), of which 9.7% are classified for sustainable use and only 0.8% under strict protection.
Exceptional biodiversity and endangered flora and fauna
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
Even when not taking into account the anticipated impacts of climate change, a decline of the biodiversity values is expected. Forest fires have been identified as one of the most serious threats to the remnants of the Atlantic Forests, as they result not just in direct damage, but also in longer-terms changes in the forest structure (Menezes et al., 2019). Figueiredo et al. (2021) reported the presence of 2,645 species of Tetrapoda in the Atlantic Forest, comprising 719 amphibian species, 517 reptile species, 1,025 bird species, and 384 mammal species. The region’s faunal uniqueness is remarkable even on a global scale, as 2.8% of the world’s Tetrapoda species are found exclusively in the Atlantic Forest. This includes 1.3% of all reptiles, approximately 1.9% of both bird and mammal species, and an exceptional 6.6% of all amphibian species. Additionally, de Souza et al. (2021) provide further data regarding the diversity of ferns and lycophytes in the region.
Exceptional faunal diversity with high degree of endemism
High Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
While systematic data on key species across the entire serial site is not available, some data indicate that many have been declining, for example the jaguar (Panthera onca) whose population decreased by 80% in the last 15 years in the Atlantic Forest biome and whose remaining population in the entire Atlantic Forest area was estimated at 250 individuals in 2012. For many species, it is also predicted that their distribution across the remaining Atlantic Forest will also be significantly affected by climate change in the future (Lourenço-de-Moraes et al., 2019; Follador et al., 2018). Nonetheless, some of the protected areas comprising the World Heritage site continue shelter important threatened species, such as Tapirus terrestris, Panthera onca and Brachyteles hypoxanthus. These protected areas are the only in the northern portion of the Atlantic forest that contain large mammals, which highlights their importance (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Deteriorating
The relatively small remnants of the northeastern portion of the Atlantic Forest that jointly comprise this serial World Heritage site are biologically and ecologically isolated. Nonetheless, the recent designation of new protected areas is regarded as a promising conservation strategy. The surrounding landscape is increasingly dominated by intensively used pastureland, croplands, and timber plantations. Even without factoring in the anticipated impacts of climate change, a worsening scenario appears inevitable unless more robust efforts are undertaken to reverse current trends. Declining populations have already been observed in key species across the Atlantic Forest, such as the jaguar. Despite these challenges, the protected areas within the World Heritage site continue to harbor important threatened species, and many represent the only remaining areas in the northern Atlantic Forest where large mammals can still be found.
Additional information
Importance for research
Given the longstanding and dramatic conversion and degradation of the Atlantic Forest throughout its historically vast range, the World Heritage site is highly valued as a site for research in the last remaining patches of this forest type. The remnants are indispensable for the increasing restoration efforts.
Outdoor recreation and tourism,
Natural beauty and scenery
The protected areas of the Discovery Coast form attractive areas containing forest, water courses, other natural and cultural landscapes, associated with numerous beautiful beaches that are already a major tourist destination in Northeast and Southeastern Brazil.
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
All protected areas within the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves play a vital role in ensuring water security. In particular, the Sooretama Biological Reserve safeguards the largest natural water reserve north of the Doce River, including the Quirino Stream. It also secures clean water for the Barra Seca River, fed by several tributaries on its right bank. Water production is among the most evident ecosystem services provided by this reserve. Its intact soils and extensive network of forest roots form a natural infrastructure that functions as a water generator and sponge, retaining and gradually releasing water—even during the dry season. However, the inappropriate use of water resources in the surrounding areas has led to a noticeable decline in water availability.
Water provision, conservation and the production of knowledge are seen as important benefits produced by these last major remnants of the northeastern Atlantic Forest, both at the national and international level. At least three protected areas already carry out actions or programmes of tourism and/or reception of visitors: Veracel (Veracruz) Station; Pau Brazil National Park and Linhares Forest Reserve. Other PAs such as the Discovery National Park and Mount Pascoal National Park have high potential to increase the importance of recreation and tourism. The protected areas of the Extreme South of Bahia are close to Porto Seguro, one of the biggest tourist destinations in Brazil, and the Abrolhos Complex, one of the key biodiverse areas of coral reefs and whale watching (humpback whale) in the South Atlantic.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Veracel Research Station | Monitoring of medium and large sized mammals through use of camera traps in the Veracel Reserve. Management and conservation of the Harpy Eagle in the Veracel Reserve. New proposals for public use of the Veracel Reserve. |
http://www.veracel.com.br/rppn-estacao-vercel/
|
| 2 | Conservation International | Atlantic Forest Protection Fund (supported by the Global Conservation Fund) to start in 2018. |
http://www.conservation.org
|
| 3 | Floresta Viva | Atlantic Forest Biome restoration. Among other projects in the southern Bahia territory |
http://www.florestaviva.org.br/
|
| 4 | Governo do Estado do Espírito Santo | The program is an initiative of the state government of Espírito Santo and aims to promote the restoration of the hydrological cycle through the conservation and recovery of forest cover, with the generation of opportunities and income for the rural producer, stimulating the adoption of sustainable use of soils. |
https://www.es.gov.br/programa-reflorestar
|
| 5 | Linhares Forest Reserve | Monitoring of biodiversity; seedling production; and environmental education activities. |
https://vale.com/vale-natural-reserve
|
| 6 | Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and Ministry of Environment of Brazil. | A comprehensive study of conservation initiatives in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, undertaken by government agencies, NGOs, and universities, is presented in Grelle et al. (2021). These initiatives were led by federal and state authorities, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions in response to long-standing deforestation. A wide range of conservation actions have been planned and implemented, reflecting a coordinated effort to address the ongoing environmental challenges in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. |
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348452864_Conservation_Initiatives_in_the_Brazilian_Atlantic_Forest
|
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