Brazil's Atlantic Forest is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet, but less than 2% of its Central Corridor is protected in full. Over 93% of its original forest has been destroyed, mostly in the last 50 years, and the devastation of what remains is ongoing.
The Serra Bonita mountain range, or 'the forest of fog', covers
an area of 7,500 hectares in the heart of the cocoa region, and is
one of few remaining large fragments. Located in the centre of
Sierra Bonita, the Serra Bonita Reserve Complex is a private
conservation initiative managed by Instituto Uiraçu.
With limited funds it is hard to reinforce the protection of the
complex, yet alone expand it. With nearly 2,500 hectares
needing permanent surveillance, and only 3 park guards, the
organisation was desperate to hire a new guard. They needed $7000
to keep him for a year. With the help of Healthy Planet supporters,
we have managed to hire him for a year and strengthen the
protection of a beautiful restricted area which currently has a
huge problem with hunters.
This region is at a critical stage, and the organisation is
desperately in need of resources. The charity's president Fernando
said:
'I would like to thank Healthy Planet for their efforts to
help us. There are so many things to do here and so few people
willing to get involved'.
To further support the Sierra Bonita mountain range view current
Instituto Uiraçu's activities at: http://www.uiracu.org.br/en/index.html