The main aim of this Project is to generate maps for the prioritization of ecological restoration that will support public policies and initiatives on large-scale restoration. Based on dynamic modelling approaches that consider multiple criteria (ecological, social and economic) affecting the costs and benefits of restoration, this project will provide maps for each of the six biomes in Brazil: Amaz\u00f4nia, Caatinga, Cerrado, Pantanal, Mata Atl\u00e2ntica and Campos Sulinos.<\/p>\n
This project is managed by the General Coordination of Ecosystem and Biodiversity Management of the Ministry of Science and Technology – CBEC \/ MCTI and linked to the Biodiversity Research Program (PPBio). CBEC \/ MCTI’s mission is to subsidize the implementation of strategic research programs, projects and development initiatives aimed at characterizing and advancing the knowledge on the functioning of ecosystems. In this context, ecological restoration is a highly relevant and strategic issue for the management of the country’s natural resources.<\/p>\n
Under the PPBio program, research networks on biodiversity have been established in all Brazilian biomes, involving research on the different taxonomic groups and ecosystems, with the objective of evaluating and monitoring the Brazilian biodiversity and the ecological patterns and processes involved.<\/p>\n
This project is being developed by the research institutions taking part on the PPBio networks and by the Centre for Conservation and Sustainability Science (CSRio) (CSRio – PUC-RJ), which will be responsible, respectively, for compiling, systematizing and analyzing data, and by the synthesis and modeling of prioritization maps. These institutions include specialists from different areas, which favors the inclusion of different taxonomic groups and of several biotic and abiotic factors relevant to planning large scale restoration.<\/p>\n
In addition to the data generated by the PPBio networks, an effort will be made to compile relevant secondary data for the construction of the spatial layers to be incorporated into the restoration prioritization models, such as opportunity costs and potential for natural regeneration.<\/p>\n
In addition to maps of priority areas for restoration by biome, scientific publications containing the criteria and methodological procedures used to prioritize the restoration in each biome will follow.<\/p>\n