Amazonas establishes four new Sustainable Development Reserves

Four new Sustainable Development Reserves (RDS) have been established in the southern region of Amazonas, Brazil, via presidential decree. Covering approximately 668,000 hectares, the new protected areas—Tupana, Igapó-Açu I, Igapó-Açu II, Canaã, and Mirari—are located along the BR-319 corridor.

These reserves are designed to balance biodiversity protection with the traditional lifestyles of local populations. As a specific category of conservation unit, RDS allows for the sustainable use of natural resources by local residents, providing legal security and economic opportunities for extractivists, riverine communities, and family farmers.

Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco stated that the measure is a fundamental step toward strengthening protection in the BR-319 region. The initiative aims to reduce deforestation caused by irregular economic activities and protect essential ecological corridors and carbon stocks.