São Paulo Legislative Assembly hosts environmental research exhibition

The Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo (Alesp) is hosting an exhibition titled ‘Legado de Alberto Löfgren – 150 anos: caminhos da conservação e da pesquisa ambiental no Estado de São Paulo’ from August 18 to 28. Initiated by State Deputy Maurici, the exhibition is curated by the Association of Scientific Researchers of the State of São Paulo (APqC).

The event celebrates the 140th anniversary of the São Paulo Geographic and Geological Commission. Through 20 panels featuring historical documents, photographs, maps, and illustrations, the exhibition traces the evolution of environmental research in the state. It specifically highlights the life of Johan Albert Constantin Löfgren, a pioneer of Brazilian conservationism and the creator of the São Paulo Forest Service.

Löfgren’s work began in 1886 as a botanical assistant to naturalist Orville Derby. His research into the flora of São Paulo eventually led to the 1896 establishment of the Serra da Cantareira Botanical Garden, a foundational step for the state's forest conservation policies.