The Atlantic forest trail: Reconnecting people, biodiversity, and protected areas

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest Trail (AFT) is a 4000-km trail under implementation in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil, following the Serra do Mar and extending to the Serra Geral mountain ranges. The trail crosses 90 protected areas that include federal, state, and private lands, as well as several other protected areas at different levels of implementation and management. There are almost 3,000,000 ha of protected areas crossed by the trail, with the potential to form a major corridor for biodiversity protection. The AFT's mission is to promote society's engagement in conservation and recovery of the Atlantic Forest through outdoor activities, while promoting inclusive socioeconomic development and adding value to our natural and cultural heritage. The project is structured in four strategic axes: (1) trail implementation and protected areas strengthening; (2) outreach, people engagement and volunteering; (3) tourism supply chain; and (4) biodiversity and ecological corridors. Governance is organized at regional, state, and local levels and follows the premises of collaborative and participatory management, bringing together protected areas agencies, climbing and hiking organizations, tour operators, and NGOs. Still in the implementation phase, there are over 4,000 registered volunteers, 450 km of signed trails and partnerships with scientific research agricultural and tourism institutions.