Amazonia is the largest tropical rainforest in the world: it encompasses six Latin American countries, namely Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its river basin stretches for more than 6 million square kilometers, and represents 1/5 of the planet's freshwater reserves. This aquatic ecosystem is inhabited by countless species of fish, reptile, and terrestrial and aquatic mammals, many of which are endangered, such as the pirarucu, the giant otter, and the Amazonian manatee.

IPÊ - Institute of Ecological Research has been working in Amazonia since 2000, more specifically in the lower Negro River region, where it has been developing projects that aim at preserving the social and the environmental diversities, seeking sustainability in the mosaic composed by the local protected areas, which cover about 1.8 million hectares. IPÊ works in the following protected areas: Anavilhanas Ecological Station (ESEC Anavilhanas); Negro River State Parks - North and South Sections; State Environmental Protection Area of the Negro River Left Margin - Section Aturiá-Apuazinho and State Environmental Protection Area of the Negro River Right Margin - Puduari-Solimões Section; and Tupé Sustainable Development Reserve.

In 1997, IPÊ coordinated the design of a management plan for the Anavilhanas Ecological Station, together with other research institutions in the region. This experience was crucial to acquaint the Institution's researchers with the biome and the traditional populations. As early as 2001, IPÊ signed a technical partnership with IBAMA to conduct research in Anavilhanas and its area of influence. The activities carried out include research on wild fauna, environmental education, and studies to make sustainable alternatives viable for the communities living around the Ecological Station. Today, IPÊ has formed other partnerships with SEDEMA - Secretary of Development and Environment of Manaus, and collaborates with several NGOs and institutes working in Amazonia. In spite of the Negro River watershed's good conservation status, there is an increasing and disturbing impact on the exploration of local ecosystems. For this reason, social and environmental projects should be designed so that the overall richness found in the region can be better protected and enhanced.

See below IPÊ 's programs and projects in the region:

 
 
  EDUCATION
Environmental Education

Participatory approach of communities through conservation programs, appreciation of local culture and sustainable projects.
 
   MANATEE
Fauna and Flora Research Program

Studies for the conservation of the Amazonian manatee
 
  ECOUTURISM

Ecotourism and Navigating Education in Amazonia

Community-based ecotourism and activities developed together with riverside communities for Amazonia sustainability.
 
  ETHNOBOTANY

Ethnobotany and Agroforestry Management

Ethno-scientific research for conservation and cultural appreciation, aiming at developing access to plant resources and food safety.


             
  BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use

Sustainable forms of space appropriation through actions of territorial co-management, aiming at improving the use of natural resources.
           
 

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