Cerrado
Field School

Cerrado Field School

The Cerrado is the largest biodiversity hotspot in the Western Hemisphere, covering more than 2 million km2. The Brazilian Cerrado biome is the second largest biome in South America. Recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, the Cerrado presents an extreme abundance of endemic species. The major threats to the Cerrado now and in the near future are cattle-raising, annual crops (mainly soybeans, corn and cotton), biofuel (sugar cane), charcoal, fire and mono-species tree plantations. Erosion, invasive species, permanent crops, swine, transportation and warming (both local and global) are also relevant. This leads to deforestation at the rate of 6,000 km2 per year; with the current knowledge, the hotspot lost approximately 50% of its natural coverage.

Against this backdrop, the Cerrado Field School aims to train managers and volunteers of the Caminho dos Veadeiros trail so that they can better manage, protect and promote the conservation and connectivity of this unique environment. Caminho dos Veadeiros connects 28 protected areas and is 1120 kilometers long, and connects the capital of Brazil with the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park.

Do you want to experience the Cerrado? Join the Brazil Expedition, 18-26 May 2024. This 9 adventure will give you an opportunity to contribute to building and maintaining the Caminho dos Veadeiros, working side by side with local volunteers and community members.

2024

Ecoregion: Cerrado (Brazilian Savanah)
Trail: Caminho dos Veadeiros
Focus: Integrated trail management
Projects: Trail management, Caminho dos Veadeiros
Partners: Caminho dos Veadeiros, Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio)

Projects

Caminho dos Veadeiros

Design, construction and maintenance of the Caminho dos Veadeiros using an integrated trail management approach is the primary project of the Cerrado Field School. Integrated trail management includes sustainable trail design and construction, regular maintenance, and information and education. It also considers organizational sustainability, with an emphasis on engaging communities and volunteers, and using partnerships to increase the impact of projects and programs.

Opportunities

2024 Brazil Expedition

The Caminho dos Veadeiros is still under construction and does not yet have all sections fully established. It relies mostly on volunteers to plan, build and maintain. Join local volunteers for 3 days of trail work combined with a hikes in and around the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park.

Dates: 18-26 May 2024

The expedition is planned over a nine day period, starting from Saturday and ending the following Sunday.

Day 1:

Reception at Brasília International Airport (BSB) at 11:30am. (All arrivals have to be scheduled before 10:30 am)
Welcome Lunch at Brasília
Transfer to Alto Paraíso (230 km / aprox. 4h)
Check in at the accommodation
Dinner and briefing meeting with local staff

Day 2:

Breakfast at the accommodation
Transfer to Moinho (14 km / aprox. 30min)
Round table talk with members of the Local Association
Visit to Anjos e Arcanjos waterfalls
Lunch in the Community
Transfer to Alto Paraíso

Day 3:

Breakfast at the accommodation
Trekking to the campsite (8 km / approx. 4 h)
Setup camp
Hike around the area and planned worksite

Day 4:

Volunteer work with trail management

Day 5:

Volunteer work with trail management

Day 6:

Volunteer work with trail management

Day 7:

Undo camping
Hike to the waterfalls
Trekking to Alto Paraíso (8 km / approx. 4 h)
Check in at accommodation
Dinner and debriefing meeting with staff and community

Day 8:

Breakfast at accommodation
Rest Day with Optional hike at the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Day 9:

Breakfast at accommodation
Transfer to Brasília International Airport at 8:00 am (230 km / approx. 4h)
Departures after 12:00 am

Donate

You can donate directly to Franconia Ridge loop restoration in Franconia Notch State Park, or Alpine Trail management (summit stewards), or you can let us direct the funds to where we need it most.

We can also provide information on how to donate to a Pan Amercian Trail organization, field school or project.