Jalapão is an example of environmental preservation in Tocantins

Located in the center of the country and considered one of the major routes for ecotourism practice, Jalapão is one of the most spectacular natural regions of Tocantins. In thinking on protecting its natural resources and promoting sustainable development in the region the State Government created PEJ – State Park of Jalapão (2001).

Located in a strategic position between the protected areas of the Ecological Station of the Serra Geral mountain range and the National Park of Parnaíba Springs, PEJ has an area of 150 thousand hectares, making it the largest conservation park of the state.

Under the management of Naturatins - Nature Institute of Tocantins, the technical staff of the park has put in place several measures for the preservation and protection of its biodiversity. An example of this is the management and planning of the golden grass (Syngonanthus nitens), where the department through visits and meetings with the craftsmen’s associations in Mateiros, São Felix and Ponte Alta Counties - a region where there is a higher incidence of the species- brings direction, clarification and education to collectors concerning Naturatins’ Ordinance No. 362/2007, which regulates the sustainable management of the product throughout the state.

Other strategies for the conservation of natural resources that deserve emphasis are: environmental education to tourists, the implementation of the county fire protocol, which cooperates in reducing fires in the region, and the conservation of fauna and flora, having as main example the Merganser Monitoring and Conservation Project.

The Merganser project has been developed by the environmental agency since July 2007 and aims at ensuring the survival of the species already threatened with extinction. Population survey of the bird, monitoring of places where they are found, monitoring of couples of reproductive age is done as part of the assignment.

According to the chairman of Naturatins Stalin Beze Bucar, these actions are tools aimed at protecting the ecosystem of the Jalapão Region with the support of surrounding communities. "We want the sustainable development of the region to join tourism and environmental preservation," Stalin said, adding that the four Conservation Units of Integral Protection of the State are fundamental to the conservation of natural resources of Tocantins.

According to Rodrigo Custodio, biologist responsible for the administration of the park, work in the community has produced positive results. "Every day, more residents come to us for help with fire protection, which shows that people are aware and our involvement through environmental education is being satisfactory," said.

Tourist Attractions

One of the priorities identified by the Management Unit is stepping up preventive efforts, such as inspection of the attractions during vacation and holiday seasons, when there is a greater number of tourists in these places.

An entry gate to PEJ Park should be built to improve its infrastructure and to identify the conservation area. The gate will be built next to the Rio Novo River station, about 50 km from the headquarters.

Besides the construction of an entry gate, a walkway over the Formiga Waterfall is part of the project to be developed. The idea came after an environmental educator from Naturatins noted that some plant species growing on the banks of the falls had their roots exposed.

The intention is for the footbridge to prevent future environmental impacts and prepare the attraction to better receive tourists, as in the walkway and gazebo built at the Cachoeira da Velha Waterfall on the Rio Novo River in Mateiros, by the State Government in partnership with the Federal Government in 2006.