Biodiversity Forum to Discuss Conservation of Neglected Biomes at a Special Session on May 22

The Botanical Garden Museum will host a special edition of the Biodiversity Forum dedicated to the premiere of the documentary “CNCFlora Scientific Expeditions: Neglected Biomes – Caatinga, Pampa, and Pantanal” on Friday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. The in-person event, which will bring together researchers, environmental managers, and experts directly involved in the conservation of Brazilian flora, will be by invitation only, but will be livestreamed on the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden’s YouTube channel for the general public.

Approximately one hour in length, the documentary was produced as part of the GEF Terrestrial Project and follows scientific expeditions conducted by the National Center for Flora Conservation (CNCFlora/JBRJ) in regions considered strategic for the conservation of Brazilian biodiversity. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the fieldwork conducted in the Caatinga, Pampa, and Pantanal biomes, highlighting their biological richness, the challenges faced by field teams, and the growing threats to native flora.

Throughout the film, the audience will learn how the scientific surveys conducted during these expeditions contribute to the national process of assessing the risk of extinction for Brazilian plant species, as well as informing public conservation policies, ecological restoration efforts, the strengthening of ecological corridors, and the protection of threatened habitats.

Following the screening, there will be a roundtable discussion with guests who have been directly involved in research and conservation efforts in the areas featured in the documentary. The discussion will address the challenges of conservation in biomes that have historically received less attention, the importance of science for environmental preservation, and the role of conservation areas in protecting Brazil’s biodiversity.

Participants in the roundtable discussion include Gustavo Martinelli, director of the National Center for Flora Conservation at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute; Gustavo Heiden, researcher at Embrapa Temperate Climate; Jackeline Moreira, manager of the Pedra do Segredo Municipal Natural Park (Caçapava do Sul, RS); Marian Rodrigues, head of the Serra da Capivara National Park (ICMBio); José Ribeiro, head of the Serra das Confusões National Park (ICMBio); and Sandro Pereira, environmental analyst and head of the Serra da Bodoquena National Park (ICMBio). The discussion will be moderated by Eduardo Fernandez, coordinator of COAC/CNCFlora/JBRJ.

The Biodiversity Forum is coordinated by a council of experts from the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute (JBRJ) and promotes discussion on biodiversity conservation and key environmental issues.

Biodiversity Forum: GEF Terrestrial - Neglected Biomes (Caatinga, Pampa, and Pantanal)

Date: May 22 (Friday)

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Online | Free livestream on the JBRJ YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/JardimBotanicodoRiodeJaneiro