Serra do Gandarela

Serra do Gandarela National Park protects critical water sources and biodiversity in the Iron Quadrangle region of Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil, covering approximately 31,000 hectares. The park encompasses mountains, Atlantic Forest remnants, campos rupestres (rocky grasslands), and extensive cave systems including some of Brazil's longest caverns. Elevations range from 900 to 1,700 meters, creating diverse habitats supporting endemic and threatened species. The park protects headwaters supplying water to over three million people in Belo Horizonte's metropolitan area, making water conservation a critical function. Rich iron ore deposits in the region have led to intense mining pressures that the park designation aimed to balance. The park harbors significant biodiversity including jaguars, maned wolves, and numerous Atlantic Forest specialists. Cave systems support unique subterranean species and provide important scientific and speleological resources. The park's creation represented a major conservation victory in a region dominated by mining interests.

Serra do Gandarela National Park was established in 2014 after years of advocacy by environmental groups, local communities, and water supply authorities concerned about mining threats to critical watersheds. The region has a long history of iron ore mining, with proposals for expansion threatening water sources for millions of people in Belo Horizonte. Public campaigns emphasizing the park's watershed protection functions built support for protection despite opposition from mining companies. The park's boundaries reflect compromises between conservation objectives and existing mining rights, with some mining activities continuing in buffer areas. Indigenous peoples historically inhabited the region, with archaeological evidence of their presence, and quilombola (descendants of escaped slaves) communities maintain cultural connections to the area. The park protects Atlantic Forest remnants that once covered much of southeastern Brazil but have been reduced to small, fragmented patches. Recent management has focused on demarcating boundaries, establishing visitor facilities, and implementing programs to protect water sources and biodiversity. The park represents an important precedent for conservation in mining-dominated regions, demonstrating that watershed protection can take priority over extractive industries.

Serra do Gandarela National Park is located approximately 50 kilometers from Belo Horizonte, accessible via highways and local roads, making it popular for day trips and weekend visits. Multiple access points serve different park sections, with visitor centers providing information on trails, caves, and conservation programs. Popular destinations include waterfalls, viewpoints overlooking mountain landscapes, and cave systems open to guided visits. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging treks through Atlantic Forest and campos rupestres habitats. Cave tours require advance booking with authorized guides who provide equipment and ensure visitor safety while protecting sensitive cave environments. The nearby communities of Caeté, Barão de Cocais, and other towns offer accommodations, restaurants, and local guide services. The park is accessible year-round, with the dry season (April to September) offering best conditions for hiking, while the wet season features fuller waterfalls. Swimming in natural pools and waterfalls is popular during warmer months. Visitor facilities include picnic areas, restrooms, and interpretive signs explaining water conservation, biodiversity, and mining history. Entry regulations help manage visitor numbers and protect sensitive areas. The park's proximity to Belo Horizonte makes it valuable for environmental education and recreation while serving critical watershed protection functions.

Conservation in Serra do Gandarela National Park prioritizes watershed protection, given the park's critical role supplying water to over three million people in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan region. Forest conservation and restoration prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and regulate water flow in streams and rivers flowing to treatment facilities. The park faces ongoing pressures from surrounding mining operations, requiring vigilant monitoring to prevent illegal incursions and water pollution from mining activities. Biodiversity conservation focuses on protecting Atlantic Forest remnants and campo rupestre ecosystems, both highly threatened habitat types with significant endemism. Cave system protection addresses threats from vandalism, unauthorized visits, and potential mining impacts, implementing controlled access and educational programs about speleological conservation. The park works to control invasive species, particularly exotic grasses and trees that alter native ecosystems and affect water yield. Wildlife monitoring tracks populations of large mammals including jaguars and maned wolves, indicators of ecosystem health. Climate change adaptation strategies address altered rainfall patterns and increased drought frequency, particularly important given watershed protection functions. Community engagement programs involve surrounding populations in conservation, providing alternative livelihoods and building support for protection. The park collaborates with water companies, municipalities, and conservation organizations to emphasize watershed services and justify continued protection against mining pressures. Long-term success depends on maintaining strong political support for water conservation over extractive industries, adequate funding for management, and effective collaboration across the multiple jurisdictions encompassed by the park.