Peruaçu National Park in Brazil gains UNESCO World Natural Heritage recognition

Peruaçu National Park, located in the state of Minas Gerais, has been officially recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site. The prestigious designation was granted during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Paris, according to the official website of Brazil’s Ministry of Environment.

The park boasts over 200 documented caves, archaeological sites with human traces dating back 12,000 years, prehistoric rock paintings, and rich biodiversity from Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga biomes, making it a natural and cultural treasure of global importance, stressed the Brazilian authorities.

The President of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), Mauro Pires, emphasised that the designation not only acknowledges the park’s natural beauty and archaeological wealth but also honours the vital role played by local communities and the park’s management team throughout the nomination process. 

As the first natural World Heritage site in Minas Gerais, this recognition broadens Brazil’s representation on the UNESCO list and promotes sustainable regional development.

Photo: iStock