Publications
Wood as Cultural and Biodiversity Heritage: a case study at Fazenda Dois Rios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A study of the 18th-century warehouse at Fazenda Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals that seven wood species were used in its construction, six of which align with the local Atlantic Forest formation. This finding expands the understanding of both cultural and environmental heritage at Paraty and Ilha Grande, a UNESCO Mixed Heritage Site. The research employed the InsideWood database for preliminary taxonomic identification, followed by detailed anatomical comparisons using databases, literature, and reference collections. Species were selected based on anatomical similarity, commercial relevance, geographic distribution, and local floristic records. This analysis underscores wood's potential as an analytical tool for reconstructing environmental history.
Impact of paleo-rainfall events in the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) and human pressures since ~ 1950 in southeastern Brazil: Paraty and Saco de Mamanguá
A significant decline in rainfall and a sharp increase in sediment accumulation since the 1980s, driven by urbanization, deforestation, agriculture, and dredging, have been identified in Paraty and Saco de Mamanguá, southeastern Brazil. The study, using radiometric dating (210Pb and 137Cs) and geochemical analysis of sediment cores from Ilha Grande Bay, reveals that while moisture levels were higher before ~2000, human activities have since exacerbated environmental degradation, including silting, eutrophication, and pollution by toxic elements like Cu, Pb, Sn, Zn, and As. Additionally, the research highlights the impact of extreme rainfall events linked to the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ), which has intensified landslides in slope zones, particularly since ~1970. These findings underscore the dual threat of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on coastal ecosystems, necessitating further investigation into mega-rainfall events in densely populated areas.
Capacidade da governança pública territorial de envolver o turismo de base comunitária no desenvolvimento local sustentável: uma análise do caso de Paraty/RJ
Public governance mechanisms can effectively engage community-based tourism (CBT) in promoting sustainable local development, according to a study analyzing Paraty/RJ. The research identifies four key dimensions—concessions, copotentiality, coeffectiveness, and colegitimacy—that enable territorial public governance (GPT) to support CBT in driving endogenous and sustainable growth. This finding addresses a gap in the literature by demonstrating how GPT can facilitate collaborative efforts between tourism initiatives and local stakeholders. The study employed a case analysis of Paraty/RJ, leveraging documentary reviews, direct observations, and semi-structured questionnaires, with thematic content analysis guiding data interpretation.
Characterization and Proposal of Technologies for The Treatment of Domestic Sewage in Ilha Grande Bay – RJ
A sanitation deficit in Ilha Grande Bay (BIG) is addressed through the identification of five promising decentralized wastewater treatment technologies: Septic Tanks, Compact UASB, Biodigesters, Compartmentalized Anaerobic Reactors, and Integrated Biosystems. These solutions, currently underutilized compared to national averages (18-54% coverage), offer potential for improving environmental conditions in BIG, which has suffered from irregular domestic wastewater discharge due to urbanization. The study analyzed data from the 2017 Wastewater Atlas and evaluated fifteen treatment options to propose strategies that align with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). This research provides a model for implementing decentralized sanitation solutions in developing countries, contributing to universal household wastewater treatment.
Identificação dos aspectos históricos e reconhecimento da produção de cachaça para Denominação de Origem Paraty
The first Geographical Indication (GI) for cachaça in Brazil, recognized as Denomination of Origin Paraty in 2024, highlights the unique historical and cultural significance of cachaça production in Paraty. This recognition follows a long-standing tradition dating back to the 17th century, where Paraty's cachaça was renowned for its superior quality and higher market price compared to other regions. The decline in production during the 20th century led to a collective effort by local producers, culminating in the formation of the Associação de Produtores e Amigos da Cachaça Artesanal de Paraty (APACAP) in 2004, which played a pivotal role in reviving and qualifying cachaça production. The study, employing exploratory and qualitative methods including bibliographic research and case analysis, underscores the importance of institutional partnerships in proving that Paraty's cachaça's unique flavor is tied to both natural and human factors. This experience serves as an inspirational model for other GIs.
Intervenções territoriais e comunitárias em saúde mental de comunidades tradicionais de Paraty
A collaborative project in Paraty, Brazil, successfully integrated territorial and community-based mental health interventions, addressing socio-economic, environmental, and health dimensions while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030. The initiative, involving residents from a multiprofessional residency program and local traditional communities, employed participatory methodologies such as popular education, action research, and experience systematization to strengthen mental health care networks. Activities included territorial recognition workshops, community dialogues, and interviews, fostering collaboration between formal health services and traditional knowledge systems. This approach enhanced access to mental healthcare while preserving cultural heritage, demonstrating a model for sustainable, community-centered mental health strategies in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Meteorological Signal on Hydrodynamics in the Ilha Grande and Sepetiba Bays: Lag Effects and Coastal Currents
A significant meteorological signal lag of 4.92 hours plays a crucial role in shaping the hydrodynamics of Ilha Grande and Sepetiba Bays, Brazil, by inducing water level differences between bay entrances and generating strong currents through the narrow Ilha Grande Channel. Unlike tidal forces, which exhibit minimal coastal lag (1 minute), this remote meteorological effect drives substantial fluxes that cannot be explained by baroclinic effects or seiches alone. The study employed a nested coastal-ocean model to analyze the interplay between meteorological and tidal forcings, revealing how signal propagation delays influence bay dynamics—a finding with implications for understanding complex estuarine systems.
Phytoplankton Diversity Across a Coastal Urbanization and Eutrophication Gradient: The Sepetiba Bay—Ilha Grande Bay Continuum in Rio de Janeiro
Eutrophication acts as an environmental filter, promoting trait convergence and selecting specialist phytoplankton species along an urbanization and eutrophication gradient. This study analyzed phytoplankton diversity across the Sepetiba Bay—Ilha Grande Bay continuum in Rio de Janeiro, revealing significant community differences driven by species replacement rather than loss. Sampling conducted in November 2021 and April 2022 captured functional groups such as strict autotrophs (diatoms and filamentous cyanobacteria) and mixotrophs (dinoflagellates), with increased eutrophication in Sepetiba Bay reducing the dispersion of functional traits. The research used classical diversity indices and Beta-Turnover analyses to assess community structure, highlighting how human settlement impacts coastal ecosystems.
Revisitando o ecoturismo na Ilha Grande/RJ
Ecotourism in Ilha Grande, Brazil, remains largely underdeveloped despite its potential for sustainable tourism. A SWOT analysis of the region reveals significant barriers—such as accessibility challenges and insufficient infrastructure—that hinder its transition from conventional tourism to ecotourism. The study highlights a disconnect between current practices and sustainable ideals, emphasizing the need for coordinated strategies among stakeholders to foster genuine ecotourism development. This research underscores the urgency of policy alignment and collaborative efforts to harness Ilha Grande’s biodiversity while ensuring responsible tourism growth.
Sand fly population dynamics in areas of American cutaneous leishmaniasis, Municipality of Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A three-year study on sand fly population dynamics in Paraty, Brazil, revealed that the highest density of these disease vectors occurs between November and March, with a peak in January. Four species—Nyssomyia intermedia, Pintomyia fischeri, Migonemyia migonei, and Nyssomyia whitmani—were found year-round, posing persistent risks for American cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission. Researchers used CDC light traps, Shannon traps, and manual suction to capture 102,937 sand flies across peridomiciliary and forest areas, identifying seasonal patterns that correlate with increased human-vector contact during warmer months.
A new species of Megaspira (Stylommatophora: Megaspiridae) from Ilha Grande, Southeast Brazil
Researchers have identified and described a new species of Megaspira, a tall-spired land snail native to Brazil. The discovery, named Megaspira adenticulata sp. nov., was made on Ilha Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Brazil. This species is distinguished by its lack of apertural lamellae and light brown spots, which are present in other Megaspiridae species. The study employed shell morphology, microsculpture analysis, and inner anatomy examination—techniques not previously applied to the genus—to characterize this new taxon. M. adenticulata also stands out for its smaller average size (27 mm height) and 16 whorls. Collected under leaf litter near rocks and shallow soil, this finding contributes to the understanding of Megaspira's biodiversity and taxonomic complexity in Brazil.
Assessment of the environmental sustainability of cobia fish farm (Rachycentron Canadum) in the bay of Ilha Grande - Brazil and the relationship with benthic macrofauna
A cobia fish farm in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil, was found to have minimal environmental impact on benthic macrofauna, suggesting sustainability despite organic matter inputs. The study analyzed sediment and benthic organisms across multiple time points and locations, including control areas, revealing no correlation between organic matter and species richness or diversity. The Marine Biotic Index (AMBI) indicated an unpolluted environment with sensitive species predominating. Current velocities were insufficient to disperse organic matter from the farm to control areas, highlighting localized effects. This research provides insights into the environmental sustainability of marine aquaculture in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Caracterização dos serviços ecossistêmicos da Baía de Ilha Grande - RJ
Ilha Grande Bay, a Brazilian marine biodiversity hotspot, offers critical ecosystem services but faces persistent threats from economic development. A 2022 study by Silva et al. reveals that the bay's ecological resilience hinges on its ability to sustain these services despite human-induced pressures. The research characterizes current ecosystem uses—such as fisheries and tourism—as a foundational step toward assessing long-term sustainability. By analyzing historical, spatial, and temporal environmental data, the team identifies key vulnerabilities while proposing management tools to mitigate degradation. Their approach combines ecological mapping with socio-economic factors, offering a blueprint for balancing conservation and development in this UNESCO-listed site.
Festival Aves de Paraty (RJ): projeto, evento, turismo em prol da preservação ambiental (2012-2016)
The Festival Aves de Paraty (2012–2016) successfully integrated tourism with environmental conservation, demonstrating that such initiatives can strengthen ecoturism and nature tourism while reducing their negative impacts. By leveraging birdwatching as a tool for environmental education, the festival fostered community engagement and raised awareness about local biodiversity preservation in Paraty, Brazil—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study employed qualitative research methods, including bibliographic analysis, documentary surveys, and questionnaires, to assess the project's effectiveness. Findings highlighted its role in promoting sustainable tourism practices through education, reflection, and active participation, offering a replicable model for balancing conservation with local economic benefits.
Illustrious visitors to the world nature heritage: seabird strandings in the Ilha Grande bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
A five-year study of seabird strandings in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazilrevealed 268 recorded incidents involving 19 species, with the highest abundance occurring during winter. The most frequent species were the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), and brown booby (Sula leucogaster). The research, conducted through extensive beach monitoring covering over 200 km of coastline, highlighted seasonal variations in stranding patterns while noting that most species showed no clear seasonal trend. This study underscores the ecological significance of Ilha Grande Bay as a critical habitat for seabirds and provides valuable data to support conservation efforts, sustainable tourism, and environmental management strategies.
Nova Metodologia para Análise do Impacto do Atropelamento de Fauna: Estudo de Caso Paraty-Cunha
A novel methodology for assessing the environmental impact of wildlife roadkill has been developed and applied to the Paraty-Cunha highway (RJ-165) in Brazil, revealing significant and previously unquantified impacts on vertebrate fauna. The study identified not only hotspots with higher roadkill rates but also areas where the qualitative nature of affected species was more severe. By analyzing roadkill data at distinct stages of highway restoration, researchers demonstrated that this approach provides more precise and consistent results than traditional methods. This methodology offers a critical tool for environmental management of highways, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions like Paraty and Ilha Grande.
The bee community (Hymenoptera, Apidae) of Ilha Grande, Babitonga bay, Santa Catarina State, Brazil: structure, insularity and interaction network
Island bee communities tend to exhibit lower diversity compared to mainland counterparts, but this study challenges that notion by revealing a surprisingly diverse and complex bee community on Ilha Grande, Babitonga Bay, Brazil. The research identified 50 species or morphotypes of bees, with Apis mellifera being the most abundant, yet its presence reduced overall diversity throughout the year. Notably, the island's Halictinae richness surpassed mainland levels, while Apinae diversity was lower due to the absence of Meliponina. Interaction network analysis showed an asymmetric, nested, and poorly specialized system, indicating limited interference or favoring of certain taxa. The study employed a systematic sampling approach over two years, collecting 785 bee specimens and identifying 55 associated botanical species, with Schinus terebinthifolius being the most visited. These findings corroborate the Theory of Island Biogeography while highlighting unique ecological dynamics on Ilha Grande.
The Praia do Sono (Paraty, Brazil) as a Gateway Community to Achieve the Universalization of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Water Sanitation) in Tourist Areas
A water sanitation project in Praia do Sono, Brazil—a gateway community linking two protected areas—has significantly enhanced residents' sense of belonging and identity while addressing Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) for safe sanitation. The study, using qualitative methods including participant observation and stakeholder interviews, revealed that territorial conflicts, conservation policies, and mass tourism have constrained traditional practices and collective cohesion. However, the project demonstrated tangible health benefits and improved quality of life, offering a model for integrating sustainable sanitation in tourist-driven regions while balancing ecological preservation with community development.
Tree species composition in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A comprehensive analysis of Ilha Grande's arboreal flora, part of the UNESCO-listed Paraty and Ilha Grande site, reveals 509 tree species, with 34 categorized as threatened—including two critically endangered. The study, integrating unpublished data and prior research, highlights the island's rich biodiversity within Brazil's Atlantic Forest, while also identifying 53 exotic species. Conducted through phytosociological inventories since 2010 under PPBio Mata Atlântica, this work underscores the critical role of such inventories in guiding conservation strategies for this globally significant ecosystem.
Vivência no município de Paraty-RJ: tecendo a tradição e valorizando os conhecimentos tradicionais e culturais no contexto rural e urbano
A study conducted in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, reveals that traditional knowledge is vital for rural-urban communities, playing a crucial role in preserving cultural identity, generating income, and providing a voice to these communities. The research employed qualitative ethnographic methods, including field visits, interviews, participant observation, and photographic records, to explore the interplay between tradition and modern life in both rural and urban settings. It highlights how continuous learning within these communities contributes significantly to biodiversity and quality of life, while also contextualizing school content with daily reality. This work underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing traditional knowledge as a means of sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Análise da sensibilidade ambiental do litoral de Paraty (Estado do Rio Janerio, Brasil) a potenciais derramamentos de óleo.
The coastal region of Paraty, Brazil, exhibits varying levels of vulnerability to oil spills, with some areas facing severe ecological and socio-economic risks. Research using the Shoreline Sensitivity Index (ISL) identified distinct sensitivity levels: rocky shores in bays and islands (ISL 1-2), beaches like Taquari and Prainha (ISL 4), southern Jabaquara and Barra de Corumbê (ISL 5), talus deposits and armored coasts (ISL 6), and mangrove areas (ISL 10) as the most sensitive. Fieldwork, including morphological and sediment characterization of six beaches, revealed that oil pollution could cause significant damage to marine ecosystems, tourism, and fisheries. This study highlights the need for targeted environmental protection strategies in Paraty's coastal zones.
Anthropic expansion of Paraty in Serra da Bocaina National Park, Mata Atlântica Biome
The study reveals that Paraty's urban expansion within the Serra da Bocaina National Park has led to a significant decrease in native vegetation cover, with growth occurring diffusely and without adherence to municipal or park planning. This finding underscores the ineffectiveness of current Master and Management Plans in mitigating anthropic pressure on the Mata Atlântica Biome. Researchers employed geoprocessing tools to analyze land use changes over three time points (2001, 2006, and 2018) using Landsat satellite imagery, alongside a review of planning documents. The results highlight the urgent need for improved management strategies to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site's biodiversity.
Avaliação da Erosão dos Solos na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Pequeno, Paraty-rj
A recent study on the Rio Pequeno watershed in Paraty, Brazil, reveals that while soils in the region exhibit low erodibility, human activities and land management practices are accelerating soil degradation. The research highlights how changes in vegetation cover and improper land use reduce organic matter input, potentially increasing soil erodibility over time. Despite the natural resilience of the terrain, these findings underscore the need for sustainable management to protect the ecological integrity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study employed a combination of fieldwork, soil attribute analysis, and thematic mapping to assess environmental conditions, providing critical insights into the long-term impacts of human interference on biodiversity and landscape stability.
Coastal Erosion and Flood Susceptibility in Paraty, Southeast Brazil
A 14-year analysis of Paraty's shoreline, a UNESCO-listed site in Brazil, reveals significant erosion and flood vulnerability in key coastal areas. Southern Jabaquara Beach, Pontal, Terra Nova (Paraty-Centro), Cepilho, and Fora (Trindade) exhibited erosive behavior, while Ranchos Beach (Trindade) and northern Jabaquara remained stable or accreted. The study used UAV-derived orthoimages and digital surface models, shoreline mapping, and flood simulations to identify the most vulnerable zones—Jabaquara's coast, Paraty's central area, and Trindade's southwest sector—as hotspots for erosion and flooding, posing risks to urban and tourist infrastructure. This research highlights critical areas needing conservation and mitigation strategies to protect this culturally and biodiversely significant region.
Composition and distribution of fishes from the Perequê-Açu river basin, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil
A comprehensive study of the Perequê-Açu river basin in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reveals significant insights into its ichthyofaunal diversity. The research identified 23 native fish species across seven orders and ten families, with Cyprinodontiformes and Siluriformes dominating the composition, accounting for 87.2% of the total abundance. Notably, Phalloceros anisophallos and Schizolecis guntheri contributed to 63.2% of the sampled individuals. The study found that fish composition varies significantly across different sub-basins, with the Sertões River sub-basin exhibiting the highest species diversity (18 species). Additionally, approximately 78.3% of the drainage's species are residents, with a notable concentration in the Carrasquinho River sub-basin. The research utilized twelve sampling campaigns and employed statistical analyses such as PERMANOVA, PCoA, and SIMPER to assess distribution patterns and conservation status, providing critical data for understanding and protecting this understudied coastal drainage within the Atlantic Forest.
Ilha Grande, one of the locations with the most records of bat species (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in Rio de Janeiro state: results of a long-term ecological study
Ilha Grande, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paraty and Ilha Grande, stands out as one of the regions in Rio de Janeiro state with the highest records of bat species, both in terms of abundance and diversity. A long-term ecological study confirmed the presence of 36 bat species on the island by analyzing specimens from zoological collections and conducting mist net sampling in previously unstudied areas. The research compared five distinct studies conducted on Ilha Grande, each with varying objectives and sampling techniques, to 34 fauna inventories across Rio de Janeiro state. This comprehensive approach revealed that Ilha Grande not only boasts a rich bat diversity but also represents an area of significant capture effort, underscoring its importance for conservation efforts.
Ingestion of Microplastics by Benthic Marine Organisms in the Ilha Grande Bay Heritage Site on Southeastern Brazil
Researchers have documented the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by two key benthic marine organisms—Ascidiacea and Amphipoda—in the Ilha Grande Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Brazil. The study highlights a significant environmental concern, as these organisms, integral to the bay's ecosystem, are affected by MPs, which disrupt behavior, consumption, and nutritional rates. The findings underscore the pervasive impact of plastic pollution on even remote heritage sites, despite their protected status. The research employed field sampling and laboratory analysis to assess MP ingestion levels, providing critical data on the extent of marine litter contamination in this globally recognized natural area.
Seasonality of stranded tetrapod fauna in the Paraty Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Strandings of marine tetrapods in Paraty Bay, Brazil, do not show significant seasonal variation, though patterns differ among groups. Over five years, 588 strandings were recorded, with green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) being the most abundant, followed by brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) and guianan dolphins (Sotalia guianensis). Bird species exhibited the highest richness, while marine mammals peaked in spring. The study analyzed temporal patterns to infer behavioral insights and population distributions, providing critical data for conservation efforts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The introduction of Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) on Ilha Grande, Southeast Brazil, from initial stages to an established population
A four-year study on Ilha Grande, Brazil, revealed that the invasive snail Physa acuta established itself rapidly in a local stream, with population growth influenced by environmental factors like rainfall. Initially dominated by smaller specimens, the population shifted toward intermediate size classes within less than a year. This rapid establishment suggests potential ecological impacts on native species and provides critical insights into the invasion dynamics of non-native gastropods. The findings underscore the need for targeted conservation measures to mitigate the spread and effects of invasive freshwater snails in UNESCO-listed sites like Paraty and Ilha Grande, which are rich in both cultural heritage and biodiversity.
A cartografia social e os pct’s na escola: considerações sobre a experiência das comunidades caiçaras do pouso da cajaíba e da praia do sono (Paraty - RJ) / Social cartography and pct's in school: considerations about the experience of caiçaras communities in the pouso de cajaíba and praia do sono (Paraty - RJ)
A study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paraty and Ilha Grande reveals how social cartography, when integrated into school projects, can effectively bridge daily community life with spatial representation processes. The research highlights that involving students in creating tourist guides through a decolonial approach fosters meaningful engagement with their environment. This method not only enhances spatial awareness but also strengthens socio-territorial connections within the Caiçara communities of Pouso da Cajaíba and Praia do Sono, located in Baía da Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro. The findings suggest that educational initiatives rooted in local contexts can be powerful tools for both learning and territorial identity.
A Espacialidade da Covid-19 e o Pandemônio em Meio a Pandemia nas Comunidades Tradicionais da Cajáiba – Paraty
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated spatial inequalities, disrupting traditional subsistence patterns, particularly for coastal fishing communities in Cajaíba, Paraty. This study reveals how global economic pressures and local market dynamics have deepened social and health crises among these vulnerable groups, whose livelihoods depend on artisanal fishing. The research employs a critical analysis of spatial interactions to assess the pandemic's impact on community resilience and policy responses. Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the dual burden of health and economic vulnerability in isolated, traditionally reliant regions.
A Territorialização do Capital e as Estratégias de Resistência Camponesa em Paraty/RJ/ The Territorialization of Capital and Peasant Resistance Strategies in Paraty/RJ/ La Territorialización del Capital y las Estrategias de Resistencia Campesina en Paraty/RJ
Peasant communities in Paraty, Brazil, demonstrate resilience through diverse strategies to counter the encroachment of capital over the past six decades. This study reveals a multicultural and heterogeneous campesinato characterized by shared traits, employing both individual and collective tactics—ranging from daily resistance within production units to broader movements and political networks—to preserve their way of life amid rapid territorialization of economic power. The research adopts a qualitative approach, centering on peasant voices as active agents in shaping their history.
Assessing the histological changes in fish gills as environmental bioindicators in Paraty and Sepetiba bays in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Histological changes in the gills of two fish species, Menticirrhus americanus and Micropogonias furnieri, serve as effective bioindicators for assessing environmental quality in Paraty and Sepetiba bays, Brazil. The study found that Paraty Bay is in good conservation condition, while Sepetiba Bay exhibits significant contamination, evidenced by gill lesions such as epithelial lifting, aneurysm, and necrosis in fish collected from the area. Researchers analyzed a random sample of 58 fish to evaluate these histological biomarkers, which provide a reliable method for measuring environmental hazards and stressors. This approach highlights the potential of using specific fish species as sentinels for monitoring water quality and ecological health.
Dinâmica de Praia e Susceptibilidade às Ondas de Tempestades no Litoral da Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis - Rj)
Praias da Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, RJ) apresentam dinâmica sedimentar e vulnerabilidade variada às ondas de tempestades. As praias voltadas para o oceano, como Lopes Mendes e Provetá, são mais dinâmicas e suscetíveis a ressacas, com correntes de deriva litorânea que formam canais submarinos proeminentes e causam erosão significativa, incluindo danos a infraestruturas. Tempestades de maior magnitude removem grandes quantidades de sedimentos, expondo raízes e derrubando árvores em Provetá, onde também são registrados prejuízos a casas no limite interno da praia. As praias voltadas para o continente, embora menos dinâmicas, também sofrem com ondulações fortes durante ressacas, afetando atividades de embarque e desembarque. O estudo analisou 72 perfis topográficos e 164 amostras de sedimentos em seis praias, identificando variações granulométricas e morfoscópicas, com predomínio de areia quartzosa subangular, fina a muito fina nas praias oceânicas e grossa a muito grossa nas continentais.
Ecomuseum Ilha Grande: musealization and collective construction
A groundbreaking approach to musealization at the Ecomuseum Ilha Grande demonstrates how community involvement can redefine heritage conservation and local development. The study highlights that integrating the perspectives of residents, particularly in Vila Dois Rios—where the ecomuseum is headquartered—enables a more inclusive and sustainable interpretation of territory and heritage. By employing an Experimental Laboratory methodology, the research treats the village as a living space for collective construction, blending theoretical frameworks with practical community engagement to shape the ecomuseum's identity and purpose. This model challenges traditional musealization practices by prioritizing participatory processes over top-down approaches, offering a scalable template for other UNESCO sites balancing cultural preservation with environmental stewardship.
Encounter rate and behavior of Alouatta guariba clamitans in the Ilha Grande State Park, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
Research estimates the encounter rate, density, and population size of Alouatta guariba clamitans, a threatened species endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest, within Ilha Grande State Park. Findings indicate low encounter rates (0.04 ± 0.01 individuals per kilometer) and small group sizes, reinforcing urgent conservation needs due to yellow fever outbreaks that severely impacted Rio de Janeiro populations between 2017 and 2018. Data were collected over two periods (2003–2005 and 2009–2010), using distance sampling methods to assess behavior and ecological aspects, providing critical baseline data for future conservation strategies.
Host-related factors affecting the occurrence of tick on dogs in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
A study on Ilha Grande, Brazil, revealed that dogs with street access, poor body condition, medium to large size, and undefined breeds had a higher occurrence of the tick species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). The research surveyed 388 dogs across 11 villages, finding ticks on 118 dogs, with R. sanguineus s.l. being the most prevalent at 28.87%. While dogs interacted with surrounding forests and wild animals, the prevalence of ticks associated with wildlife was low. This suggests that host-related factors play a significant role in tick infestation, even in areas with strict conservation policies.
Mixed site. Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity (Brazil)
Paraty and Ilha Grande, Brazil, stand as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of cultural heritage and biodiversity, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This mixed site is celebrated for its exceptionally well-preserved historic center, which remains one of the most vibrant and intact urban landscapes globally. The designation underscores its significance in preserving both natural and cultural properties, marking 41 years since the inception of the World Heritage list in 1978. The site's architectural and artistic treasures, coupled with its rich biodiversity, exemplify the importance of safeguarding such unique environments for future generations.
Non-marine invasive gastropods on Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): distribution and implications for conservation
A new inventory of non-marine invasive gastropods on Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals three species—Melanoides tuberculata, Physa acuta, and Achatina fulica—with the latter being the most widespread, found in 16 villages. Most records were concentrated in anthropogenic areas, likely due to accessibility, but one was documented within a conservation area, raising concerns about potential ecological impacts. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate the spread of these invasive species, which pose significant threats to local biodiversity.
Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille, 1811) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae): first record on Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Researchers report the first documented presence of Panstrongylus geniculatus, a triatomine bug species known to transmit Chagas disease, inside a building on Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This discovery highlights a potential risk for local Chagas disease transmission, as P. geniculatus is frequently found infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for the disease. The study, conducted at the 'Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Desenvolvimento Sustentável' in Vila Dois Rios, contributes to understanding the species' distribution and its implications for public health in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Threatened Flora of Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Ilha Grande, Brazil, hosts 49 threatened plant species, with 12 listed internationally and 30 on Brazil's national list. The study, using herbaria data, living collections, and field sampling, found that deforestation and logging are the primary historical threats, affecting predominantly arboreal species. Families like Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Meliaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Orchidaceae, which are rich in Dense Ombrophilous Forest, also have the highest number of threatened species. Four species on the island are endemic to Rio de Janeiro State.
Unidades de Conservação e Comunidades Tradicionais: Um Olhar acerca da Comunidade Caiçara na Vila de São Gonçalo, no Mosaico da Bocaina em Paraty – Rj
This study highlights the harmonious relationship between the traditional Caiçara community and environmental conservation within the Bocaina Mosaic. It demonstrates how the community's indigenous knowledge and practices contribute significantly to the preservation of the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro. The research, conducted through fieldwork at São Gonçalo village, emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with conservation strategies to maintain biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity