Known for housing one of the richest archaeological heritages in the world, the Serra da Capivara National Park in Piauí has gained another important title: the conservation unit is the only Brazilian site on a selective list made by The New York Times, one of the most important media outlets in the world, of tourist destinations in 2022. “Art and archaeology in a remote park in Brazil, where visitors can help preserve,” describes the newspaper. Click here to access the full list.
The article highlights the archaeological relevance of Serra da Capivara. The park contains fossils of the first humans to inhabit the Americas, and in addition to the landscapes and scenic beauty of the Caatinga, it is the only exclusively Brazilian biome. “What distinguishes this national park from countless other breathtaking Brazilian landscapes are the archaeological and artistic remains of ancient humans, which many researchers believe arrived over 20,000 years ago,” says journalist Seth Kugel.
Gradually, visitation at the park is returning to normal rhythms, with visitors from all over Brazil and the world. Despite Covid-19, the Federal Government, through ICMBio, invested in infrastructure, such as new attractions, restrooms, and recently, a 60-meter-high staircase that provides safer and faster access, while also ensuring a magnificent view during the visit.
“After long conversations with the NYTimes correspondent, talking about our park, management, work, and research, we are on the list of the most important tourist routes in the world,” exclaims the head of the unit, Marian Rodrigues.Other Destinations
The park shares the list with other heavyweight representatives, such as Saguaro National Park (Arizona) in the United States; Dana Biosphere Reserve in Jordan; El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico; Chimanimani National Park in Mozambique; Iberá Park in Argentina; Cerro Castillo National Park in Chile; Elijio Panti National Park in Belize, as well as urban destinations like Kyoto in Japan; Queens in New York; and Humboldt in Kansas.About ICMBio
The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation is an autarchy under special regime. Created on August 28, 2007, by Law 11,516, ICMBio is linked to the Ministry of the Environment and integrates the National Environmental System (Sisnama). The Institute is responsible for executing the actions of the National System of Conservation Units, being able to propose, implement, manage, protect, supervise, and monitor the UCs established by the Union. Additionally, it promotes and executes research, protection, preservation, and conservation programs for biodiversity and exercises environmental policing powers for the protection of federal Conservation Units.Source: www.gov.br, with information from the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation