The cerrado represents the second most important biome in Brazil (after Amazonia) covering an area the size of Western Europe - approximately 2 million square kilometres. This ancient tree savanna, whose origins date back to the Cretaceous period, has an extremely rich flora supporting over 1,000 tree species and 3 to 4 times that number of herbs and shrubs. With a striking heterogeneity of vegetation types, the cerrado constitute an extremely diverse ecosystem which contains an estimated 5% of total global biodiversity.

The purpose of this project is to support Federal and State level policy makers, NGOs and communities on the establishment and management of priority conservation areas and sustainable land use in the cerrado. To achieve this purpose an integrated programme of botanical and socio-economic research will produce scientific results as a basis for satisfying the needs of decision-makers and potential managers of conservation areas.

• Five socio-economic studies analysis threats to, and opportunities for, sustainable development of Cerrados, and advising on policy implications.
• General botanical survey of Cerrados indicating biodiversity patterns.
• Policy submissions recommending establishment of priority conservation areas and appropriate management strategies in the Cerrados.
• Increased community and NGO participation in conservation initiatives in priority areas.
• Sustainable land use management strategies adopted in priority areas.
• Strengthened skill base of botanical and socio-economic research in the Cerrado.
• Improvements in herbarium collections in Brazil and Britain.