Nature Production as a Development Model

by Clóvis Borges, executive director of SPVS (Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education)

In common perception, the idea persists that preserving nature is a luxury, a cost without tangible return. Such a perception, besides being mistaken, is dangerous as it masks the enormous potential to generate tangible benefits for people, especially those living near or within natural areas.

Today, talking about “nature production” is recognizing that protecting biodiversity is an effective way to generate income, jobs, environmental services, and resilience in the face of the climate emergency.

The coast and north of Paraná have clear examples of this model. For decades, the local Atlantic Forest was deforested to open pastures—often for buffalo farming—resulting in the degradation of springs, soils, and habitats. The conversion of forests into open areas represented an economy centered on the immediate exploitation of natural resources.

However, this cycle began to be reversed in the 1990s when initiatives like SPVS emerged, focused on buying and restoring land. These actions led to the creation of private nature reserves, where the focus shifted to environmental regeneration and the promotion of sustainable tourism.

SPVS has been active since the 1980s in the conservation of the Atlantic Forest, with projects for forest protection, native fauna, and environmental education. It is a reference in environmental compensation initiatives and sustainable partnerships with companies and communities.

In that region, one of the greatest advances was the conversion of former deforesters into forest defenders. People who once wielded axes now maintain trails, guide visitors, and protect wildlife from illegal hunting.

Thus, nature production is a concrete and effective response to old models of land use. Today, more than 340 bird species have been spotted in a single day in the conserved areas of the Great Atlantic Forest Reserve. This is not just a biological indicator—it’s an economic asset. Birdwatchers, researchers, and tourists from various parts of Brazil and the world seek these experiences, boosting the economy of numerous municipalities.

The ecotourism generated by these areas has significant results: thousands of annual visitors, hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, and new opportunities for young people who previously had to leave their communities. Moreover, reserves like Salto Morato, from the Boticário Group Foundation, serve as a stage for hundreds of scientific studies, expanding knowledge about biodiversity, invasive species, and nature-based solutions.

In this scope, the pedagogical role of natural reserves must be highlighted. By hosting schools, universities, and research, they become true outdoor classrooms. Students have direct contact with wildlife, understand the water cycle in practice, the role of forests, and the impacts of human action on the environment.

But nature production is not limited to tourism or science. It directly impacts the collection of public resources. In Antonina, for example, the Ecological ICMS has already yielded more than R$ 9 million annually to the municipality—a value comparable to that collected by the local port. And two-thirds of this amount derive from the good management of natural reserves. A well-maintained forest is as valuable as large industrial enterprises, without generating environmental liabilities.

This model also directly contributes to meeting national conservation goals, such as those established in the Biodiversity Action Plan (EPANB), which values protected areas and participatory management of territories. On the international level, private reserves help Brazil advance the goal of protecting 30% of its ecosystems by 2030, according to the United Nations Global Biodiversity Framework.

Equally important is the institutional strengthening derived from well-structured conservation. When civil society organizations operate based on technical expertise, transparency, and concrete results, they gain social and institutional trust. This allows for the establishment of lasting partnerships, attracts investments, and consolidates public sustainability policies.

The model is also strengthened through innovations like “biodiversity credits.” Recently, SPVS signed a contract with the Pequeno Príncipe Complex, a national reference in child health, to offset environmental impacts based on protected areas.

Each credit is a market instrument representing measurable conservation benefits, such as protecting species or habitats. Companies can purchase them to offset negative environmental impacts. Thus, they are auditable alternatives that connect different sectors to sustainability.

In summary, natural reserves provide crucial services by protecting springs, conserving soil, and maintaining the microclimate. Without them, many water sources would be degraded by siltation. Preserved forests ensure supply in cities and the countryside.

Keeping the forest standing is equally an investment that attracts resources, innovation, and tourism. It strengthens local cultures, supports communities, and offers prospects for young people and women. It promotes networks of cooperation and sustainable development. This model integrates prosperity with respect for the planet’s limits.

Nature production is a legitimate and urgent path to development. It is a necessity based on evidence, successful experiences, and consistent socioeconomic indicators. May it be understood, replicated, and strengthened throughout Brazil. The future of the country and the planet depends on it.