THE BRAZILIAN ATLANTIC FOREST: OCCUPATION, DEATH AND PROTECTION OF FOREST REMNANTS AND BIODIVERSITY

The replacement of the Atlantic Forest for other uses has been taking place for more than five centuries. There were developed the major metropolitan areas and agglomerations just as important economic activities for the country were also concentrated. Very little of its original features remains pointing out the inevitable process of destruction. However, a number of social and governament initiatives aim at conservation measures, such as the Biosphere Reserve, among other areas of conservation, recovery and appropriation by the local population. The text is chained together by analysing the historic occupation process by highlighting the first half of the 20th century and the near disappearance of the Atlantic Forest due to metropolisation and industry as of which inquiries about priority biodiversity conservation actions in the context of the Reserve and argues on the ability to get a new cycle in the region started.