Valuation of management effectiveness in Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPN) in Parana, Brazil

Conservation in Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPN) has expanded throughout Brazil, representing a complement to public Conservation Units. However, little is known about its management. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of management of RPPNs in Parana, a state in southern Brazil, applying a methodology developed for this state that considers 17 aspects. The 132 RPPNs evaluated were classified into five levels, with level I representing the most deficient management and level V representing the best management. Fifty RPPN were classified as level I, 53 as level II, 17 as level III, nine as level IV, and only three as level V. Therefore, it is concluded that the conservation status of RPPN is worrying since more than 80% of the areas are classified into an unsatisfactory level. This reality can reflect on biodiversity and question the purpose of creating these reserves. Finally, it is observed that the applied methodology adequately meets the proposed objectives.