Cristalino Private Nature Reserve: Inspiring Conservation and Ecotourism in the Heart of Mato Grosso

The RPPN is home to the Cristalino Lodge hotel, a successful ecotourism enterprise that also supports scientific research. In partnership with Fundação Ecológica Cristalino - FEC, it developed a cooperation model in which ecotourism generates resources for the maintenance of the RPPN and for carrying out research projects at the region and environmental education programs in the surrounding area, becoming fundamental in the discovery and dissemination of the region's biodiversity.

Main opportunities, impacts and benefits

Durante sua jornada na Lista Verde, a RPPN Cristalino identificou uma lacuna crucial: os Limites de Sucesso para as espécies na área não haviam sido claramente definidos. Essa constatação levou a equipe de gestão a desenvolver um plano de pesquisa estruturado com o objetivo de estabelecer esses referenciais ecológicos. Com isso, a Reserva busca gerar resultados concretos de conservação, ao mesmo tempo em que mapeia sistematicamente as ameaças aos seus valores naturais, ecológicos, culturais e sociais.

During its Green List journey, the Cristalino Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) identified a crucial gap: the Thresholds of Success for species within the area had not been clearly defined. This realization prompted the management team to develop a structured research plan aimed at establishing these ecological benchmarks. By doing so, the Reserve seeks to generate concrete conservation outcomes while systematically mapping threats to its natural, ecological, cultural, and social values.

To ensure the credibility and robustness of this research, the Reserve formalized its collaboration with the Federal University of Mato Grosso, transitioning from occasional partnerships to an official commitment. This strengthened alliance is now driving studies on the impact of tourism on large mammals, utilizing camera traps to monitor wildlife. University students are actively engaged in this initiative, fostering academic involvement in conservation efforts.

However, the University was not the only partnership catalyzed by the Green List process. Serving as a key driver of collaboration, the Green List framework inspired the Reserve’s management to address a pressing regional challenge—frequent forest fires during the dry season—through a coordinated, community-based approach. As a result, the Reserve has been actively building a collaborative network among neighboring landowners, fostering real-time information sharing and joint firefighting efforts.

The Green List’s approach to gender equity also influenced the development of a Code of Conduct that prioritizes gender equality as a fundamental principle in its management practices. This initiative underscores the Reserve’s commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable governance within conservation.

By embracing scientific rigor, fostering partnerships, and promoting inclusive management, RPPN Cristalino continues to advance its conservation mission, ensuring long-term protection for its invaluable biodiversity.

Conclusion and future prospects

The Cristalino Private Nature Reserve stands as a beacon of integrated protected area management that harmonizes conservation with ecotourism. Looking forward, the reserve plans to expand its research and environmental education programs, continuing as a pioneer in responsible management and biodiversity conservation. Ongoing commitment to the Green List is crucial to maintaining and elevating these standards of excellence.

Authors: Lucas Eduardo Araujo (RPPN Lote Cristalino), Mariana Saba and Beatriz Barros Aydos (UICN), Luciano Cardoso (EAGL Brasil)

Global Biodiversity Framework Targets (GBF):

• TARGET 1: Plan and Manage all Areas To Reduce Biodiversity Loss 
• TARGET 3: Conserve 30% of Land, Waters and Seas
• TARGET 5: Ensure Sustainable, Safe and Legal Harvesting and Trade of Wild Species
• TARGET 8: Minimize the Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Build Resilience
• TARGET 9: Manage Wd Species Sustainably To Benefit People
• TARGET 10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
• TARGET 11: Restore, Maintain and Enhance Nature’s Contributions to People
• TARGET 20: Strengthen Capacity-Building, Technology Transfer, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation for Biodiversity 
• TARGET 22: Ensure Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice and Information Related to Biodiversity for all 
• TARGET 23: Ensure Gender Equality and a Gender-Responsive Approach for Biodiversity Action

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):

• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 13: Climate Action
• Goal 14: Life Under Water
• Goal 15: Life on Land

Additional resources:

Cristalino Jungle Lodge and Foundation: A private protected area contribution to conservation in Brazil | PANORAMA