Summary
The Serra do Mar region contains the most preserved remnants of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) and forms a natural barrier between São Paulo and the sea. However, with highways, industrial development, and expansion of the city of São Paulo, informal settlements have emerged in landslide-prone areas and have degraded forest and water resources. The Serra do Mar and Atlantic Forest Mosaics System Socio-Environmental Recovery Program responds to these pressures by promoting the socio- environmental recovery of the mountain region and its coastal areas. The program restores forest habitat and regional drinking water resources serving 2.7 million people in the region. 1 Simultaneously, the program improves conditions for 6,400 vulnerable families 2,3 in high geological risk areas through a voluntary resettlement program. The program is implemented through a unique collaboration between the state Housing and Environment departments. The program is strategically coordinated by a Program Management Unit in the state Economic Affairs and Planning Department.
Research director
Dr. Andreas Georgoulias
Research core team
María Ignacia Arrasate
Case study written by
Helen Perivier • María Ignacia Arrasate • Andreas Georgoulias • Annette Killmer • María Cecilia Ramírez • Graham Watkins • Hendrik Meller
