Just as exposed geological layers give us information about the age and formation of an area, the interference of man can be read in polluted rivers, erosion, and destroyed forests.

Like other areas of conservation in this region, wildfire is the main cause of destruction of flora and fauna. Some are set by arsons and others occur from illegal burns on farms adjoining the Park.

Another issue is lawsuits brought by landowners who lost property when the park was formed and were not compensated.

The most visible destruction is sedimentation and pollution of the rivers as in the case of RIO PARAGUACU whose banks were repeatedly altered by dredging operations, which occurred before the institution of LAWS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES was created in 1998. Springs have been destroyed by deforestation and grazing. Irrigation (pivos centrais) has drained the aquifers and caused salination of the soil in some areas.

Much of the original forests were preserved primarily because the rocky soil wasn’t good for farming.

Recently the local population has become aware of the need to prevent wildfires and preserve nature as they transition from their history of diamond mining into modern eco-tourism. There is also the challenge of protecting the natural monuments, caves and wells of the region. Their exploitation by private individuals is overseen and guarded by the regulations of IBAMA, which protects these lands from destruction, unlawful extraction of natural resources and the consequences of large amounts of visitors.

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