Aerial view of a blue-water lake surrounded by green areas and native Atlantic Forest vegetation, showcasing the preserved landscape of Vale Natural Reserve. The image is included to highlight the biodiversity and natural beauty of the site. Aerial view of a blue-water lake surrounded by green areas and native Atlantic Forest vegetation, showcasing the preserved landscape of Vale Natural Reserve. The image is included to highlight the biodiversity and natural beauty of the site.
Photo: Vitor de Azevedo Lopes
Low-angle photograph of a tall native Atlantic Forest tree with a thick trunk and dense green canopy illuminated by natural light. The image is included to emphasize the grandeur of the trees and the importance of forest conservation at Vale Natural Reserve.
Photo: Pedro Cattony
Photograph of a harpy eagle perched on a branch, featuring black and white plumage and an upright crest, surrounded by green leaves under natural light. The image is included to showcase iconic wildlife of the Atlantic Forest and emphasize the importance of conservation at Vale Natural Reserve.
Photo: Gabriel Bonfa

Have you ever thought about visiting a practically intact portion of the Atlantic Forest and still enjoying several ecological tourism options?

The Vale Natural Reserve, located in Linhares-ES, is an official space for conservation and scientific research, since 1978, which has several leisure options. Browse the page and learn more about the location.

Paved road bordered by a wooden fence and tall trees forming a green corridor, with visible speed limit signs. The image is included to show the tree-lined entrance to Vale Natural Reserve, emphasizing the balance between access and environmental preservation. Paved road bordered by a wooden fence and tall trees forming a green corridor, with visible speed limit signs. The image is included to show the tree-lined entrance to Vale Natural Reserve, emphasizing the balance between access and environmental preservation.

Photo: Bruno Coelho - F/Still Fotografia

Where we are

Where is it located?

Rodovia BR 101, KM 122
Linhares, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Distance from the main capitals

162.3 km from Vitória (ES)
686 km from Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
632 km from Belo Horizonte (MG)

Opening hours

Tuesdays to Sundays, from 8:30 am to 4 pm.

*The visitation sector of the Vale Natural Reserve is reopened to the public, with the exception of some areas such as the hotel and restaurant, which remain closed.

Entry is free!

Leisure and knowledge: What to expect from the Vale Natural Reserve?

With approximately 23,000 hectares, the Vale Nature Reserve is part of the Green and Water Circuit, one of Espírito Santo's main tourist routes.
There, in addition to the visitor attractions - observation tower, trails, playground, picnic area, exhibition on the Atlantic Forest (under renovation), among others - important conservation and research work is carried out. They have already been catalogued:
Family sitting on a red-and-white checkered blanket having a picnic on a grassy area surrounded by trees, with a basket and foods such as bread and fruits. The image is included to showcase leisure activities and connection with nature at Vale Natural Reserve. A family has a picnic in the park Photo: Bruno Coelho - F/Still Fotografia
Onda
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2,335

plant species
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1,500

insects
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103

mammals
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410

birds
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59

amphibians
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66

reptiles
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Schedule of the month

Check out what will happen in the Vale Natural Reserve this month

What to do in the Vale Natural Reserve?

Browse through the items below and learn more about each of the attractions that are there for you at the Vale Natural Reserve:

Close-up of a harpy eagle, a large bird of prey, showing its gray and black feathers and curved beak. The image is included to highlight biodiversity and the importance of conserving endangered species.

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Bird Watching

Observation tower, view from down upwards. The structure is tall and made of wood.
Photo: Vitor de Azevedo Lopes

Observation Tower

An employee is accompanied by other people along a trail in a place with a lot of trees.
Photo: Vitor de Azevedo Lopes

Trails

The image shows a room with blue walls and a pink ceiling, decorated to resemble a forest. There is a large artificial tree with blue leaves in the center of the room. A life-sized model of a cheetah stands on the floor next to the tree. The walls have various plant shapes and patterns in shades of blue.

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Interactive Forest Room

In a room with cabinets decorated with illustrations of plants and animals, there is a table with two chairs and a TV set.

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Workshop Room

A closed room with synthetic grass and illustrations of animal on the walls. There are children's toys in the place.

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Ecological Library

In place with trees, there is a flower bed made of wood with some seedlings. Next to it, there is also a sign with information about the sensory garden.

Photo: Levi Manzini Mori

Sensory Garden

Outdoor children's playground. Toys, such as a scale and a slide, are made of wood. Some trees bring shade to the place.

Photo: Levi Manzini Mori

Playground

Beach soccer field. Around the place, there is a lawn, and in the background, trees.

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Indoor Soccer and Beach Soccer Fields

Trees with hanging notes. It is possible to see messages like 'dialogue'; “affection”, “companionship”.

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Tree of happiness

com.liferay.portal.kernel.util.DateUtil_IW@57489ca9

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Anthill (under maintenance)

On a path with trees, with the ground full of leaves, there is a sign with information about Meliponary.

Photo: Vitor de Azevedo Lopes

Meliponary

On a concrete ground, there are several beds with cacti. The beds are surrounded by wood and covered with white stones.

Photo: Vitor de Azevedo Lopes

Cactus Collection

A lake with dark waters is surrounded by big trees.

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Pond

Vale female employee observes an open drawer. Inside the drawer, there are several butterflies.
Photo: Jackeceli Falqueto

Entomological Collection

Vale employee is in a corridor with file cabinets. He holds an open folder in his hands.

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Herbarium

The image shows a room filled with wooden samples. There are shelves on the walls holding numerous rectangular pieces of wood, each varying in color and grain pattern. In the center of the room, there are tables covered with more wooden samples laid out flat. The lighting is bright, and the overall setting appears to be organized for easy viewing and comparison of different types of wood.

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Xylotheque

In a room lined with wood, there are several “tables”, covered with glass, displaying different kinds of fruits.

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Carpoteca

The image shows shelves filled with numerous glass jars containing various dried herbs, spices, or other botanical specimens. Each jar is labeled with a white label that appears to have text on it, indicating the contents of the jar. The shelves are wooden and arranged in a corner of a room with wooden walls.
Photo: Ricardo Teles

Sementeca

In a grass space, there are several trees loaded with yellow flowers.

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Urban Arboretum

In a place with many leaves on the ground, we have several tall trees, but with relatively thin trunks.
Photo: Ricardo Teles

Arboretum

In a lawn, there are several palm trees, some of them very low near the ground.

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Palmetto

The image shows a grassy area with several trees scattered throughout. The trees have green foliage, and the background consists of more dense greenery. There is a yellow vertical stripe on the left side of the image and a white curved shape at the bottom right corner.

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Orchard

In a garden, there are several sculptures of animals from the Atlantic Forest, such as sloths, jaguars and anteaters.

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Atlantic Forest Lives Collection

In a room with the walls lined with illustrations of tree, there are some artificial trees and bird sculptures, on the trees and on the ground.

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Bird Hall (under maintenance)

Several children in school uniforms watch an exhibition. On the wall, there is data about amphibians and birds. On the ceiling, there is a wooden sculpture similar to a hive.

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Atlantic Forest Permanent Exhibition Center (under maintenance)

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Illustration of the globe with the map of Brazil painted yellow.

How about getting to know Vale without leaving home?

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Usage Rules

To ensure that the experience at the Reserve is the best possible, all visitors must follow some rules of coexistence. Check it out below:
Two environmental guides wearing green uniforms and rubber boots on a trail surrounded by dense Atlantic Forest vegetation; one is pointing upward toward the canopy. The image is included to highlight monitoring activities and environmental education at Vale Natural Reserve.

Photo: Bruno Coelho - F/Still Fotografia

  • Be very careful when using bicycles, skates, skateboards, scooters and other similar equipment. Improper use may cause accidents and are the sole responsibility of the visitor.
     
  • The use of ATVs in the Reserve area is prohibited.
     
  • There is a flow of wild animals and pedestrians on the roads, so don't exceed the speed limits. 
     
  • It is forbidden to stop or park on the access roads and vehicle movement, use the parking lots, it is mandatory to park in reverse.
  •  
  • High volume sound is not allowed out of respect for the environment and the people who share this space with you.
     
  • All garbage must be deposited in appropriate places, always respecting the selective collection.
     
  • The use of drones is only allowed with the authorization of ANAC and prior permission of the RNV manager.
     
  • It is forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages in the area of the Reserve. 
     
  • Smoking is prohibited in the areas of the Reserve; 
     
  • Balloons or bladders are not allowed in the Reserve. 
     
  • Items found in the Reserve area will be kept for 03 months. After this period they will be donated. 
     
  • Leafleting and/or advertising is not allowed.
     
  • It is forbidden to make fire, barbecue, hunt, fish and camping in the Reserve.
     
  • Do not share single use items. Bring your individual bottle to drink water and stay hydrated, as we do not provide disposable cups at the Reserve.
     
  • Do not access restricted areas. In case of doubt about the visitor access area, consult our Public Use Map or ask our employees.
  •  
  • Self-guided trails must be done with caution and respect for nature.
     
  • The Pequi Vinagreiro Trail can only be carried out with the accompaniment of the Environmental Instructor at the scheduled times.
     
  • To take part in the trails, you must be aged 6 or over and wear long pants, a shirt, closed shoes and leggings. 
     
  • Be careful when walking in the forest, pay attention to where you step and where you put your hand.
  • Do not feed or get close to the animals.
     
  • The entry of domestic animals is prohibited, as they may cause problems for wild fauna or acquire zoonoses.
  • The works must be carried out within the opening hours of the Reservation (Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 4 pm).
     
  • The use of the space for filming and/or photographs for commercial and/or media dissemination purposes must be previously scheduled and can only be carried out with the authorization of the management.
     
  • The material damage caused to the space, by the photographer, the video maker or his clients, will be their sole and exclusive responsibility.
     
  • RNV will not be responsible for equipment, objects and materials left in any premises of the place.
     
  • The use of electrical power points available in common areas to recharge equipment is the sole responsibility of the customer.
     
  • Rehearsals wearing bikinis, underwear, lingerie, must be informed in advance.
     
  • The use of drones is only allowed with the authorization of ANAC and prior permission of the RNV manager.
  • It is not allowed to photograph inside the forest without authorization (restricted area).
     
  • It is forbidden to climb, stick, hang, pierce or nail balloons, banners, flags and any other objects on trees, toys and building structures.
     
  • Partial and/or total blocking of the bathrooms is not allowed, making access difficult, due to the use of photographic materials, clothes, makeup, hangers, among others.
  • Picnics must be held within the opening hours of the Reservation (Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm).
     
  • Covered structures are not scheduled for picnics (Spaces for rent).
     
  • The picnic must be held only in the visitation area, being allowed to use the existing wooden tables or bring towels to cover the lawn.
     
  • All waste generated must be segregated according to selective collection, and it is not allowed to leave bags with waste in any environment.
     
  • The use of electrical power points available in common areas to recharge equipment is the visitor's responsibility.
     
  • The Vale Natural Reserve is not responsible for equipment, objects and materials left in any premises of the place.
     
  • It is not allowed to bring food that refers to lunch.
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Research and scientific production: what has been done?

One of the main actions developed at the Vale Natural Reserve is the work of research and scientific production. Studies on the biodiversity present in the approximately 23 thousand hectares are essential for the conservation and management of the forest, in addition to the educational role for society.
To support some of these studies, the site houses a nursery, an extensive entomological collection, with several species of insects, and a herbarium, with collections of plants.

Find out more about ongoing studies:

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Entomological Collection

1,500 species identified
12,600 specimens of insects

Herbarium
More than 17,000 plant samples.

Meliponary
Hives of different species of stingless bees

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Botanical Collections

Urban Arboretu

185 species of arboreal, shrub or herbaceous plants

Arboretum

330 species of native and exotic trees

Palmetto

Collection of palm trees that includes about 144 species

Pomar

105 species of fruit trees from different regions of the world

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Check out our publications here

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Access the videos about the Vale Natural Reserve

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​Habitat Protection Component of Vale’s Forest Goal

In 2018, Vale announced six sustainability commitments to be achieved by 2030, in collaboration with the UN agenda, including to protect and restore 500,000 hectares of habitat outside its mining sites. This voluntary forest commitment is one of the most robust in the mining sector and it will contribute to another of the company's objectives, to become carbon neutral by 2050.
More than 115,000 hectares of forest are now protected through partnerships signed in 2020 and 2021 with the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) and the state government environmental and water resource regulators of Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, under the coordination of Vale Natural Reserve.​
Bright red bird with dark wings perched on a branch with green leaves and small red berries, surrounded by native vegetation. The image is included to showcase biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities at Vale Natural Reserve.

Photo: Wilton José da Costa Junior

Main areas of activity:

  • Ecosystem protection and biodiversity conservation, including the systematic monitoring of rare and endangered species;​
  • Environmental awareness raising in connection with nature.​

Learn a little about each reserve on the following slides:​

Goytacazes National Forest (ICMBio)​

This is the largest urban forest in the state of Espírito Santo and it is part of the Doce River region. The national forest was created with the aim of protecting water resources and biodiversity, producing native Atlantic Forest seeds, recovering degraded areas in the Doce River region, sustainably using multiple forest resources, carrying out scientific research, emphasizing methods for sustainable exploitation of native forests, and carrying out environmental education.​

Area: 1,423.96 hectares​

Location: Linhares, Espírito Santo

The image shows a single-story white house with a brown tiled roof situated in a lush green area. There are three large windows on the front of the house, each displaying images of plants or nature scenes. The front door is open, and there is a person visible inside the doorway. To the right side of the house, there is a white vehicle parked on the grass with another person standing next to it. The surrounding area includes various green plants and trees in the background.

Foto: Jackeceli Falque

Gallery

Image of a single-story white house with a gable roof in a green area, surrounded by tropical plants, with windows displaying pictures of wildlife and vegetation to indicate the building is used for educational or environmental activities, in the background there are dense trees and on the right a partially visible vehicle, showcasing the physical structure of a space dedicated to environmental education or conservation and its connection with nature.
Photo: Jackeceli Falque
Reserve’s office
Image of a green parrot with red markings on its head and wings, perched on a dry branch at the top of a tree, surrounded by a few leaves and a blue sky in the background, showcasing the species in its natural habitat to highlight local biodiversity.

Photo: Gabriel Bonfa

Red-browed amazon (Amazona rhodocorytha)
Aerial image of a vast area of dense forest with trees in various shades of green, some with purple flowers, under a partly cloudy sky, showcasing the continuous landscape of vegetation to emphasize the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Photo: Mariana Senna

Aerial view of the forest
Image of two monkeys with brown and black fur and long tails, positioned on tree branches with green leaves under a clear sky, showcasing the animals in their natural habitat to emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation.

Photo: Gabriel Bonfa

Brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba)
Aerial image of a vast area of vegetation in various shades of green, interspersed with clearings and a paved road on the left, with some buildings and nearby trees under a partly cloudy sky, showcasing the natural landscape and human presence to highlight the integration between environmental conservation and land use.

Photo: Mariana Senna 

Aerial view of the reserve's office
Image of a brown sloth hanging from tree branches with green leaves, surrounded by vegetation under a clear sky, showcasing the animal in its natural habitat to emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation.

Photo: Gabriel Bonfa

Preguiça-comum (common sloth – Bradypus variegatus)
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Serra das Torres State Natural Monument Park (IEMA)​

Spanning the Itapemirim and Itabapoana river basins, this is the largest conservation area in the Full Protection category created by the state government of Espírito Santo. It supplies water to the municipalities of Mimoso do Sul and Atílio Vivácqua, which have a combined population of around 30,000 people. Associated with rugged, mountainous terrain, it is one of the most important forest complexes in the south of Espírito Santo and it has been recognized as a priority for biodiversity conservation in the state.

Location: Atílio Vivácqua, Mimoso do Sul and Muqui, Espírito Santo​

Area: 10,458.90 hectares

Download the documents:

Pointed rock formation surrounded by green vegetation, partially covered by low clouds, under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The image is included to showcase the mountainous landscape and emphasize the importance of preserving natural areas.

Foto: Terence Jorge Nascentes

Gallery

Pointed rock formation surrounded by green vegetation, partially covered by low clouds, under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The image is included to showcase the mountainous landscape and emphasize the importance of preserving natural areas.

Photo: Terence Jorge Nascentes

Serra das Torres State Natural Monument Park
Colorful bird perched on a branch, featuring green wings, a blue head, and an orange chest, standing out against a blurred background of vegetation. The image is included to showcase the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest and emphasize the importance of preserving native species.

Photo: Claudio Florentino da Silva

Surucua trogon (Trogon surrucura)
View of tall, thick tree trunks photographed from below, surrounded by dense green foliage. The image illustrates the grandeur of native trees to emphasize the importance of forest preservation.

Photo: Terence Jorge Nascentes

In the forest
Imposing rock formation with a rounded peak, surrounded by vegetation and forest areas under a partly cloudy sky. The image illustrates a natural tourist landmark to highlight the region’s geography and scenic beauty.

Photo: IEMA archives

Moitão do Sul Rock, Atílio Vivacqua
Small stream with flowing water, surrounded by green grass and scattered rocks along its bed, within a natural landscape lit by daylight. The image is included to highlight the importance of water resources and the preservation of natural environments.

Photo: Marcio Santos

Stream in Candura region, Muqui
Small brown frog with orange eyes, resting on a dry leaf, with moss visible in the background. The image is included to showcase the Atlantic Forest fauna and highlight the importance of preserving amphibians, which are vital for ecological balance.

Photo: Jane C. F. de Oliveira

Brazilian big-headed frog (Ischnocnema verrucosa)
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Duas Bocas Biological Reserve (IEMA)

The purpose of Duas Bocas Biological Reserve is to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems, and to generate knowledge through research and studies. It protects a vast array of fauna and flora biodiversity, including rare and endangered species. It is part of the Duas Bocas – Mestre Álvaro Ecological Corridor and supplies around 60,000 residents of Cariacica with water.​

Location: Cariacica, Viana and Santa Leopoldina, Espírito Santo​

Area: 2,910 hectares

Lake surrounded by native vegetation, reflecting trees and mountains in the background, with a rounded hill at the center under a blue sky with thin clouds. The image is included to showcase the beauty of natural landscapes and emphasize the importance of preserving water resources and biodiversity.

Foto: Lauro Narciso

Gallery

Lake surrounded by native vegetation, reflecting trees and mountains in the background, with a rounded hill at the center under a blue sky with thin clouds. The image is included to showcase the beauty of natural landscapes and emphasize the importance of preserving water resources and biodiversity.
Photo: Lauro Narciso
Duas Bocas Reservoir
Small bird with green plumage and light stripes on its body, featuring a bright red crest on its head, perched on a thin branch amid blurred vegetation. The image is included to showcase the diversity of Atlantic Forest birdlife and emphasize the importance of preserving native species.

Photo: Rafael Lorenzon Boni

Kinglet-manakin (Machaeropterus regulus)
Brown-furred sloth clinging to a tree trunk, holding branches with green leaves, surrounded by natural vegetation. The image is included to showcase the Atlantic Forest fauna and highlight the importance of preserving native species and their habitats.

Photo: Mário José Broedel

Maned three-toed sloth (Bradypus torquatus)
Caiman partially submerged in murky water, with only its head visible among dry branches, in a natural environment. The image is included to showcase wildlife and highlight the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems.

Photo: Rafael Lorenzon 

Broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)
Black-billed toucan perched on a branch, featuring dark green plumage, a yellow chest, and a red band below, standing out with its large pale beak. Blurred vegetation in the background. The image is included to showcase the diversity of Atlantic Forest birdlife and emphasize the importance of preserving native species.

Photo: Rafael Lorenzon Boni

Black-necked aracari (Pteroglossus aracari)
Aerial view of reservoir and reserve’s office – IEMA archives​
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Cunhambebe State Park (INEA)

An important asset that conserves natural ecosystems. The site is used for scientific research, environmental education and interpretation, recreation in contact with nature and ecological tourism. It forms part of the ecological corridor between the Bocaina and Tinguá massifs, contributing
nt water source areas. This area is of great importance to Vale, since it is within its territory that water is collected to supply the Guaíba Island Terminal (TIG).

Location: Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba, Rio Claro and Itaguaí/RJ 

Area covered: 38,053.00 ha 

Explore the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest in Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba, and Itaguaí.
Scan the QR Code or click the button below to access the Cunhambebe State Park photo book, and discover the ecological corridor preserved by Vale.
A serene river flows through a dense, green forest. The calm water reflects the sky and surrounding trees. The vegetation is lush on both sides of the river, with no visible signs of human activity.

Foto: Ivan Cobra

Gallery

Stone structure over a lake surrounded by dense vegetation, with tall trees in the background and the landscape reflected in the water under a blue sky. The image is included to highlight the connection between historical heritage and nature, emphasizing the importance of environmental and cultural preservation.

Photo: Ivan Cobra

Bela Bridge
Cougar (puma) standing on forest floor covered with dry leaves and moss, among trees and dense vegetation. The image is included to showcase the Atlantic Forest wildlife and highlight the importance of preserving endangered species and their natural habitats.

Photo: João Rafael Marins

Puma concolor
Narrow river or lake surrounded by dense Atlantic Forest vegetation, with tall trees and green canopies reflected in the still water, under a partly cloudy sky. The image is included to emphasize the importance of preserving water resources and biodiversity in natural areas.

Photo: Ivan Cobra

Pires River, in Rio Claro

Green area with wooden structures topped with ceramic roofs, arranged on a grassy space surrounded by trees and native vegetation. The constructions resemble shelters or stands for outdoor educational activities. The image is included to showcase environmental education initiatives and connection with nature.

Photo: André Trindade

Meliponary
Close-up of a toucan with black plumage and yellow accents, featuring a vivid green eye and a large pale beak with black markings. The background shows a blurred earthy surface. The image is included to showcase the beauty and diversity of Brazilian birdlife and emphasize the importance of preserving native species.

Photo: João Rafael Marins

Araçari-poca (Selenidera maculirostris)
Medium-sized waterfall with multiple streams cascading down rocks, surrounded by dense Atlantic Forest vegetation, including tall trees and ground plants. The image is included to showcase the beauty of natural landscapes and emphasize the importance of preserving water resources and biodiversity.

Photo: Ivan Cobra

Véu de Noiva Waterfall
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Augusto Ruschi Biological Reserve (ICMBio)

This reserve has exuberant vegetation, rich in ornamental species, and the diversity of epiphytes is very great, including endemic, rare and endangered species. It is part of one of the world’s hotspots in terms of endemism and biodiversity and it has more than 100 perennial springs and streams, contributing to the formation of major waterways. The high level of endemism, coupled with the current level of conservation of the forest, means that there are a remarkable 150 species of endangered flowering plants in the reserve. It is one of the planet’s most diverse places in terms of trees and other species threatened with extinction. 

Location: Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo​

Area: 3,598.41 hectares​

Download the documents:

Dense forest with lush green trees covering rolling hills. The sky is partly cloudy, with patches of blue visible through the clouds. There are no visible signs of human activity.

Foto: Juarez Scalfoni

Gallery

Panoramic view of the Atlantic Forest with dense trees and green canopies, creating a continuous cover over hills, under a partly cloudy sky. The image is included to showcase the vastness and richness of native vegetation and emphasize the importance of preserving tropical forests.

Photo: Juarez Scalfoni

Aerial view of the reserve
Small bird with black and white plumage, featuring a vivid red chest, perched on a lichen-covered branch against a blurred background of vegetation. The image is included to showcase the diversity of Atlantic Forest birdlife and emphasize the importance of preserving native species.

Photo: Gustavo Magnago

Cherry-throated tanager (Nemosia rourei) ​
Single-story house with light-colored walls and a ceramic roof, situated in a green area with lawn, trees, and shrubs under a blue sky. In front, a sign indicates a visitor area or information center. The image is included to showcase visitor support facilities within nature, emphasizing the integration of environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.

Photo: Sayonara Cometti

Reserve’s office

Bird with vibrant plumage featuring a green body, red chest, blue head, and black and orange details, holding a small twig in its beak while perched on a thin branch, surrounded by vegetation and tree trunks in the background. The image is included to showcase the diversity of Atlantic Forest birdlife and emphasize the importance of preserving native species.

Photo: Gabriel Bonfa

Red-necked tanager (Tangara cianocephala)
Monkey sitting on a tree branch with purple flowers, surrounded by green leaves and trunks, within the Atlantic Forest vegetation. In the background, a blurred landscape with green tones. The image is included to showcase wildlife and highlight the importance of preserving native species and their natural habitats.

Photo: Victoria Faria

Woolly spider monkey (Brachyteles hypoxanthus)
Small waterfall flowing between two large moss-covered rocks, forming a dark water pool at the base, surrounded by plants and leaves lit by natural light. The image is included to showcase the beauty of water resources in preserved areas and emphasize the importance of conserving the Atlantic Forest.

Photo: Açu Sayonara Cometti

Rio Piraquê
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Mata Escura Biological Reserve (ICMBio)​

This reserve is home to one of the last fragments of Atlantic Forest in the northeast of the state of Minas Gerais and it has a high incidence of rare mammal, reptile and amphibian species. It seeks to fully preserve the natural resources and biodiversity existing within its boundaries. The reserve is located in the Jequitinhonha Valley, one of the most deprived parts of the state, in which many people live in conditions of extreme poverty. Around R$26 million will be invested through a cooperation agreement, contributing to the region’s social and environmental development. 

Location: Jequitinhonha and Almenara, Minas Gerais​

Area: 50,892.39 hectares

A vast landscape of forested hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground features lush green trees, while the background reveals rolling hills and distant mountain ranges stretching toward the horizon.

Foto: Fabiano Melo

Gallery

Wooden walkway over natural ground, flanked by trees and vegetation, leading to an area with rocks and a small stream in the background. The image is included to showcase the infrastructure of ecological trails and emphasize the importance of sustainable tourism in conservation areas.

Photo: Tiago de Oliveira Godinho

Trail of the Yellow-Breasted Capuchin Monkey
Brown-furred monkey clinging to tree branches, surrounded by green leaves and dense vegetation in the natural environment of the Atlantic Forest. The image is included to showcase wildlife and highlight the importance of preserving native species and their habitats.
Photo: Ednardo Martins
Woolly spider monkey (Brachyteles hypoxanthus)
Aerial view of a vast Atlantic Forest area, with hills covered in dense vegetation in varying shades of green, under a blue sky with scattered white clouds. In the background, mountain ranges and valleys stretch toward the horizon. The image is included to showcase the grandeur of preserved areas and emphasize the importance of conserving tropical forests.

Photo: Fabiano Melo

Aerial view of Mata Escura Biological Reserve

Small bird with brown and white plumage, orange chest, and reddish beak, perched on a thin branch surrounded by green and dry leaves, within natural vegetation lit by daylight. The image is included to showcase the diversity of Atlantic Forest birdlife and emphasize the importance of preserving native species.

Photo: Ednardo Martins

Spot-backed puffbird (Nystalus maculatus)
Rustic wooden shelter with a thatched roof, elevated on a base and situated in an area surrounded by native vegetation. At the front, a sign reads “Toca do Bugio,” indicating a visitor spot or resting point along an ecological trail. The image is included to showcase infrastructure harmonized with nature, emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism and environmental education.

Photo: Tiago de Oliveira Godinho

Howler monkey nest
Aerial view of a green area with winding dirt trails, surrounded by native vegetation and small buildings scattered across the landscape. In the background, open fields and mountain ranges are visible under a partly cloudy sky. The image is included to showcase the integration of infrastructure and nature, emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism and environmental preservation.

Photo: Mariana Senna

Aerial view of reserve’s office
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União Biological Reserve (ICMBio)

This reserve protects one of the last and largest remnants of lowland Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Research shows that União Biological Reserve has the richest and most diverse fauna of all the Atlantic Forest remnants studied in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Its objective is to ensure the protection and recovery of remnants of the Atlantic Forest and associated formations, as well as the typical fauna that depends on them, especially the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia).​

Location: Casimiro de Abreu, Macaé and Rio das Ostras, Rio de Janeiro​

Area: 7,756.76 hectares​

Masonry house with clay tile roof and wooden windows, surrounded by vegetation and lawn in a preserved forest area. The image illustrates the structure used for support and educational activities in the park, highlighting integration with the natural environment.

Foto: Tiago de Oliveira Godinho

Gallery

Three golden lion tamarins with bright orange fur perched on tree branches in the Atlantic Forest, shown as a group. The image illustrates the species in its natural habitat to support content on biodiversity and conservation of the biome.
Photo: Andreia Fonseca Martins
Golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)
View of the Atlantic Forest with tall, dense trees covered in green foliage under light mist. The image illustrates the plant richness of the biome to emphasize its importance for biodiversity conservation.

Photo: União Biological Reserve archives

View of forest
Entrance to the inclusive interpretive trail “Pilão,” featuring a wooden structure and informational signs, surrounded by vegetation. The image highlights the trail access to illustrate environmental education and accessibility initiatives in the park.

Photo: Tiago de Oliveira Godinho

“Pilão” Inclusive Interpretive Trail

Lake surrounded by trees and dense vegetation, with reflections of the canopy on the water, in a preserved forest area. The image illustrates a natural environment to emphasize the importance of water resource and biodiversity conservation.

Photo: Tiago de Oliveira Godinho

Lake​
Red bird with dark wings perched on branches with green leaves and small red berries, in a natural setting. The image illustrates the bird diversity of the Atlantic Forest to emphasize the importance of preserving the biome.

Photo: Whitson José da Costa Junior

Brazilian tanager (Ramphocelus bresilius)
Masonry house with clay tile roof and wooden windows, surrounded by vegetation and lawn in a preserved forest area. The image illustrates the structure used for support and educational activities in the park, highlighting integration with the natural environment.

Photo: Tiago de Oliveira Godinho

Auditorium
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Group of people walking along a trail surrounded by dense Atlantic Forest vegetation, accompanied by a guide wearing an ID badge. The image is included to highlight guided tours and nature experiences at Vale Natural Reserve. Group of people walking along a trail surrounded by dense Atlantic Forest vegetation, accompanied by a guide wearing an ID badge. The image is included to highlight guided tours and nature experiences at Vale Natural Reserve.

Photo: Bruno Coelho - F/Still Fotografia

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Do you want further information about the Vale Natural Reserve?

Contact the team:

Visits:
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(27) 99771-9077 (WhatsApp)
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(27) 99583 - 4159 (For calls)
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reservanatural@vale.com

Research and Bird Watching:

To carry out birdwatching, it is necessary to send the request to the email rnv.pesquisas@vale.com, where the required guidelines will be provided. The activity is conducted by accredited guides, and scheduling must be done at least one (1) week in advance.