Riozinho da Liberdade Extractive Reserve is a protected sustainable use area in Amazonas, Brazil, preserving traditional livelihoods and rich Amazon rainforest ecosystems. It offers a unique look into community-managed conservation and biodiversity.
The Riozinho da Liberdade Extractive Reserve is located in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, encompassing a vast area of the Amazon rainforest characterized by dense tropical vegetation, rich biodiversity, and abundant waterways. Established to protect the traditional extractive communities living within the reserve, it ensures the sustainable harvesting of forest resources such as rubber, nuts, and other non-timber products, while conserving critical habitats for numerous Amazonian species. The reserve features a network of rivers, streams, and small lakes that sustain both the local communities and diverse aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Geographically, it lies in a remote part of the Amazon basin, marked by lowland rainforest, flooded forests, and upland terra firme areas. The creation of this extractive reserve plays a vital role in safeguarding both cultural heritage and environmental integrity, preventing deforestation and habitat destruction driven by logging or agricultural expansion. Visitors interested in ethnoecology, conservation, and sustainable development can learn about the traditional ways of life practiced here, although tourism is very limited and largely restricted to researchers and invited guests. While there are no formal hiking trails or campgrounds for tourism, the reserve’s waterways provide opportunities for guided canoe trips to observe diverse wildlife including river dolphins, monkeys, and myriad bird species. The Riozinho da Liberdade Extractive Reserve exemplifies community-based conservation efforts and the balance between human needs and environmental protection in one of the world’s most ecologically important regions.
Dynamic mosaic of terra firme and flooded rainforest ecosystems
Sustainable extraction practices by traditional Amazonian communities
Rich diversity of wildlife including rare Amazonian aquatic species
Remote and pristine environment offering unparalleled biodiversity
Upland non-flooded rainforest hosting high biodiversity and many endemic plant species.
Complex network of rivers and flooded forests supporting aquatic wildlife such as river dolphins and piranhas.
Local populations sustainably harvesting rubber, Brazil nuts, and other forest products.