Protected Areas in Brazil and Aichi Target 11: National Achievements

Brazil is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Therefore, it has commitments to safeguard part of its territory. Considering the achievement of Aichi Target 11, this article aims to show the results of quantitative research of protected areas in Brazil, a developing country, with emphasis on the state of Ceará. The paper highlights the quantity of Conservation Units, a type of Brazilian protected area. It describes two analyses. First, considering a secondary database, the study concentrated on the situation and progress of the Brazilian Conservation Units in achieving Target 11. Then, regarding to meet Target 11, it examined Conservation Units in the State of Ceará. Nowadays, Brazil has 2,309 Conservation Units, including Integral Protection Group and Sustainable Use Group. The results of this research indicate that Brazil has 18.60% of terrestrial protected area and 26.45% of marine protected area. Therefore, they are sufficient to meet Target 11. Data shows percentage above the target, even in 2018, two years before the deadline. The state of Ceará has 116 Conservation Units with 326.61 Km2 of protected area. It is 21.92% of all Ceará’s geographical extension which contributes for the empowerment of Brazilian commitments regarding the national plans and also the Convention on Biological Diversity, even though, it represents only 5% of total number of Brazilian Conservation Units.