Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve

The Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve is a protected rainforest area spread across seven municipalities in Acre, Brazil. The reserve contains forested land where communities practice sustainable resource use as their primary way of living.

The reserve was established in 1990 after rubber tappers fought to protect the forest from clearing and logging. Its creation came from years of local efforts to defend the Amazon region.

The residents here maintain traditional rubber tapping and Brazil nut harvesting as central parts of daily life. These activities shape how the community relates to the forest around them.

The area is remote and requires careful preparation, especially during rainy seasons when trails can become flooded. Visitors should hire local guides and check current conditions before planning a visit.

The reserve operates through a shared management system where local communities have a voice in decisions affecting the land. This partnership between authorities and residents in protecting the forest is uncommon and distinctive.

Location: Acre

Inception: 1990

GPS coordinates: -10.51056,-69.79917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41