Serrinha do Alambari Environmental Protection Area, Environmental Protection Area in Resende, Brazil

Serrinha do Alambari Environmental Protection Area covers 5,760 hectares on the eastern slope of Itatiaia National Park in the Mantiqueira Mountains, within Resende municipality, west of the RJ-163 road to Visconde de Mauá. It spans elevations from 700 to 2,300 metres and protects the upper catchments of the Alambari and Pirapitinga rivers, across the Serrinha and Capelinha communities.

The area was established in 1991 through municipal law and received its development master plan in 1994. This protected status was created to safeguard the mountain environment and its water resources from uncontrolled land use.

Local communities actively participate in conservation work, with residents and visitors learning about the environment through organized programs and sustainable farming practices. The area reflects a shared commitment between people living here and those working to protect the mountain landscape.

Several hiking trails and camping areas are available throughout the zone, with designated spots for fishing and other outdoor activities. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as the mountain trails are steep and weather can change quickly at higher elevations.

The area protects the upper catchment basins of two rivers, Alambari and Pirapitinga, which supply water to communities far downstream. Few visitors realize that this remote mountain zone directly provides drinking water and irrigation for populated areas below.