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The Cerrado occupies 24% of the Brazilian territory and is home to the headwaters of important river basins and underground water reservoirs. The wealth originating from geodiversity formed the soils, which are the fundamental basis for the establishment of flora, fauna, and different environments with very distinctive landscapes, as well as for cultural and social historicity. The Cerrado biome, the most diverse savanna on the planet, comprises ecosystems in which interactions occur between biotic and abiotic elements. Within this context, Embrapa Cerrados was established 50 years ago to develop research both in the area of natural resources and in agriculture and livestock production. The contribution of this unit, as an ecoregional research center, together with its partners—such as the University of Brasília - has been highly significant in ensuring that the Cerrado biome remains an agricultural powerhouse, generating revenue for both domestic and international markets.
The process of occupying the Cerrado with productive systems has resulted in economic gains; however, the associated impacts require the adoption of more sustainable and less environmentally aggressive technologies. In view of this, Embrapa Cerrados and its partners have taken on the challenge of seeking solutions that benefit effective production while conserving the biome’s natural resources. Thus, the holding of this symposium strengthens spaces for discussion, integration, and the construction of pathways toward the sustainable use of natural resources combined with new technologies and opportunities, integrated with current scientific knowledge, always emphasizing the feasibility of innovative solutions to be made available to Brazilian society.
The event will contribute to continuous progress in the pursuit of a balance between agricultural productivity and environmental conservation within the biome. To this end, its purpose is to discuss, through panels, the role of science and technology in a climate change scenario, in the sustainability of agricultural systems, in the formulation of public policies, in the generation and implementation of emerging technologies, as well as to encourage technical and scientific partnerships among institutions and professionals working in research, education, development, and innovation.
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The National Symposium on the Cerrado has a rich history dating back to 1962, when its first edition was held in São Paulo, SP. Since then, the event has evolved significantly, reflecting changes in environmental concerns and scientific advances related to this important Brazilian biome.
For contextualization, the year, location, and theme of each edition of the National Symposium on the Cerrado are highlighted. The 1st Edition took place in 1962 in São Paulo, with the theme “Introduction to the study of the Cerrado and its general characteristics.” The 2nd Edition, held in 1965 in Rio de Janeiro, addressed “Cerrado soils, vegetation, and fauna.” In 1971, the 3rd Edition returned to São Paulo, SP, focusing on “Ecological aspects of the Cerrado, conservation, and land use.” From the 4th to the 8th Editions, the events were held in Brasília, DF, in the following years and with the respective themes: in 1976, “Foundations for agricultural use”; in 1979, “The Cerrado: use and management”; in 1988, “Savannas: food and energy”; in 1996, “Strategies for utilization”; and in 2006, “Biodiversity and sustainable production of food and fiber in the Cerrados.”
Finally, the 9th Edition, held in 2008, also in Brasília, focused on “Challenges and strategies for achieving balance among society, agribusiness, and natural resources.” From 1996 onward, beginning with the 7th Edition, the National Symposium on the Cerrado began to be held concurrently with the International Symposium on Tropical Savannas, expanding the event’s scope to tropical savannas in other regions of the world, such as Africa, South America, and Oceania.
Throughout its history, the National Symposium on the Cerrado has evolved from an event primarily focused on the basic characterization of the biome into a multidisciplinary forum addressing complex issues of conservation, sustainability, and environmental policy. The event has come to include a broader range of participants, including international researchers and representatives of local communities, reflecting a more inclusive and comprehensive approach. The symposium has also incorporated discussions on technological innovations, such as the use of remote sensing and geoprocessing for biome monitoring. Interdisciplinarity has become a defining feature, integrating knowledge from diverse fields such as ecology, agronomy, sociology, climatology, and economics. In more recent editions, topics such as environmental education, valuation of ecosystem services, and public policies for conservation have gained prominence.
Reflecting the environmental concerns and scientific advances of each period, the event provides a platform for knowledge sharing. With a wide variety of cultivated species and technologies applied to Cerrado agriculture, the symposium promotes integration between public and private organizations, thereby contributing to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development.