Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation

Summary

The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) was established through Law 11.516. It is an independent agency, but is linked to the Ministry of Environment (MMA). Along with the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), it oversees the National Environmental System (SISNAMA). ICMBio is in charge of protecting Brazil's natural heritage, promoting biodiversity conservation through research, education, and promoting ecologically sound management practices. It operates primarily in the management of federally protected areas, and is responsible for proposing, implementing managing and monitoring conservation units as part of the National System of Conservation Units.