Private Natural Heritage Reserves(RPPN) are areas of nature conservation on private land, created by the owner as a way to help preserve the environment.

Can any area be recognized as a RPPN?
In principle, yes. Decree No 1922/96 states that the area must have relevance to biodiversity or have environmental characteristics that justify its recovery.

What are the activities that can be performed in RPPNs?
These areas aim to conserve environmental resources of the region, and support the development of scientific, cultural, educational, entertainment and leisure activities.
It is also possible to develop economic activities that do not jeopardize the ecological balance, such as ecotourism.

How does creating a RPPN benefit the owner?
- Tax exemptions on rural property (ITR).
- Priority in the analysis of grant resources from the National Environment Fund (FNMA) and for project development.
- Preference in the granting of agricultural credit.
- May have technical and financial support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

What does "save character in perpetuity" mean?
This is a requirement of Decree No 1922/96 and means that the area will be protected forever. The heirs of the property must comply with RPPN, and if the property is sold, new owners will also need to keep the area as it is. There is no way to revoke the recognition of the title of the reserve.

What is the process of transforming an area into a RPPN?
After defining what part of the property you want to transform into RPPN the owner should seek the Superintendent of IBAMA or the Department of Environment, and submit the following documents:
- Evidence of field, with registration in the office of Registration of Real Estate responsible;
- Portfolio of identity of the owner in the case of an individual;
- Discharge of Rural Property Tax (ITR);
- Plan of situation, indicating the limits of the area to be recognized as RPPN and the location of the property in the municipality or region.
There will be publication in the Official Gazette to recognize the area as an RPPN.


(Source: Private Reserves of Natural Heritage - WWF-Brazil Pantanal forever)