PETAR - Alto Ribeira State & Tourist Park.
Located approximately 350 km southwest of São Paulo, PETAR (Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira) is one of Brazil’s most significant protected rainforest regions. Known for its extensive cave systems — each with distinctive geological and ecological characteristics — PETAR offers a rare intersection of biodiversity, scientific research, and carefully managed adventure tourism.
In 2023, I travelled with my collegues from Impulse 4 Developmentin to get to know the region. I was documenting landscapes, cave environments, and the biodiversity. A central part of the experience was time spent with Professor Cassius V. Stevani, Associate Professor at the Chemistry Institute of the University of São Paulo. Professor Stevani has conducted long-term research in the rainforest on bioluminescent fungi — work that has previously been featured by National Geographic. His research offers a compelling example of how scientific inquiry and rainforest ecosystems intersect in meaningful and globally relevant ways.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/brazil-rain-forest-most-glowing-mushrooms
During the visit, we were also guided by Tom Cardoso, Forest and Cave Guide at Planeta Trilha, whose deep knowledge of the terrain provided essential local context for navigating the forest and cave systems responsibly.
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Through guided exploration of the forest and cave systems, I documented not only the physical landscape but also the relationship between scientific research, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. The resulting photography and video focus on ecological context, research environments, and the subtle details that define rainforest systems — approached with accuracy, restraint, and respect for the environment.
