Marechal Newton Cavalcanti Educational Centre: An environmental treasure in Aldeia
Many people don’t know it, but at the end of the Estrada de Aldeia (between km 20 and 30 of the PE-27) is nothing less than the largest continuous strip of Atlantic Forest above the São Francisco River, within the Marechal Newton Cavalcanti Instruction Centre (CIMNC).
5 myths and 5 truths about Aldeia
5 myths about Aldeia
- Aldeia is just a resort: Although known for its natural beauty and leisure facilities, Aldeia is home to a rich biodiversity and an important environmental heritage.
- The Atlantic Forest in Aldeia is completely preserved: Although there are preserved areas, there are also degraded areas that need to be reforested and protected.
- There are no scientific activities in Aldeia: In fact, several universities and institutions carry out studies on the fauna and flora of the region, contributing to research and conservation.
- Aldeia is an isolated and inaccessible area: Although some parts may be difficult to access, there are paths and initiatives to promote visits and activities in the area, making it accessible to the public.
- Aldeia is not important for water supply: On the contrary, the region is home to springs that are essential for the water supply of the Recife Metropolitan Region.
5 truths about Aldeia
- Aldeia has the largest continuous strip of Atlantic Forest above the São Francisco River: This area is vital for the conservation of biodiversity and is an important refuge for several species.
- The Marechal Newton Cavalcanti Instruction Centre (CIMNC) plays a crucial role in the conservation of the environment: The CIMNC maintains the native forest and carries out reforestation activities, contributing to environmental compensation.
- The region is a meeting point for educational and environmental activities: CIMNC hosts groups of students, scouts and guides, promoting environmental education.
- Aldeia is rich in water resources: In addition to springs, the area has dams and streams that are important to the local ecosystem.
- Aldeia’s biodiversity is impressive: The region is home to a significant variety of fauna and flora, often unknown to the local population, making the area a real environmental treasure.
Video about the Marechal Newton Cavalcanti Training Centre
Centro de Instrução Marechal Newton Cavalcanti
Reforestation and environmental compensation
As well as preserving the native forest along almost the entire length of the CIMNC, the Army has set aside some degraded hectares for reforestation as environmental compensation for companies that have an impact on the state, including the Camará Shopping (to be built in Camaragibe) and the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT).
Visits to the Marechal Newton Cavalcanti Training Centre
To learn more about the natural wealth of the area, the CIMNC has agreements with the Federal and Federal Rural Universities of Pernambuco and Fiocruz, who are studying the fauna, flora and environmental conditions of the forest, which is part of the Aldeia-Beberibe Environmental Protection Area (APA) and covers seven municipalities: Araçoiaba, Abreu e Lima, Camaragibe, Igarassu, Paulista, Paudalho and Tracunhaém.
Seen from above, the green patch of CIMNC stands out in the landscape of the Metropolitan Region.
Visitors are also welcome to the CIMNC, as long as they book in advance and comply with the Army’s conditions. The centre has hosted groups of pathfinders, scouts, sportsmen and churches (retreats).
“There have been races here with as many as 650 runners,” say sources at the centre. “There are also rides and outdoor activities promoted by organisations and universities. We’d like to welcome more schools and show them what we have to offer.
The origins of the Marechal Newton Cavalcanti Training Centre
Originally called the Engenho Aldeia Military Instruction Centre, the CIMNC was built during the World War II to train Brazilian troops, based on the expropriation of eleven sugar mills.
With the end of the war, the planned investment was never completed – only 2% of the planned construction was carried out (fortunately for the Atlantic Forest) – and the barracks were used only for routine military activities by the army and air force.
Seven decades later, the CIMNC’s forests are still home to at least eight river springs, six of which are part of Recife’s water supply, as well as dams, waterfalls and streams.
An ecological paradise to treasure
Many wild animals rescued by the CPRH are taken there, such as sloths, alligators, snakes and capybaras.
It’s an ecological paradise that needs to be better known and appreciated by everyone. By promoting environmental conservation and education, CIMNC has become an example of how military training can be combined with conservation.
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