The role of territorial governance as an instrument for biological diversity conservation in the Atlantic Forest: Social learning from the Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor, Brazil

In Latin America, in the non-coastal portion of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, there is the territory of Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor, which shares decision-making processes since 2010 and based on the performance of its Managing Network. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor Managing Network as an instrument of territorial governance for biological diversity conservation actions. Methodologically, the method of participant observation of the Network's meetings was used, in association with the semi-structured questionnaire and content analysis of its technical reports. The results showed that the Network expands institutional action for biodiversity conservation in the territory, enhancing personal learning and the possibility of building shared agendas, for example, the elaboration of a Bioregional Management Plan for the Corridor. Out of every 10 planned actions, seven were completed, which demonstrates confidence in the Network in mediating inter-institutional actions. One of these actions was the approval of an ecological restoration project carried out in partnership by 16 Network members from 2017 to 2022, expanding results and optimizing financial costs. However, there are limitations related to the institutional structure of the Network members, who lack dialogic and administrative prerogatives that end up not favoring territorial integration. Finally, develop actions for the conservation of biological diversity must be planned in a dialogical and participatory way, on a regional scale and mediated, unconditionally, by robust governance arrangements. •The network supports learning processes of territorial governance.•A network expands institutional action and autonomy when intervening in a territory.•Institutional arrangements in the network contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.