This ambitious 500km cycling journey saw scientists and activists pedal across the Chapada dos Veadeiros region in Goiás. Their mission: to document the devastating effects of climate change on Brazil’s second-largest biome and thrust its plight into the centre of global climate discussions.

The team, combining science, sport, and social engagement, presented their findings yesterday, November 13, at Casa Balaio in Belém.

The ‘Water Tank’ is Running Dry

The Cerrado, often overshadowed by the Amazon, is described as the country’s most threatened biome. Its importance cannot be overstated. It is known as “Brazil’s water tank,” serving as the birthplace for major river basins that supply the nation. Furthermore, it harbours the richest biodiversity of any savanna on Earth.

Despite this, the biome is in critical condition. Only a mere 1.7% of its area is under official protection, and half of its native vegetation has already been destroyed. The impact on water has been catastrophic: eight out of ten municipalities within the Cerrado have lost more than 75% of their water surface over the last three decades.

Dr. Paulo Moutinho, senior scientist at IPAM, highlighted the cascading consequences of this destruction. “The data show that the Cerrado is drying up, and this directly affects food production, water supply, and climate stability across the country,” he warned.

Science on Two Wheels

The TransCerrado project is not a typical scientific study; it actively turns cycling into a powerful tool for climate awareness. The 2025 expedition team was composed of researchers and cyclists, including Paulo Moutinho, Márcio Bitencourt, and Valderli Piontekowski. The expedition also welcomed its first female participant, Verônica Foltynek.

As the scientist-cyclists travelled, they did more than just collect data. They actively engaged with local communities, farmers, and schools along the route. The goal of these interactions was to discuss the Cerrado’s vital role in climate regulation and water conservation, bridging the gap between scientific research and the people most affected by the biome’s degradation.

A Central Plea at COP30

With COP30 representing a “decisive moment for Brazil and the planet”, the TransCerrado team seized the opportunity to make the Cerrado’s case to the world.

Their event yesterday featured the presentation of scientific findings from the expedition. It also included a talk, “The Cerrado in Times of Climate Change,” by IPAM scientist Dr. Julia Shimbo. This was followed by a panel focused on public engagement, titled “Innovating in Social Engagement for Climate Change Mitigation and Environmental Conservation: The Bicycle as a Tool”. This panel was moderated by Moutinho and featured cyclists Márcio Bitencourt (Rebas do Cerrado), Verônica Foltynek, and Joab Marques, alongside Dr. Shimbo.

For the team, the message remains one of interconnected survival. As Dr. Moutinho emphasized, “Without the Cerrado, there is no Amazon and no water security in Brazil. Protecting this biome is essential to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a future for the next generations”.