Alta Floresta history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Alta Floresta began relatively recently, in the second half of the 20th century. It was officially founded on 19 May 1976. Unlike ancient colonial settlements, this city emerged as the result of a planned private colonization project initiated by Ariosto da Riva and his company, INDECO. The aim of the project was the development and settlement of the northern territories of the state of Mato Grosso.

Key Factors of Development

The rapid growth and development of the settlement were driven by several factors:

• Geographic Location: The city became a strategic point on the border with the Amazon rainforests, serving as a gateway for further advancement to the north.
• Gold Rush: In the 1980s, gold deposits were discovered in the region, leading to a massive influx of prospectors from all over Brazil and a sharp economic boom.
• Land Resources: Fertile lands attracted farmers, laying the foundation for the future agricultural sector.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In its early years, the city's economy was closely tied to gold mining and logging, giving it the characteristics of a classic "frontier"—a place where a spirit of adventure prevailed. The cultural landscape was shaped by settlers from the country's southern states, who brought with them traditions of cattle ranching and farming. Over time, chaotic resource extraction gave way to more organized agriculture, transforming the city into an important regional centre.

Key Milestones of Development

• 1974 — Start of the large-scale private colonization project of the northern territories by INDECO under the leadership of Ariosto da Riva.
• 1975 (21 April) — Arrival of the advance group of explorers and builders at the site where the main entrance to the city is located today.
• 1976 (19 May) — Official founding date of the settlement of Alta Floresta, marked by the completion of the clearing of the first path in the dense jungle.
• 1977 — The settlement is granted the status of an administrative district subordinate to the municipality of Aripuanã.
• 1979 (18 December) — Political emancipation and attainment of independent municipality status, which sparked the creation of its own infrastructure.
• 1980 (3 June) — Historic visit by President João Figueiredo, who noted the record pace of the settlement's transformation into a proper city.
• 1980s — Beginning of the "gold rush," causing a massive influx of prospectors and a temporary demographic explosion.
• 1986 — Peak of gold production, when the population of the city and surrounding areas reached nearly 100,000 people arriving from all over Brazil.
• 1991 — Administrative reform, resulting in the separation of new municipalities from the territory: Nova Bandeirantes and Nova Monte Verde.
• 1990s — Gradual depletion of easily accessible gold reserves and reorientation of the economy towards cattle ranching and agriculture.
• 2008 — Inclusion of the municipality in the federal list of territories with critical deforestation levels, which became a turning point for a shift in environmental policy.
• 2011 — Launch of the innovative municipal programme "Olhos D'Água da Amazônia" to restore degraded springs and forests.
• 2012 — Exclusion of the city from the list of deforestation leaders thanks to a successful transition to a sustainable development model ("Município Verde").
• Present Time — The city has established itself as an important centre for agribusiness and an international destination for eco-tourism and birdwatching.

The development of the city of Alta Floresta is a unique example of rapid adaptation and transformation. Within a short historical period, this settlement went from a tent camp in the jungle to a model of sustainable development recognized at the international level. Below are the key stages that defined the modern appearance of the city.

• Planned Urbanization: Unlike many spontaneously arising settlements, the city was built according to a clear plan by INDECO. This laid the foundation for a well-designed street grid and zoning, which still distinguishes its infrastructure favourably from neighbouring municipalities.
• The "Gold Rush" Era: In the 1980s, the discovery of gold deposits led to explosive population and capital growth. This period ensured the initial influx of investment and workforce from all over Brazil, turning a quiet agrarian project into a bustling trading hub.
• Agrarian Stabilization: After the depletion of easy gold reserves in the 1990s, the city successfully reoriented towards livestock and farming. The development of cattle ranching became the economic foundation that allowed it to avoid the decline typical of many former mining towns.
• Ecological Turn: In the late 2000s, the city faced the threat of environmental sanctions due to deforestation. The response was a massive programme to restore springs and forests ("Olhos D'Água da Amazônia"), which radically changed the region's image and removed it from government "blacklists".
• Development of Eco-tourism: The preservation of forest areas around the city opened a new economic niche. Today, the city is known as one of the best places for birdwatching and sport fishing, attracting travellers and nature researchers.
• Infrastructure Modernization: The transformation of the city into a regional hub was accompanied by the development of the service sector, the opening of universities, and the modernization of the airport, cementing its status as an important logistics and educational centre in the north of Mato Grosso state.

Urban Planning Concept and Development

The architectural appearance of Alta Floresta differs radically from the country's ancient colonial cities. It is a young city that emerged in the second half of the 20th century as the result of a carefully thought-out private colonization plan. The urban structure was laid out by INDECO and is distinguished by the clarity of lines characteristic of planned settlements of that era.

The city layout is based on wide avenues and rational zoning designed to ensure comfortable living in a tropical climate. The city's development proceeded from the central core to the periphery while preserving significant green areas, which justifies the name ("High Forest") and aligns with the modern concept of a garden city.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Due to the city's youth, historical styles such as Gothic, Baroque, or Classicism are absent here. The architectural chronicle of the city spans just a few decades, reflecting the transition from temporary solutions to permanent construction.

• Colonization Period (1970s): The era of "wooden architecture" and utilitarianism. The first structures were built from local timber, were simple and functional, and intended for the rapid accommodation of settlers. This style can be characterized as "Amazonian vernacular," dictated by the availability of materials.
• Urbanization Period (1980s — 1990s): With the influx of capital from gold mining and agriculture, the city began to be built up with permanent structures made of concrete and brick. The architecture is dominated by Late Modernism in its provincial interpretation—concise forms, flat or pitched roofs, and an emphasis on the functionality of administrative and commercial buildings.
• Modern Stage (21st Century): Characterized by the appearance of elements of contemporary architecture with a focus on sustainable development. New public spaces and private residences increasingly integrate natural elements, following eco-trends.

Landmark Buildings and Public Spaces

The city's appearance is shaped less by individual monumental landmarks and more by public zones that reflect the history of the region's development.

• Culture Square (Praça da Cultura): The central public space of the city, home to one of its main symbols—a Douglas DC-3 aircraft. This monument is installed in honour of aviation, which played a key role in supplying and developing the settlement during a time when land roads were practically impassable.
• Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Paróquia Sagrado Coração de Jesus): The main religious centre of the city, the architecture of which combines modern lines with the traditional role of the church in Brazil as a community gathering place.
• Cultural Centre (Centro Cultural): A building that has become a hub for festivals and theatrical productions, reflecting the city's aspiration to create its own cultural identity.

Prominent Personalities and Historical Figures

The history and development of the city of Alta Floresta are inextricably linked with the names of pioneers, politicians, and cultural figures who made an invaluable contribution to the establishment of this corner of Brazil. Below are key persons whose destinies are intertwined with the history of the municipality.

• Ariosto da Riva
  Role: City founder, entrepreneur, colonizer.
  Known as "The Last Bandeirante" (O Último Bandeirante), Ariosto da Riva is the central figure in the region's history. It was his vision and the efforts of the INDECO company that led to the founding of the city in 1976 in the middle of the Amazon jungle. He led the private colonization project that ensured the rapid settlement and economic start of the municipality.
• Wanderley Alves Pereira
  Role: First mayor (appointed).
  Went down in history as the first administrator of the municipality after its official separation from Aripuanã in 1979. He was tasked with organizing the primary administrative structure and establishing city services during a period of rapid population growth.
• Edson dos Santos
  Role: Politician, first elected mayor.
  Became the first mayor elected by direct vote of the residents (from 1983 to 1988). His tenure marked the transition to democratic governance of the city and coincided with the period of active gold mining, which required competent management of resources and infrastructure.
• Mayck & Lyan
  Role: Musicians, Sertanejo duo.
  A nationally popular musical duo whose creative roots go back to this city. Although born elsewhere, their childhood and first steps in music took place here. The artists often highlight their connection to the region, promoting its culture on the big stage.
• Maria Izaura Dias Alfonso
  Role: Educator, politician, mayor.
  An outstanding female politician who served as mayor for two consecutive terms (2005–2012). Her activities are remembered for significant contributions to the development of education and the social sphere, as well as efforts to implement environmentally sustainable practices in municipal management.
• Romoaldo Aloísio Boraczynski Jr. (Romoaldo Júnior)
  Role: Politician, state deputy.
  Served as mayor of the city in the early 2000s, after which he continued his career at the Mato Grosso state level. As an influential deputy, he actively lobbied for the region's interests, facilitating the attraction of investments and the implementation of infrastructure projects.
• Vicente da Riva
  Role: Politician, public figure.
  A representative of the founder's family who continued his father's work by actively participating in political life. As mayor in the second half of the 1990s, he played an important role in stabilizing the city's economy following the decline of the "gold rush" and the reorientation towards agriculture.