Despite its relative small size (for an Amazon protected area) the Cristalino state park has great importance due to its strategic location in the Southern Amazon deforestation belt, its comparatively high biodiversity and its tourist potential. The park area has been studied since the mid 90’s and a high diversity of fauna and flora has already been identified. In particular, more than 500 species of birds have been registered and an impressive diversity of habitats has been described. The park contains six different ecosystems: the Cristalino River, the igapó forest, the dry forest, the semi-deciduous forest, rocky terrain and seasonally flooded areas.

The Cristalino state park is located at the northern border of the State of Mato Grosso in Alta Floresta and Novo Mundo districts,in an area of 184 900 hectares. Its position is considered strategic as it is located in an area under great pressure from human activities. Although some areas in the south of the park have already suffered from deforestation, the remaining parts are exceptionally well preserved. The park location contributes directly to the safe-guarding of the biome as a whole, protecting the forest by creating a barrier to the ever growing human pressure expanding from the southern border of the Brazilian Amazon.

The park also attracts a great ecotourism market developed successfully for the past 15 years in the area.

The socioeconomic and biological value of the Cristalino state park has granted the area with an internationally recognized importance which in turn contributes to its conservation and preservation.