The municipality is located in the Serra do Espinhaço Biosphere Reserve, one of seven in the country. It has a rich biological diversity and combines areas of high endemism, rocky fields and abundant water resources, as well as historical, economic and cultural importance.

The municipality's development is linked to the historical activity of exploiting mineral resources in the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range. This aims to promote the well-being of the local population, conserve nature, and guarantee the supply of... ecosystem services, The city government encouraged the creation and consolidation of conservation units (CUs).

There are currently a total of four Conservation Units in the municipality, three at the municipal level and one at the state level – all included in the National Registry of Conservation Units (CNUC).

The protected areas in Conceição do Mato Dentro (MG) minimize the loss of endemic species, carry out educational and socio-environmental and cultural development programs, and provide multiple ecosystem services to society, such as water supply.

Another important factor is that protected areas generate local income due to the development of ecotourism, ensuring the financial sustainability of actions to protect natural habitats, and also contributing to the governance and connectivity of protected areas within the biosphere reserve.