Amongst Paulo's main contributions for the environment field in the country is his important participation in the creation, in the 90’s, of the first Biosphere Reserves in Brazil – specifically the Mata Atlântica and the Cerrado – when he collaborated with the Ministry of Environment and with UNESCO. . The Biosphere Reserves are main line of action of  The Man and the Biosphere Programme (MaB), led by UNESCO Headquarters. Paulo had been the President and the Vice-President of the International Coordinating Council of MaB Programme, between 1981 and 1985, contributing also for the creation of other Biosphere Reserves around the World.

For his important collaboration for the environment conservation and sustainable development, UNESCO regrets his passing and expresses solidarity to his family, friends and environment community for the irreparable loss.