Ancient cave paintings potentially dating back 2,000 to 3,000 years have been discovered in Brazil's Itatiaia National Park The artwork was found in a cave within the park which straddles the border between Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais states The site has been restricted to visitors whilst archaeologists study what could provide crucial insights into past human presence in the region The paintings were discovered by Andres Conquista operational supervisor of the upper region of Itatiaia National Park He was initially attracted by a cluster of red lilies in bloom when an unusually shaped rock caught his attention initially mistaking it for tourist graffiti before realising its potential significance A research team has been formed to investigate the discovery comprising experts from the National Museum of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro The working group aims to uncover details about the age and origin of the artwork They are also searching for additional traces of past human presence in the surrounding area Professor MaDu Gaspar told Agência Brasil that the discovery is highly significant as Rio de Janeiro has been a hub for researchers since the Imperial era "We were surprised to come across an entirely new site It's not that similar sites don't exist—they do in places like Minas Gerais—but nothing like this had ever been found in Rio de Janeiro," she said Preservation efforts at the site include the installation of cameras and an awareness campaign conducted with park staff and management The area has been cordoned off to allow specialists to conduct their research without interference According to Parque Tur's press office "anyone who disregards the restrictions will face heavy fines." There is no timeline for reopening the site to visitors The significance of this discovery is amplified by the fact that Rio de Janeiro is considered the birthplace of Brazilian archaeology Professor Gaspar noted that despite extensive historical exploration in the state this type of archaeological site had remained undiscovered until now "And it's not hidden away at the top of a peak where only a few mountaineers go How had no one seen it before?" she remarked Researchers are currently in the early stages of investigating when the paintings were created with preliminary estimates suggesting they may be 2,000 to 3,000 years old Professor Anderson Marques Garcia highlighted that archaeological research in Rio de Janeiro had previously focused primarily on coastal areas Future studies aim to establish connections between this site and known groups from São Paulo The artworks which could be up to 3,000 years old were discovered in 2023 The existence of ancient cave paintings in Brazil have been revealed for the first time - two years after they were discovered by a climber in Rio de Janeiro were found in the Itatiaia National Park by park official Andres Conquista during a climbing expedition Conquista, who works as the operational supervisor of the park's upper region, first assumed the paintings to be tourist graffiti realized their potentially ancient origins He told Agência Brasil: "The first reaction was concern That’s when I realized it could be something very old." A post shared by Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (@pnitatiaia) it was kept secret while researchers worked to preserve the artwork and investigate its origins They're hopeful the discovery will lead to more ancient finds in the surrounding area tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture Professor MaDu Gaspar told Agência Brasil: “Regions with shelters and caves featuring rock art are rarely isolated sites We’re investing in exploring this area "This is just the beginning of the research We’re uncovering a reality that was previously unknown to us." Any potential meaning behind the red and yellow-lined paintings is currently unclear but the find has seen it described as significant The backcountry area where the paintings were discovered was cordoned off and researchers continue to investigate their origins and possible meaning There's no timeline for reopening the site and anyone who's found to breach the restrictions will face heavy fines according to the park's press office Will SymonsStaff WriterWill Symons developed his love of the outdoors as a student exploring every inch of Sussex’s South Downs national park and wild swimming off the Brighton seafront Will previously worked as a freelance journalist and writer covering everything from cricket to ancient history Researchers from the National Museum—part of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and Itatiaia National Park have formed a working group to investigate the recent discovery of cave paintings in the park located in the Serra da Mantiqueira on the border between the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais The goal is to uncover details such as the age and origin of the artwork found inside a cave a professor in the Archaeology Program at the National Museum told Agência Brasil that the group is also searching for additional traces of past human presence in the surrounding area “Regions with shelters and caves featuring rock art are rarely isolated sites we’re getting to know the landscape—considering routes This is just the beginning of the research We’re uncovering a reality that was previously unknown to us and there’s still a long journey ahead,” she said The professor noted that although the paintings were discovered in 2023 the findings were only made public recently to give the park time to prepare and prevent visitors from accessing the site One of the first steps taken was to notify the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) “Archaeological sites are overseen by IPHAN and all activities—even those carried out by archaeologists—must be authorized by the institute They are monitoring the site closely to ensure this archaeological discovery receives the attention it deserves,” the researcher explained the current priority is to ensure the site’s preservation cameras have been installed and an awareness campaign has been conducted with the park’s staff and management One of the researchers’ main questions is when the paintings were created—a mystery that will only be solved as studies advance “We’re considering the possibility that they date back 2,000 to 3,000 years but the research is still in its early stages,” explained MaDu Gaspar She added that the team has already found strong evidence of hunters having inhabited the area The place—recognized as Brazil’s first national park—is managed by the concessionaire Parque Tur which oversees public visits to the conservation area Conquista came across the cave during a climbing trip He was initially drawn to a cluster of over 15 red lilies in bloom and as he moved closer to photograph the flowers he approached it—and upon entering the cave I thought it might be graffiti left by tourists,” he told Agência Brasil That’s when I realized it could be something very old I took photos and shared them with the ICMBio staff.” Conquista was also present when the team visited the site for the first time to examine the paintings it felt like discovering it all over again Professor Gaspar noted that the discovery is highly significant as Rio de Janeiro has been a hub for researchers since the Imperial era and is considered the birthplace of Brazilian archaeology there was a general sense that the state had already been thoroughly explored by scientists “We were surprised to come across an entirely new site It’s not that similar sites don’t exist—they do in places like Minas Gerais—but nothing like this had ever been found in Rio de Janeiro,” she said “And it’s not hidden away at the top of a peak where only a few mountaineers go a professor in the Department of Archaeology at Rio de Janeiro State University archaeological research in the state had primarily focused on coastal areas while the interior and its diverse cultural expressions were often overlooked He also expressed concern about the preservation of the newly identified archaeological site someone might try to dig up the site out of curiosity which could seriously compromise future research and we need to proceed with the utmost care and patience to uncover clues about its chronology the identity of the people who once lived there We also hope to determine whether they were culturally connected to known groups from what is now São Paulo or to other findings from the Paraíba Valley,” said Garcia The area where the discovery was made has been cordoned off to allow specialists to conduct their research “anyone who disregards the restrictions will face heavy fines.” There is no set timeline for reopening the site to visitors as researchers are still unable to estimate how long the analysis will take the focus is on full preservation and strict control to prevent any unauthorized access until the studies are completed,” the advisory stated the site could become a point of interest for visitors Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now Studios support programming at its facility in Belo Horizonte From our Who’s Buying What page comes this look into a new Lawo installation for Brazilian broadcaster Rádio Itatiaia The supplier says the broadcaster installed a new routing system to switch process and distribute programming from its headquarters in Belo Horizonte Rádio Itatiaia supports a network of 52 affiliate stations in the state of Minas Gerais The new system uses Lawo’s Power Core mixing engines Nova17 routing frames and custom touchscreen controls that were designed with Lawo VisTool Unlimited graphical control software with the goal of replacing an aging digital router with a true AES67 system that could work with AoIP equipment from a variety of manufacturers and be easily expanded to accommodate future needs,” Lawo stated in a press release The system uses the Ravenna networking protocol “Itatiaia also wanted a system with DSP capabilities to enable audio shaping of sources on-the-fly Redundancy is provided by two Lawo Power Core engines each paired with a Nova17 routing frame with dual redundant master control/interface cards that are interconnected via mirrored MADI backbones with automatic failover from the primary to the secondary system in case of a fault with physical controls via rack-mounted KSC controller panels and then touchscreen PCs with VisTool graphical control software A PTP grand master handles synchronization with a Lawo A__mic8 unit providing backup clocking Rádio Itatiaia’s Vice President Cláudio Carneiro was quoted in the announcement saying “The ability to integrate with our existing AoIP mixing desks as well as Dante devices using Ravenna with AES67 is unprecedented.” Lawo posted a case study on the Rádio Itatiaia project at its website See more Who’s Buying What stories here. Radio World welcomes news about recent installations including studios, RF and all other technical operations; email [email protected] Paul McLane Paul McLane is editor in chief of Radio World He directs the editorial content of 26 annual print issues; RW's daily SmartBrief newsletters; webcasts; and a growing library of 100+ ebooks He has interviewed directors of engineering Hall of Fame radio personalities and C-suite leaders about digital radio Prior to RW he was an award-winning broadcast journalist and technology sales/marketing executive For more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to our newsletter here Tags ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ England and Wales company registration number 2008885 The plant inauguration represents the first time a UK automotive group has opened a production centre in Latin America Jaguar Land Rover's new factory in Itatiaia is also the company's first wholly‑owned overseas facility and marks a further phase in its global expansion strategy following the opening of its Chinese joint venture factory in 2014 The creation of new international factories allows Jaguar Land Rover to offer its customers even more exciting new models protect against currency fluctuations and create a globally competitive business The new facility will build both the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport for Brazilian customers Vehicles will be on sale in dealers across Brazil this month The opening of Jaguar Land Rover's new world‑class facility in Brazil marks the latest exciting milestone in our global expansion Land Rover is already Brazil's market‑leader for mid‑sized premium SUVs accounting for more than 30% of all sales in that segment The Range Rover Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery Sport will now be manufactured for the first time in Latin America building on their existing popularity with customers in Brazil The plant includes Jaguar Land Rover's first overseas Education Business Partnership Centre which will provide a range of classroom activities for up to 12,000 local children each year These will help them to develop key skills work awareness and inspire them to pursue rewarding careers at Jaguar Land Rover We are proud of the strong links that we have established with the communities close to our existing plants and the same is true here in Brazil Our Education Business Partnership Centre is just one step we are taking to deliver exciting educational programmes to local children of all ages Our ambition is to encourage them to consider a career in the automotive industry in the future The fully flexible plant has been designed to support the company's future plans and represents Jaguar Land Rover's long‑term commitment to the Brazilian market The factory includes a series of environmental features such as rainwater collection and the planting of more than 1,200 indigenous trees to help preserve and improve the natural habitat around the factory Jaguar Land Rover is aiming to achieve the globally recognised LEED Gold sustainability accreditation ‑ the first automotive vehicle assembly plant in Brazil to do so The plant includes cutting‑edge manufacturing technologies and has the most advanced Emissions Conformity and Certification facility in South America As part of its on‑going commitment to the Brazilian automotive industry Jaguar Land Rover has sourced major components such as the seats chassis and powertrain assembly from local suppliers including Benteler and IAC Jaguar Land Rover has invested in its technical assistance services to help suppliers support increased levels of localisation in the future Jaguar Land Rover has had a presence in the Brazilian market for more than 25 years Land Rover is the leading premium SUV brand in Brazil and Jaguar is one of the country's fastest growing premium brands with sales increasing by 70% in the first five months of 2016 Brazil is one of Jaguar Land Rover's top 15 markets and the Range Rover Evoque Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery are the strongest selling vehicles in the country Jaguar Land Rover has 35 dealers covering all the main territories of Brazil.  As part of its commitment to create new opportunities for 12 million people by 2020 Jaguar Land Rover works closely with the communities close to its manufacturing facilities around the world Jaguar Land Rover has forged strong links with the local neighbourhoods in Itatiaia and nearby Resende creating new programmes to inspire the next generation of automotive engineers The new Education Business Partnership Centre is operated in conjunction with SENAI and will offer education programmes for children aged 5 to 18 manufacturing and automotive business‑related activities Jaguar Land Rover launched its 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce' training programme in Itatiaia in 2015 More than 100 people have completed the scheme: 12 are working at the Jaguar Land Rover plant in Itatiaia and many others are employed elsewhere within the automotive industry Débora Esteves completed the programme last year and is now a product coach at the new plant I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and it gave me the opportunity to learn many new skills I believe that without 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce' I would not be working at Jaguar Land Rover today training and employability qualifications for people who are unemployed to prepare them for roles in the automotive industry It is the first programme of this nature that Jaguar Land Rover has deployed outside the UK Hundreds of local children have taken part in the 'Music is the Winner' and Try Rugby initiatives Both are designed to encourage children to develop new skills and to create new opportunities for them two schools from Brazil will compete in the global finals of the Land Rover 4x4 in Schools Technology Challenge This is an innovative educational challenge that pulls together key science engineering and mathematics learning modules and engages students with engineering disciplines For more information, please visit www.newsroom.jaguarlandrover.com or contact: Jaguar Land Rover today opened its new R$750m (£240m) manufacturing facility and Education Business Partnership Centre in the state of Rio de Janeiro Global automotive interior components supplier International Automotive Components (IAC) has opened its first South American plant in Itatiaia supplying cockpits to Jaguar Land Rover's new car assembly factory Global automotive interior components supplier International Automotive Components (IAC) has opened its first South American plant in Itatiaia, Brazil, supplying cockpits to Jaguar Land Rover's new car assembly factory IAC's 4,500 square metre (48,437 square feet) facility was officially opened on Wednesday (15 June) and will employ 40 to 50 people when production reaches full capacity It assembles and delivers cockpits to the automaker's plant also in Itatiaia, for installation in Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque SUVs IAC Itatiaia is also an assembly operation – it builds cockpits using parts provided by five of the company's United Kingdom facilities in Halewood (near JLR's main Evoque/Discovery Sport plant) The greenfield plant currently employs 17 workers and uses the IAC Production System (IPS) for lean operations It was located in Itatiaia to enable it to be expanded as the JLR unit's output grows Brazilian auto industry rules mandate increases in local content according to an agreed timescale "As we strive to meet our OEM customers' worldwide demands the development of our first South American plant is a testament to IAC's global capabilities," said chief operating officer Brian Pour get it operational and start supporting vehicle production. Our presence in Brazil allows us to be a reliable strategic partner to Jaguar Land Rover's global expansion and successfully support the lean operations of this important customer."  It operates 85 factories in 20 countries and employs 32,000 Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Auto Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation This is your chance to showcase your achievements Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network By clicking here, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and consent to us collection your details for the purposes of your enquiry With the introduction of the 16MY Range Rover Evoque Land Rover has strengthened its fastest‑selling model The luxury compact SUV features a comprehensive range of new design features and technologies to reinforce its status as the market leader the Range Rover Evoque has sold more than 20,000 vehicles in Brazil and we are delighted to confirm that the Range Rover Evoque will be built at our facility in Itatiaia." "Brazil and the surrounding regions are very important to Jaguar Land Rover The introduction of the Range Rover Evoque to our factory in Itatiaia highlights our long‑term commitment to the Brazilian market." Jaguar Land Rover is the first British automotive company to invest in a manufacturing factory in Brazil the new 60,000m² manufacturing facility in Itatiaia will create employment for 400 people With construction of the plant nearing completion Jaguar Land Rover is now installing the manufacturing equipment to support the start of production in early 2016 Jaguar Land Rover's first overseas Education Business Partnership Centre will open in Itatiaia in mid‑2016 providing a range of classroom activities to help local school children develop key skills work awareness and inspire them to pursue rewarding careers at Jaguar Land Rover in the future Jaguar Land Rover works closely with the local people living nearby its manufacturing facilities around the world and during the construction phase of the programme in Brazil Jaguar Land Rover forged strong links with the communities in both Itatiaia and nearby Resende Jaguar Land Rover has just launched the second cohort of the 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce' training programme in Itatiaia. Of those who have successfully completed the first course around 60% are now working for Jaguar Land Rover in Itatiaia Working in conjunction with the Brazilian training provider SENAI the programme offers work experience, training and employability qualifications for unemployed 17 ‑ 26 year olds to prepare them for employment in the automotive industry Jaguar Land Rover is involved in a range of other initiatives including Try Rugby Music is the Winner and Reading History for Children Jaguar Land Rover will be sourcing a range of components from local suppliers as well as importing some parts from its global supply chain Jaguar Land Rover is investing in its technical assistance services to help suppliers support increased levels of localisation in the future Jaguar Land Rover has had a presence in Brazil for more than 20 years The Company is currently investing in its dealer network and has over 40 dealers throughout Brazil the company laid its foundation stone of the local plant in Itatiaia ready for production to begin in early 2016 The new facility will supplement UK production and will have the capacity to build around 24,000 vehicles annually for the Brazilian market Itatiaia will be Jaguar Land Rover’s first wholly-owned manufacturing plant outside of the United Kingdom “Brazil and the surrounding regions are very important to Jaguar Land Rover The introduction of the Range Rover Evoque to our factory in Itatiaia highlights our long-term commitment to the Brazilian market,” said Terry Hill the new 60,000 square-meter manufacturing facility in Itatiaia will employ 400 people Jaguar Land Rover is currently installing the manufacturing equipment The company will source a range of components from local suppliers as well as import some parts from its global supply chain Jaguar Land Rover is also investing in its technical assistance services to help suppliers support increased levels of localization in the future Jaguar Land Rover is currently expanding its dealer network which includes over 40 dealers throughout the country