RESERVA EXTRATIVISTA DE CURURUPU

Apicum-Açu, Maranhão

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Description

The Cururupu Extractive Reserve is a Federal Conservation Unit for Sustainable Use located on the western coast of Maranhão, in the region of the Maranhenses Reentrances. Established on June 2, 2004, it covers approximately 186,000 hectares and protects a wide array of islands, bays, tidal channels, beaches, restingas, apicuns, and extensive mangroves. The unit is managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation – ICMBio. The reserve has a strong marine-coastal and estuarine influence, with environments of high biological productivity. Its mangroves serve as feeding, breeding, and shelter areas for fish, crustaceans, mollusks, birds, and various other species. Among the officially protected endangered species in the unit is the manatee (Trichechus manatus). The RESEX is also home to traditional communities that maintain a historical relationship with the sea, mangroves, and fishing resources. The Management Plan records 12 communities distributed across four archipelagos, where artisanal fishing constitutes one of the main economic and cultural activities. The conservation of biodiversity is therefore directly related to the appreciation of traditional knowledge and the sustainable use of natural resources. One of the most well-known locations in the reserve is Lençóis Island, characterized by dunes, lagoons, beaches, mangroves, and rich cultural heritage. The island welcomes visitors and has potential for community-based tourism, hiking, swimming, nature observation, environmental education, and experiences with traditional communities, always respecting the unit's regulations and ICMBio's guidelines.