ÁREA DE PROTEÇÃO AMBIENTAL BAIXADA MARANHENSE

The Environmental Protection Area of Baixada Maranhense, located in northern Maranhão, protects about 1.77 million hectares of floodable fields, rivers, lakes, streams, mangroves, estuaries, babaçu palm groves, and forest remnants. Established in 1991 and recognized as a Ramsar Site in 2000, this unit is of great importance for the conservation of wetlands, aquatic fauna, birds, and fishery resources. Its landscape is marked by the annual water cycle and the strong relationship between nature and traditional communities, making the region especially relevant for ecotourism, environmental education, and community-based tourism.