One of the world’s largest and most well-conserved belt of mangroves stretches along the coastline of Brazil where the Amazon River pours into the Atlantic Ocean and forms the immense Amazon River Estuary. But a significant gap in protections has left the mangrove forest vulnerable, and the threat of deforestation and oil and gas exploitation looms large.

At risk is a unique refuge and nursery environment for marine and coastal species facing extinction, including the Atlantic Goliath Grouper, American Manatee and Black Rail, a tiny, elusive marsh bird. In total, at least 40 globally threatened species and 80% of Brazil’s mangroves live in and rely upon this 9.5-million-acre coastal wetland.

Rainforest Trust and our partner, RARE Brazil, are working to safeguard 175,000 acres of unprotected mangroves and coastal waters through government designation of two new sustainable use reserves and the expansion of one existing reserve. These legal designations will negate existing oil, gas and mining claims and prevent new ones. The areas are to be co-managed by traditional and local fishery communities, government, and other stakeholders.

Header photo:  North American Manatee, by Eric Carlander

Save Mangroves, Save Species

Mangrove forests play an essential role in the survival of innumerable species, including many that are foundational to the livelihoods of the traditional communities that live here. The Swamp Ghost Crab, for example, is a primary source of food for local communities.

Mangrove forests play an essential role as a nursery environment for both coastal species and those that more typically inhabit deeper waters. American Manatees rely on mangrove forests as a safe place to calve their young. Juvenile fishes—including Atlantic Goliath Groupers, which can reach up to 6.5 feet in length and 880 pounds as mature adults—also seek shelter in mangroves, where the dense network of roots protects them from larger creatures that might otherwise prey upon them.

This region is also important for migratory shorebirds and at least three species of sea turtles fighting extinction.

Protect Fish Stocks and Support Local Communities

These two new reserves will grant local traditional communities the legal authority and capacity to co-manage these mangrove forests and surrounding waters. The communities will also have first rights to the use of these territories. This will allow them to protect the ecosystem from industrial fishing and illegal deforestation, and preserve their way of life for future generations.

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