Barra do Una, Nature reserve in São Paulo, Brazil.
Barra do Una is a nature reserve on the São Paulo coast that spreads across two municipalities where a major river meets the ocean. The area includes river channels, coastal waters, and forest sections connected as one protected zone.
The reserve gained official protection in the early 2000s as part of a larger conservation effort and received its distinct legal status a few years later. This restructuring improved management of the area and strengthened protection measures.
The communities living here celebrate seasonal festivals rooted in fishing traditions and maintain ways of life that have adapted to this coastal landscape for generations. You can witness these practices firsthand and see how daily activities connect to the river and ocean rhythms.
The reserve offers basic lodging options and outdoor activities like hiking and boat trips that are relatively easy to access. Wear sturdy footwear and expect changing weather conditions, since the location between river and ocean creates variable environmental conditions.
The reserve protects a small island within the river that holds a specific ecosystem and often goes unnoticed by visitors. This island can be spotted from certain viewpoints and reveals how conservation work includes small, hidden places.
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