Guapi-Mirim Environmental Protection Area, Environmental protection area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Guapi-Mirim Environmental Protection Area is a protected zone in Guanabara Bay covering roughly 14,000 hectares of coastal land and water. It spans across four municipalities and contains mangrove forests, wetlands, and diverse marine habitats that support local ecosystems.
The Brazilian government established this protected area in 1984 after push from environmental groups and researchers concerned about the bay's ecosystems. This decision marked an important step in safeguarding the region's natural resources.
Fishing communities here practice traditional methods in designated areas, maintaining a way of life deeply connected to the marine environment. This work shapes the local identity and shows how people have relied on these waters for generations.
The area spreads across four municipalities and visitors typically need to arrange access in advance. It is important to respect visitor restrictions since this is an active protected zone.
The mangrove forest here is among the largest continuous sections in Rio de Janeiro, spanning about 2,000 hectares of protected woodland. This dense forest type is rare to find in the bay and provides home to hundreds of animal species.
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