Reserva Extrativista Mata Grande

Reserva Extrativista Mata Grande is a protected area covering about 10,450 hectares (25,800 acres) in Maranhao where resident communities practice sustainable resource management. The land is used for small-scale farming and controlled extraction of natural materials, both governed by specific rules.

The reserve was created in 1992 through a presidential decree aimed at combining social welfare with environmental protection. This decision was part of a broader Brazilian effort to safeguard forest areas and the communities living in them simultaneously.

Local people gather plants and fish in ways that have been part of their daily life for generations. These activities shape how the community relates to the forest and its resources.

The reserve operates under strict rules for resource extraction designed to protect local ecosystems and community incomes long-term. Visitors should understand this is a working community area, not a tourist attraction, so access may be limited or require local permission.

Scientists collaborate directly with residents to develop innovative methods for sustainable forest use and species protection. This partnership brings together traditional knowledge and modern conservation techniques in real-world practice.