Baixada Maranhense Environmental Protection Area, Environmental Protection Area in Maranhão, Brazil

The Baixada Maranhense is a vast protection area featuring wetlands, floodplains, mangrove forests, rivers, and lagoons spread across numerous municipalities. The landscape shifts between swampy lowlands, open water bodies, and dense vegetation, with clay soil retaining water during wet seasons.

The Brazilian government created this protected area in 1991 through official decree to preserve the ecosystems. International recognition came a few years later when it was designated as a Ramsar site.

The traditional population includes indigenous people and remnants of quilombo communities, who fish, grow rice and raise buffalo. Buffalo breeding is regulated by the 1991 decree, alongside fishing and hunting, to protect water quality and bird refuges. The name Baixada Maranhense means "Maranhense Lowland".

The area spans 32 municipalities, so plan access via the Baixo Pindaré, Baixo Mearim-Grajaú or Mearim-Pindaré Estuary sub-areas. The APA lacks surveillance and management tools, and a planned visitors centre has not been built. Bring sturdy footwear and waterproof gear for the December-to-July floods.

The area contains floating islands vegetated with buriti palms, a rare ecological feature found in few places. It also serves as a critical refuge for threatened species including manatees and colorful parakeets.