Lagoas Cufada Natural Park, National park and Ramsar site in Quinara Region, Guinea-Bissau

Lagoas de Cufada Natural Park lies in the Quinara Region between the Rio Grande de Buba and the Rio Corubal, and holds Guinea-Bissau's largest freshwater reserve. Its lagoons and marshes were the country's first protected area, covering 890 km2. About 3,500 people live in 36 tabancas inside the park, mostly Beafadas, with Balantas, Fulas and Manjacos.

The lagoons were designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance on 14 May 1990. The Lagoas de Cufada Natural Park was then established on 1 December 2000, covering 890 km², making it the first protected area in Guinea-Bissau.

The fishing communities living in the Quinara Region depend on these waters for their livelihoods and now participate actively in the park's management. Their knowledge of the local ecosystem shapes how the area is protected and used today.

The park lies in the Quinara Region between the Rio Grande de Buba and the Rio Corubal, and holds Guinea-Bissau's largest freshwater reserve. Access is by road from Buba or Fulacunda; arrange a local guide and permits in advance, since some zones need special authorisation. The lagoons are best visited in the dry season, when water levels fall and birds and mammals gather at the remaining water.

The park serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa, with large numbers resting here during seasonal journeys. This location connects two continents through a vital ecological corridor.