The Jericoacoara National Park is located in the municipalities of Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Cruz, and Camocim, on the west coast of the state of Ceará. It has a total area of 8,850 hectares. It is a Conservation Unit of Integral Protection, with its management being the responsibility of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), which maintains an office and a team on-site. The specific objectives of the Jericoacoara National Park are to protect and preserve samples of coastal ecosystems, ensure the preservation of its natural resources, and provide opportunities for the development of public use (visitation), environmental education, and scientific research. It was created from the re-categorization of the Jericoacoara Environmental Protection Area (APA), which was extinguished in 2007. The protected area extends east to the village of Preá and west to the mouth of the Guriú River, and within the perimeter of the National Park, various scenarios of Jericoacoara are included, such as the notable complex of mobile dunes in a crescent shape, the so-called "barcan dunes."

The Park protects very fragile ecosystems, so within its limits, the construction of roads, hunting, and predatory fishing, or any type of pollution is not allowed. New constructions are only permitted within the area of the Village of Jericoacoara but must comply with some restrictions, such as: maintaining the existing architectural standard, occupying at most 50% of the land, and having a maximum of 2 floors, among others. Vehicle traffic is only allowed on authorized trails, such as the Preá Trail, the Lagoa Grande Trail, and the Mangue Seco/Guriú Trail. All of them connect the respective entrances of the Park to the Village of Jericoacoara. In the Park, it is prohibited to drive motorized vehicles outside the trails or over the mobile dunes. The circulation of motorized vehicles is also prohibited on the hill known as "Serrote" (where the lighthouse installed by the Navy is located) and Malhada Beach.

Since it is a National Park area, visitors must adopt certain attitudes to contribute to the preservation of the Jericoacoara region, such as:

• Not littering on the beach and dunes;
• Respecting the coastal zone, avoiding vehicle traffic on the beach;
• Not climbing the natural monument of Pedra Furada;
• Respecting the culture of the Village of Jericoacoara;
• Spreading awareness of the importance of conserving this natural heritage.

The creation of the Jericoacoara National Park ensures the conservation of a sample of the rich natural heritage existing on the west coast of Ceará, guaranteeing the sustainability of tourism in this region and improving the quality of life of local communities.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREA OF THE DELTA DO PARNAÍBA

The Delta do Parnaíba is a rare natural phenomenon that also occurs in the Nile River, in Africa, and in the Mekong, in Vietnam. Its configuration resembles an open hand, where the fingers represent the following bars: Tutóia Bar, Caju Bar, Igaraçu Bar, Canárias Bar, and Melancieira Bar, which branch out, forming a grand ecological sanctuary. Rivers, flora, fauna, white sand dunes, lagoon and sea bathing are some of the attractions that the place offers.

The region of the Parnaíba River delta covers 2,700 km² of area, of which 35% belong to Piauí and 65% to the State of Maranhão. It is currently the largest producer of crabs in the country, and its natural beauties have attracted tourists from around the world.

The Environmental Protection Area of the Delta do Parnaíba is managed by the ICMBio, created by decree S/Nº, dated 28.08.1996, at the request of environmentalists. It is an important area of the Brazilian coastal zone as it forms the only open sea delta in the Americas, with more than 75 islands and serves as a sanctuary for the reproduction of various species of fish, crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. The unit also protects estuaries where the manatee reproduces. It has an area of 313,800 hectares and is located in the mid-northern region of Brazil, covering the States of Piauí and Maranhão.

This APA has approximately 3,031 km², and access is made via BR 343 to Parnaíba, from where it becomes possible to visit the delta by boat. The Environmental Protection Areas (APAs) belong to the group of sustainable use conservation units. Composed of public and/or private areas, their objective is to regulate the process of land occupation and promote the protection of biotic and abiotic resources within their limits, ensuring the well-being of the human populations living there, safeguarding or enhancing local ecological conditions and maintaining relevant landscapes and cultural attributes.

MARINE EXTRACTIVE RESERVE OF THE DELTA DO PARNAÍBA

Created by Decree S/Nº, dated 16/11/00, within the area of the APA, called Marine RESEX of the Delta do Parnaíba, it aims to ensure self-sustainable exploitation and conservation of renewable natural resources traditionally used by the extractive population of the area. It covers the States of Piauí and Maranhão (the municipality of Ilha Grande – PI and Araioses – MA), in an area of 275.6 km² and requested by 3,600 families.

The Extractive Reserves (RESEX) are territorial spaces designated for self-sustainable exploitation and conservation of renewable natural resources, by traditional populations. In such areas, it is possible to materialize sustainable development, balancing ecological interests of environmental conservation with social interests of improving the lives of the populations that live there.

NATIONAL PARK OF LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES

A federal conservation unit managed by ICMBio, created in 1981 with an area of 155,000 hectares.

The most widely disseminated image of the PNLM is represented by the dunes, where freshwater lagoons form during the rainy season. In addition to this environment, the Park features areas of restinga, mangrove, and a marine-coastal strip. In general terms, the following characteristics can be observed in the environment within the Park:

• Free dune field: the largest coastal dune field in the Americas;
• Restinga: contains the highest biodiversity in the Park;
• Mangroves: found in the western part of the Park;
• Coastal Zone: 1 nautical mile and marine strip from the beach, extending about 70 km;
• Santo Amaro Lake: the largest body of water in the Park;
• Primitive zone: an area of high ecological importance and the most restrictive part of the PNLM. Includes Queimada dos Britos and Baixa Grande. Vehicle access is prohibited.

The Park is home to many plant and animal species that only occur in this region, known as endemic species. There is a great diversity of reptiles, amphibians, and birds, with some migratory species standing out.

Public visitation in the Park is regulated by the Management Plan, through zoning and area usage regulations.

Visitation Rules:

• The transit of any type of motorized vehicle on the dunes is not allowed. Vehicles must stop at the indicated location while visitors continue walking;
• The maximum capacity per vehicle is 10 tourists, in addition to the driver and guide;
• The transport and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the PNLM is prohibited;
• Making fires or barbecues, or using ambient sound equipment is not permitted;

All waste produced must be collected by visitors and guides.