The Maués Açu basin in the centre of the unit contains the Maués-Mirim, Urupadi, Andirá, Abacaxis, Paraconi, Arari, Apoquitaua, Pupunham, Parauari and Amanã rivers.

[3] Creation of the Alto Maués Ecological Station was presented by the government as compensation for the impacts of the Tapajós hydroelectric complex on seven federal environmental units.

[3] The Alto Maués Ecological Station was created on 16 October 2014 and is administered by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation.

[3] The Alto Maués Ecological Station is classed as IUCN protected area category Ia (strict nature reserve).

The purpose is to protect a sample of the rain forest and associated vegetation types, ensure sustainability of the ecosystem and contribute to environmental stability of the region.

[1] The decree that created the unit did not delimit its buffer zone, an area where activities such as mining require authorization and controls to minimize environmental impact.