The Banhados de Iguape Ecological Station (ESEC) covers an area of 16,588.64 hectares (40,991.4 acres) of mangrove swamp in southern São Paulo Visits are only allowed for environmental education and for scientific research.

In 1986 the biota of the Atlantic slope of the Serra do Mar was declared an area under special state protection.

[2] The ESEC was created by decree 50.664 of 30 March 2006 of the governor of the state to ensure full protection of flora, fauna, scenic beauty and marine and land ecosystems.

[3] The mosaic, with about 110,000 hectares (270,000 acres), also included the Itinguçu State Park, Prelado State Park, Ilhas do Abrigo e Guararitama Wildlife Refuge, Barra do Una Sustainable Development Reserve and Despraiado Sustainable Development Reserve.

[2] In 2009 the activities of the mosaic were suspended and the area was again managed as the Estação Ecológica dos Banhados de Iguape.