The resulting massive loss of Atlantic Forest created pressure to use the mangroves in the Mamanguape River estuary as wood for construction, despite the poor quality of the wood and the value of the mangroves as shelter for crabs, clams, oysters and fish.

[2] The area includes parts of the Baía da Traição, Lucena, Marcação and Rio Tinto municipalities of Paraíba.

[3] The overall purpose is to control land use, protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

[3] The Barra do Rio Mamanguape is a relatively secluded area on the north coast of Paraiba with sandy beaches, dunes, reefs and well-preserved mangroves.

[3] Its importance is linked to its estuary ecosystem, which includes the manatee, species highly threatened in the area.