[2] The land is flat, rising to no more than 10 metres (33 ft) above sea level.

[3] The Canavieiras Extractive Reserve was created by presidential decree on 5 June 2006.

[4] It became part of the Central Atlantic Forest Ecological Corridor, created in 2002.

Its basic objectives are to protect the livelihoods and culture of these people and to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

On 16 December 2009 the Instituto Nacional de Colonização e Reforma Agrária (INCRA: National Institute for Colonization and Agrarian Reform) recognised the reserve as supporting 1,300 families, who would qualify for PRONAF support.