It is one of the largest forest reserves in South America, and part of a World Heritage Site.

[3] It covers parts of the municipalities of Barcelos, Codajás and Novo Airão in the state of Amazonas.

Botanists have catalogued about 400 plant species, several of which are restricted to certain environments such as the uplands and the flooded areas.

The objective is to preserve an Amazonian black water ecosystem for environmental education, interaction with local communities, sustainable tourism and the research.

The park is designed as a mega-reserve and world heritage site for present and future generations.

[4] Protected species in the park include the margay (Leopardus wiedii), jaguar (Panthera onca), giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis).

[7] In 2003 the property was expanded by the addition of the Anavilhanas National Park, Amanã Sustainable Development Reserve and Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve to form the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, a larger World Heritage Site.