Creation of the park was stalled by resistance from mining operations in the area, mainly limestone for use in making cement.

As a compromise 700 hectares (1,700 acres) of the planned park where mining applications had been filed were given up, removing the main obstacle.

[1] The park was created on 5 June 2012, and is administered by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

[4] Furna Feia (Ugly Cavern) is the largest cave complex in the state of Rio Grande do Norte.

Its goals are to preserve the speleological complex of Furna Feia and the biodiversity associated with the Caatinga biome, to carry out scientific research and to develop educational activities, environmental interpretation, outdoors recreation and eco-tourism.