The south of the reserve is in the Cuminapanema-Maicuru basin, formed by the Maicurú, Curuá, Mamiá, Cuminapanema and Jauaru rivers.

[3] As a biological reserve the purpose is to provide full protection without human interference and allow only indirect use of the natural resources.

Public access is prohibited except for educational purposes as defined by the management plan, and scientific research requires prior approval by the Pará Secretary of State for the Environment (SEMA/PA).

It may be considered a "mega reserve", aiming to protect a complete sample of species with the space needed to perpetuate themselves over the generations.

[4] The Management Plan was prepared by Conservation International with the assistance of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi and the Institute of Man and Environment in the Amazon, and technical analysis from SEMA.

[3] The management councils of the Maicuru Biological Reserve and the Grão Pará Ecological Station were formed on 6–7 March 2013.