It is administered by the federal Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

[5] The Restinga de Cabedelo National Forest was created by federal decree on 2 June 2004 with an area of 103 hectares (250 acres).

[2] In 2000 it was reported that the people of the adjoining Renascer bairro often used the forest for fruit, firewood, herbs and plants for food and medicine.

[8] Problems include illegal fishing, practice of religious rituals, drug use, theft and other crimes.

Conflicting uses include the AMEM shelter for the elderly, wild animal screening center, and the highway, railway, gas pipeline and electrical power lines that adjoins or cross the forest.