Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Reserva Extrativista Marinha Rebufador – Ilha do Combu is a coastal protected area located near the island of Combu in the state of Pará, Brazil. It was established to preserve the traditional livelihoods of local fishing and extractive communities while protecting vital coastal and marine ecosystems. The reserve encompasses mangroves, tidal channels, estuaries, and areas of rich biodiversity typical to the Amazon estuarine environment. Ecologically, the reserve supports diverse marine species, migratory birds, and important fish spawning grounds. The mangrove forests serve as nurseries for aquatic fauna and play a significant ecological role in carbon sequestration and shoreline stabilization. Local communities depend on small-scale fishing, harvesting of crabs, mollusks, and other renewable marine resources. Visitors to the reserve can witness traditional extraction methods and explore the natural landscape by boat or on foot around Ilha do Combu, a known destination for ecological tourism and cultural experiences. The reserve is important both for conservation and for supporting sustainable management practices that maintain regional biodiversity and community welfare. While mainly aimed at conservation and resource extraction by communities, eco-visits can include guided tours focusing on environmental education, traditional lifestyle observation, and birdwatching. Its proximity to Belém makes it accessible for day trips and opportunities to support local sustainable economies. The reserve plays a critical role in protecting the coastal zone against habitat degradation due to urban expansion and pollution, maintaining a balance between human use and biodiversity preservation.