UNESCO declares Lençóis Maranhenses Park a World Heritage Site
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park a World Natural Heritage Site. The decision was announced on Friday (Jul. 26) during the 46th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India.
The park, located about 250 kilometers from São Luís, state capital of Maranhão, was created over 40 years ago. It is the largest dune field in South America, covering 155 thousand hectares, where crystal-clear lagoons emerge between the white dunes during the rainy season.
A great achievement
On X, Maranhão Governor Carlos Brandão said that UNESCO’s decision was a great achievement for the state.
“Without a doubt, this recognition will strengthen tourism and the preservation of this natural treasure of Maranhão. I thank the members of the Heritage Committee for their approval,” he declared.
Among the requirements met by the park in order to win the title are natural beauty, significant geological features, and habitats for the conservation of biodiversity, including endangered species. Its application dossier was submitted in 2018.
Brazil has now seven World Natural Heritage sites: the Iguaçu National Park, in Rio Grande do Sul; the Atlantic Forest reserves, in São Paulo and Paraná; the Discovery Coast, in Bahia and Espírito Santo; the Central Amazon and Pantanal Protected Areas; the Chapada dos Veadeiros and the Emas National Park, in Goiás; and the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, which includes the Atol das Rocas.
UNESCO
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay congratulated Brazil on the new status of the National Park, extolling the country’s commitment to protecting its heritage.
“Thanks to this application, this impressive landscape of dunes and lagoons, shaped by exceptional climatic and geological conditions, will benefit from the highest level of international protection. This is the 24th Brazilian site to be registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. I would like to congratulate Brazil’s commitment to protecting its cultural and natural heritage.”
