Chico Mendes Environmental Park
Acre
Chico Mendes Environmental Park, located in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a municipal natural park dedicated to preserving rare and threatened ecosystems such as wetlands and restinga vegetation. Named after the renowned rubber tapper and environmentalist Chico Mendes, the park was inaugurated in 1989 to protect the Lagoinha das Tachas and surrounding areas. It serves as one of the few remaining places in the city where visitors can experience nearly intact wetland and restinga habitats. The park hosts a variety of plant species including bromeliads, ingás, and pitangueiras, alongside diverse wildlife such as reptiles. Historically, the area was part of land grants dating back to the 17th century, with agricultural development including cassava and sugarcane plantations. Over time, conservation efforts have preserved this green space amid urban expansion. Today, the park functions as a crucial refuge for biodiversity within Rio de Janeiro, offering an ecological oasis that educates visitors about the importance of preserving Atlantic Forest biome remnants and coastal ecosystems.
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Tip: The best time to visit Chico Mendes Environmental Park is during the dry season to enjoy clearer trails and wildlife sightings. Visitors are encouraged to check opening hours in advance and consider guided tours for a richer experience. Early arrival can help avoid crowds. While tickets are generally accessible, some discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Booking ahead is recommended for organized activities or educational programs.
Interesting facts
- •The park preserves some of the last nearly intact wetland and restinga ecosystems within Rio de Janeiro city limits.
- •It was named in honor of Chico Mendes, a prominent Brazilian rubber tapper and environmentalist assassinated in Acre in 1988.
- •The park contains rare plant species such as bromeliads, ingás, and pitangueiras, as well as various reptiles.
- •The area was historically part of two large 17th-century land grants and later came under the ownership of the Benedictine monastery through inheritance.
- •The original protected reserve designation dates back to 1959, making it one of the oldest conservation areas in the region.
History
The area now known as Chico Mendes Environmental Park was originally part of large land grants in the 17th century, owned by colonial families and later by the Benedictine monastery after a bequest in 1667.
Agricultural activities such as cassava cultivation and sugar plantations were prominent in the region.
In 1959, the first reserve was legally established to protect the Lagoinha and surrounding lagoons, although the protected area was reduced by subsequent decrees.
The current park was officially created in 1989, transferring management to the RioZoo Foundation to focus on preserving endangered plant and animal species.
The park honors Chico Mendes, an influential environmental activist from Acre, reflecting its commitment to conservation and sustainable environmental stewardship.
Place Guide
Lagoinha das Tachas Wetlands
A protected wetland area within the park that supports diverse aquatic plants and animals, representing one of the few remaining natural marsh habitats in Rio de Janeiro.
Restinga Vegetation Zones
Coastal sand dune ecosystems characterized by specialized plant communities including bromeliads and ingás, vital for stabilizing the sandy soils and supporting local biodiversity.
Contact
Phone: (68) 3212-7572