The Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) and the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) have been officially designated as intangible natural cultural heritage within the Brazilian state of Pará. This recognition, formalized by Law No. 11.171/2025, underscores the significant ecological, cultural, and socio-environmental importance of these marine mammals to the region.
The new designation ensures that manatee conservation efforts will receive prioritized governmental support, including funding, partnerships, and cooperative agreements. The state government is committed to collaborating with civil society organizations, universities, and national and international bodies to secure resources and implement essential conservation actions for these vulnerable species. Renata Emin, president of the Bicho D'Água Institute, highlighted that this initiative is a fundamental acknowledgment of the species' intrinsic value and the ongoing dedication of scientists and local communities in protecting Amazonian fauna. The Bicho D'Água Institute, founded in 2013, actively contributes to manatee conservation through environmental education, rescue operations, rehabilitation, and participatory monitoring.
In Soure, on Marajó Island, a new 500-square-meter acclimatization facility for manatees is under construction. This facility, designed to house up to eight animals, is expected to open in November 2025. Supported by the State Secretariat of Environment and Sustainability (SEMAS), this project aims to improve the effectiveness of manatee rescue operations in a region already facing population decline. SEMAS plays a key role in coordinating manatee protection actions in Pará, strengthening its efforts through rescue operations and providing institutional support to various conservation initiatives.
Recent rescue operations, such as the successful intervention for a young Amazonian manatee in April 2025 in Santa Cruz do Arari, exemplify the collaborative spirit between public agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local residents. These collective actions demonstrate Pará's strong commitment to manatee conservation and the recognition of their integral role in the Amazon's biodiversity and cultural identity. Historically, manatees faced severe exploitation from the 17th century through the mid-20th century due to commercial hunting for their meat, fat, and skin, which led to drastic population declines, underscoring the critical importance of current conservation efforts.