In a significant move for environmental conservation, the Federal Court of Alagoas, Brazil, has ordered an immediate halt to all tourist activities at Lagoa Azul, located in Praia de Antunes, Maragogi. This decision follows a legal challenge by the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) questioning the legality of a municipal decree that permitted tourism exploitation in the area.
Lagoa Azul, often referred to as the 'Brazilian Caribbean' due to its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world. The suspension of tourism activities will have a profound impact on local tourism, which had thrived on boat tours and catamaran trips to the region's natural pools.
The now-invalidated municipal decree allowed the operation of up to three catamarans and 40 boats daily, alongside services like diving and photography. This judicial decision abruptly halts such activities, affecting local operators, guides, and the economy that relied on tourist influx.
Federal Judge Andrés Granja, presiding over the case, justified the ruling based on the incompatibility of tourist activities with the environmental regulations of the Costa dos Corais Environmental Protection Area (APA). Established in 1997, this APA is Brazil's largest marine conservation unit, safeguarding a rich biodiversity that includes endangered species like manatees and various sea turtles.
Studies referenced in the ruling indicate that boat anchoring, pollution, foot traffic from visitors, and disturbances to local fauna cause 'irreversible damage' to coral reefs, jeopardizing their health and recovery capacity. Judge Granja emphasized that 'the improper use of protected areas poses a significant risk to ecological balance, biodiversity, and the quality of natural resources, directly affecting the health and well-being of human communities.'
In addition to halting tourism activities and nullifying the municipal decree, the ruling outlines further measures aimed at protecting the biodiversity and ecosystem of the Costa dos Corais APA, ensuring its preservation for future generations.