Environmental education and conservation in the Mangue Seco mangrove (Raposa, MA)

This case report presents an analysis of the environmental conditions of the Mangue Seco mangrove, located in Raposa, Maranhão, through direct observation conducted during a technical field visit. The study reveals that, although key structural features and typical plant and animal species are preserved, the mangrove is under pressure from solid waste, open sewage, and irregular settlements. The presence of young plant suppression, improper household waste disposal, and deficiencies in basic sanitation were observed, exacerbating local socio-environmental vulnerability. The diagnosis also identified potential for valuing traditional knowledge, educational uses of the territory, and the strengthening of participatory management. The findings reinforce that conserving the mangrove and promoting critical Environmental Education are essential strategies to ensure ecosystem services, food security, and the socio-environmental sustainability of coastal communities facing increasing anthropic impacts.