covering vast areas of natural lands, both private and public, the apa's, or areas of environmental protection (areas de protecăo ecológica), have a huge diversity of natural attractions within their borders, as they encompass any protected lands with biotic, abiotic, aesthetic or cultural attributes.
the apa's have been set up to protect and preserve the biological diversity of the lands, and to regulate the human occupation within them, ensuring that the use of the natural resources is sustainable.
