the establishment of the parque estadual lagoa do açu as a state park, and as an area of full environmental protection, was not all plain sailing, as economic and political influences pressured the process, creating a struggle between those who wanted the park, and those that did not. eventually, on march 20, 2012, the park was established, as a result of state decree 43,522 .

the aim of the park is predominately to preserve the region, paying special attention to the remnants of atlantic salt marsh vegetation that lie within, whilst hoping to help regenerate the degraded areas within the park. additionally, it aims to stimulate ecotourism in the region, and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and scientific research.