Marajó Island’s families turn Amazon survival into sustainable ecotourism
The Amazon's fragile ecosystem remains a lifeline for many, even as urban sprawl threatens its edges. In Belém, a city of two million, roads carve deeper into the rainforest each year. Yet on Marajó Island—an expanse nearly the size of Switzerland—families like the Limas still depend on the forest for survival, turning its riches into ecotourism rather than destruction.
Raimundo Lima and his son Henan lead visitors through the tangled mangroves of Marajó Island. Their livelihood comes from the forest’s plants, towering trees, and even edible grubs. Before guiding tourists, Henan spent years clearing tons of plastic waste from the same mangroves he now protects.
The Amazon's future hangs between preservation and exploitation. For the Limas, ecotourism offers a path to protect the mangroves while making a living. Meanwhile, museums in Brazil and Switzerland safeguard the region's past, ensuring its biodiversity—and the stories of those who study it—aren't forgotten.
