The city of Parnaíba located on the northeast coast of Brazil was founded in 1761 and is now home to a little over 160,000 people. Over the years it has become a central export hub for Parnaíba carnuba wax, as well as various other oils and nuts.
This Parnaíba River is the main draw of people to the city, with the largest river delta in all of the Americas. The river empties into the sea via 5 main branches, with more than 70 islands trapped in between its many channels across a 2,700km2 area.
In 1996, an environmental protection area was created around the delta because of its importance to resident populations and their cultures, as well as local plant and animal life living within its dune systems. Parnaíba Delta’s diversity is created by the coming together of caatinga shrubland plants with cerrado savannah vegetation, as well as mangroves which line the banks of the river. These provide homes for Caiman; the world’s largest rodent: the Capybara; as well as the herbivorous and iconic Manatee. Somewhat characteristic to the area, Guarás are a species of reddish pink bird which are descended from the Ibis. These often take flight in flocks and paint the skies with their vibrant colour.