The Federal Court of Alagoas (JFAL) ordered the immediate suspension of tourist activities in Lagoa Azul, on Praia de Antunes, in Maragogi – known as the “Brazilian Caribbean” due to the crystal clear waters and white sands. The decision, taken last Friday (17) and released this Monday (20), responds to a request from the Federal Public Ministry (MPF), which challenged, through a public civil action, a municipal decree from 2022 which authorized the tourist exploration of the area.
The injunction was granted by federal judge André Granja, of the 3rd Federal Court, who accepted the arguments of public prosecutor Lucas Horta. The MPF alleged that the municipal decree violated federal environmental standards by allowing tourist activities in a region within the Costa dos Corais Environmental Protection Area (APA), one of the largest marine conservation units in Brazil.
“The protection of marine biodiversity and coral reefs is essential to preserve not only the environment, but also the quality of life of local communities and future generations,” said Public Prosecutor Lucas Horta.
According to the Federal Court, the exploration of Lagoa Azul, in Praia de Antunes, was not foreseen in the APA management plan and represented a risk to biodiversity, especially coral reefs. APA Costa dos Corais was created in 1997 to protect more than 120 km of coast between Tamandaré (PE) and Maceió (AL) – a region that is home to rich biodiversity, including threatened species such as manatee and sea turtles, in addition to being home to the largest barrier reef in Brazil.
In the case of Lagoa Azul, the municipal decree allowed activities incompatible with APA Costa dos Corais standards, such as the daily circulation of up to 3 catamarans and 40 speedboats, in addition to the offer of commercial diving and photography services.
In the decision, federal judge André Granja highlighted that, although municipalities can create conservation units overlapping federal areas, actions must always prioritize environmental protection. The judge also highlighted that the continued inappropriate use of the area would pose a considerable risk to the ecological balance and health of local populations, highlighting that, in situations of conflict of standards, environmental protection must be prioritized.
The injunction determines the following measures:
- Suspension of the effects of Decree No. 046/2022 and all tourist activities incompatible with the APA Costa dos Corais management plan, especially visits to Lagoa Azul.
- Suspension of permits issued to authorize tourist visits to the area.
- Intensification of inspection in Lagoa Azul over the next three months, with a focus on preventing unauthorized activities.
- Official advertising campaigns in the media (radio, television and social networks) to inform about the suspension of tourist activities, with a daily fine imposed in case of non-compliance.
In a note, Maragogi City Hall reported that it was aware of the preliminary decision and clarified that the municipal management was not previously contacted, which prevented the presentation of clarifications and the defense of the interest of the affected community. “Maragogi City Hall, out of respect for the Democratic Rule of Law and judicial institutions, respects the court decision. However, he strongly disagrees with its content, as he understands that municipal regulations were drawn up based on current legislation and seeking to reconcile the sustainable development of the region with environmental preservation”, explained the Maragogi administration.
The City Hall stated that it will take legal action to reverse the decision and restore tourist activity in Lagoa Azul. “The municipal administration will adopt all appropriate legal measures to reverse this decision and restore the full functioning of tourist activity in Lagoa Azul. At the same time, the City Hall is making efforts to mitigate the social and economic impacts caused by the aforementioned decision, adopting new administrative measures to minimize the losses of affected families and guarantee the legal security of workers who depend on the tourism sector”, added the note.
Finally, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, environmental preservation and the social well-being of the local population. “We reiterate that all other natural pools and other tourist attractions in the municipality are operating normally and continue to offer memorable experiences to visitors. Tourists can be sure that they will be well received and will have all the infrastructure and hospitality characteristic of Maragogi. We will continue to act firmly in defense of the municipality’s interests and in the search for solutions that guarantee a balance between environmental protection and the right to work and the economic prosperity of our city”, he concluded.
Read the city hall’s note in full:
“The City of Maragogi informs that it has become aware of the preliminary decision issued in the files of Process No. 0800244-96.2025.4.05.8000, which determines the suspension of the effects of Municipal Decree No. 046/2022, directly affecting tourist visits to Lagoa Azul .
It should be clarified that the aforementioned decision was made without prior hearing from the municipal management, making it impossible to present clarifications and defend the interests of the affected community.
Maragogi City Hall, out of respect for the Democratic Rule of Law and judicial institutions, respects the court decision. However, he strongly disagrees with its content, as he understands that municipal regulations were drawn up based on current legislation and seeking to reconcile the sustainable development of the region with environmental preservation. Therefore, the municipal administration will adopt all appropriate legal measures to reverse this decision and restore the full functioning of tourist activity in Lagoa Azul. At the same time, the City Hall is making efforts to mitigate the social and economic impacts caused by the aforementioned decision, adopting new administrative measures to minimize losses for affected families and guarantee the legal security of workers who depend on the tourism sector.
We reiterate that all other natural pools and other tourist attractions in the municipality are operating normally and continue to offer memorable experiences to visitors. Tourists can be sure that they will be well received and will have all the infrastructure and hospitality characteristic of Maragogi.
Maragogi City Hall reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development, environmental preservation and the social well-being of the local population. We will continue to act firmly in defense of the municipality’s interests and in the search for solutions that guarantee a balance between environmental protection and the right to work and the economic prosperity of our city.”
This content was originally published in “Caribe Brasileiro”: Justice suspends tourism in Lagoa Azul, in Maragogi on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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