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The Rio Cocó Ecological Park is a conservation area, a state park of natural life located in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. It gets its name from the river that forms the mangrove biome, the Cocó River.



It is considered of great importance both for the city and for the biodiversity that is protected within its borders.



Containing several endemic and threatened species of animal and plant life, it is considered the most important cultural and ecological heritage of Fortaleza. Environmentally, it serves to reduce the air temperature in the city, and also forms a protective basin that prevents flooding during times of heavy rain. Economically, the park is extremely important for the city, generating a large annual income due to ecological tourism.



The ecological reserve is currently under threat from a government proposal to build a viaduct that will require the felling of part of the forest reserve, resulting in a great loss to the local flora and fauna. The government of Cíd Gomes and Roberto Cláudio argues that the viaduct is the only possible solution to mobility problems in the city. Other groups suggest solutions favoring public transport and bicycles. The proposal drew several criticisms from architects, university professors, environmental groups and various non-governmental organizations.

The first point of the Cocó River to have been protected and equipped was created on March 29, 1977, declared of public utility for expropriation. On November 11, 1983, municipal decree number 5,754 gave the name Parque Adhail Barreto.



On September 5, 1989, state decree number 20,253 created the Parque Ecológico do Cocó and expanded on June 8, 1993, currently covering an area of ​​1,155.2 hectares.



Parque do Cocó has been cited as an important part of the solution to various social, health and environmental problems. A study cited by the University of Delaware shows that easy access to parks can reduce obesity and diabetes through opportunities for exercise. Another study in Chicago showed that green spaces also cut crime in half.



Vegetated areas like the Coconut also offer relief from the overheating of the urban space caused by the quality of asphalt, concrete and building materials to capture heat. The air under a tree canopy can be 3 - 6º C colder than when compared to an open space without cover.





The park is also an area of ​​Mangrove, which is an extremely important and globally threatened ecosystem, which includes several endemic and threatened species of plants and wildlife, which requires special attention to carry out research on these species.



As one of the largest urban parks in South America, the park represents an important tourist attraction, offering the best ecotourism possibilities in the city.



According to the Lonely Planet website: “It is the most popular leisure park in Fortaleza, and organizes activities that promote the perception and knowledge of environmental preservation for its visitors.



The park also represents a very important resource in the city in education, hosting many field classes from different schools in the city, where students cross several ecological trails with great biotic value. It is a unique chance of access for children in the urban area to natural spaces, which would have been impossible in the past. In addition, the park has a soccer field where residents of the region or passers-by often organize championships or friendly games.



In the space of the Park known as Parque Adahil Barreto, there is an amphitheater, offering several cultural attractions and ample space for holding meetings, parties or gatherings.



The Park has three structured areas for leisure, sport and culture activities.



Parque Adhail Barreto was the first area to promote the use of the Cocó River area. It is managed by the Municipality of Fortaleza, with an Environmental Awareness Center, a playground, the promotion of cultural and artistic events, as well as environmental education, Cooper's track, train and ecological trail.



The Ecological Park of Cocó is the area urbanized by the State Government and is the second intervention around the year 1993. It has an amphitheater, sports courts, walking track, children's parks, going on shows and events, sports competitions and environmental education and trails .



The urbanized area of ​​Tancredo Neves was the last intervention in the park area. After the removal of families in the areas of the park, the state government implemented two sports courts, soccer fields, walking paths, bike paths and children's areas.

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