In 1995, IPÊ launched its first initiatives in the region of Superagüi National Park (PR), with the program for the conservation of the black-faced lion tamarin (Leontopithecus caissar a). Today, IPÊ's efforts also reach the area of distribution of this species toward the border between Parana and Sao Paulo, which correspond to the region of Ariri, where the largest continental population of black-faced lion tamarins lives. Over the last ten years, projects carried out in Superagüi not only increased but also diversified, and now research, education and community extension are part of IPÊ's conservationist actions.

The importance of this region can be observed in the mosaic formed by seven protected areas belonging to different management categories that are part of the landscape. Among these protected areas, the Superagüi National Park deserves to be mentioned, for it shelters several species threatened with extinction, such as the Red -tailed Amazon (Amazona brasiliensis).

The region is within the Atlantic domain of the Dense Ombrophilous Forest, and is one of the largest and best residual stands of Atlantic Forest in Brazil, with an outstanding flora and fauna diversity that contains a considerable number of endemic and threatened species.

Surrounding the Park, there are about 20 communities making their living almost exclusively out of fishing. These communities have been going through several economic, social, and cultural transformations, mainly due to a reduction in traditional fishing, as a consequence of the expansion of large commercial fishing, responsible for fisheries depletion.

As an alternative to increase family income, the 'caiçaras', as the local fishermen are called, are incorporating tourism as an economic activity, However, the impoverishment of communities associated to disorganized tourism reflects on the environment, through exploitation practices and indiscriminate use of natural resources. In this scenario, the endemic and threatened species are the most harmed, for they lose habitats and are hunted to be illegally sold. Hence the importance of promoting qualification through the introduction of sustainable activities for local communities, so nature can represent the greatest wealth and become a focus of conservation.

The biological diversity and the increasing social needs that devastate the region justify an ample and integrated program to protect nature, one that proposes to link human beings and the environment in the search for a sustainable development. With this aim, IPÊ has been working in the region for a decade, in ways that merge research, education, and businesses. Learning how to deal with these processes has served as a basis for adjustments, improvement of strategies and activities, and replication in other Brazilian regions where IPÊ works.