The airspace over the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is open to responsible drone flight operations under strict ecological preservation guidelines. Protecting a unique coastal desert-like landscape combined with seasonal ecosystems, this massive conservation unit allows drone pilots to capture incredible geometric patterns of sand and water. To maintain this privilege, operations must be meticulously coordinated to protect local wildlife and ensure visitor safety.











Regulatory Framework & Permissions: Drone operations are allowed for recreational and environmental capturing. All pilots must ensure their equipment is fully registered with ANAC and ANATEL, and flights must strictly comply with DECEA regulations (ICA 100-40) for unmanned aircraft.




Flight Authorization & Coordination: Standard recreational flights within open tourism zones do not require an individual environmental permit, but you must log your flight intent and secure normal clearance through the SARPAS portal. For professional, commercial, or documentary media productions, obtaining prior written authorization from the ICMBio park administration is mandatory.

Geofencing & Flight Conditions: The park's territory is not blocked by permanent firmware-level Red Zones by drone manufacturers, meaning your aircraft will unlock and take off normally. However, pilots must be highly prepared for intense local winds (which can quickly deplete batteries and cause drift) and the reflection of intense sunlight on the white sand, which can affect optical sensors.



Environmental Restrictions: To keep your flights legal, drones must never disturb or closely track the park's local fauna, including migratory birds and endemic fish species in the lagoons. Additionally, operators must maintain a safe distance from tourist groups, 4x4 transport vehicles, and popular swimming spots to protect public safety and privacy.


Legal Penalties: Flying a drone recklessly, harassing animals, or operating without a valid SARPAS clearance will lead to immediate flight termination by park rangers. Violations are subject to equipment confiscation, heavy administrative fines under Brazilian environmental laws, and criminal prosecution under Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code for endangering airspace safety.

# ⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: Drone Operations Prohibited in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

**Drone flights are strictly prohibited within the boundaries of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.** Operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) in this fragile ecosystem is illegal due to strict federal environmental laws and airspace safety regulations.

### 📜 Key Regulations and Authorities

* **ICMBio Environmental Laws:** The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (**ICMBio**) bans unauthorized drone use across the dunes and lagoons. The high-frequency noise from drone rotors causes severe stress to endemic wildlife and disrupts migratory bird species that use the lagoons as a resting and feeding sanctuary.
* **DECEA Airspace Restrictions:** The Department of Airspace Control (**DECEA**) restricts the airspace over the park. Since the area is a major hub for low-flying scenic tourist flights operating from nearby airfields (such as Barreirinhas), unauthorized drones create a catastrophic collision risk.
* **ANAC RBAC-94:** The National Civil Aviation Agency (**ANAC**) rules explicitly forbid operating drones over crowds, which applies directly to the highly frequented tourist lagoons like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Peixe.

### ⚖️ Penalties for Violations

Failure to comply with these regulations will result in serious legal consequences:
1. Immediate **seizure and confiscation** of the drone and memory cards by federal park rangers.
2. Heavy **environmental fines** applied by ICMBio for disturbing a federal conservation unit.
3. **Criminal prosecution** under the Brazilian Environmental Crimes Law (Law 9.605/98) and Article 261 of the Penal Code for endangering air transport safety.

### 🎥 Professional Media Permits

If you require authorization for professional filming, scientific research, or commercial purposes, you must:
* Apply for formal authorization at least 30 days in advance via the official [ICMBio SISBIO system](https://www.gov.br).
* Secure mandatory flight approval and registration via the [DECEA SARPAS system](https://decea.mil.br).

***
*Thank you for your cooperation in preserving this unique natural wonder and ensuring the safety of all visitors.*

The airspace over the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is open to responsible drone flight operations under strict ecological preservation guidelines. Protecting a unique coastal desert-like landscape combined with seasonal ecosystems, this massive conservation unit allows drone pilots to capture incredible geometric patterns of sand and water. To maintain this privilege, operations must be meticulously coordinated to protect local wildlife and ensure visitor safety.

Regulatory Framework & Permissions: Drone operations are allowed for recreational and environmental capturing. All pilots must ensure their equipment is fully registered with ANAC and ANATEL, and flights must strictly comply with DECEA regulations (ICA 100-40) for unmanned aircraft.

Flight Authorization & Coordination: Standard recreational flights within open tourism zones do not require an individual environmental permit, but you must log your flight intent and secure normal clearance through the SARPAS portal. For professional, commercial, or documentary media productions, obtaining prior written authorization from the ICMBio park administration is mandatory.

Geofencing & Flight Conditions: The park's territory is not blocked by permanent firmware-level Red Zones by drone manufacturers, meaning your aircraft will unlock and take off normally. However, pilots must be highly prepared for intense local winds (which can quickly deplete batteries and cause drift) and the reflection of intense sunlight on the white sand, which can affect optical sensors.

Environmental Restrictions: To keep your flights legal, drones must never disturb or closely track the park's local fauna, including migratory birds and endemic fish species in the lagoons. Additionally, operators must maintain a safe distance from tourist groups, 4x4 transport vehicles, and popular swimming spots to protect public safety and privacy.

Legal Penalties: Flying a drone recklessly, harassing animals, or operating without a valid SARPAS clearance will lead to immediate flight termination by park rangers. Violations are subject to equipment confiscation, heavy administrative fines under Brazilian environmental laws, and criminal prosecution under Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code for endangering airspace safety.