An old Tupi civilisation town has recently been unearthed. Monocultures of eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. are increasing on the plateau. Local industry was dependent on timber and thus now is declining. Other important economic activity is craft fishing along the coast. Major attractions are beaches and cliffs, offshore coral reef pools, historic monuments, archaeological sites and Monte Pascoal National Park.
Tourists are predominantly nationals and from neighbouring Argentina.
All designated protected areas have some facilities to accommodate visiting scientists. There are also platforms for the collection of specimens from the forest canopy. No detailed information on past or present programmes of research was provided. The nominated World Heritage site comprises an outstanding mosaic of terrestrial ecosystems. It also includes an exceptionally high biological diversity with several species of conservation concern.