Santa Miguel

Santa Miguel Protected Landscape is located in the Rocha Department of southeastern Uruguay, protecting coastal and wetland ecosystems along the Atlantic coast near the historic Fortaleza de Santa Teresa. This protected area encompasses coastal lagoons, freshwater wetlands, native grasslands, coastal forests, and beach systems that support exceptional biodiversity. The landscape features a complex mosaic of habitats created by the interaction of coastal processes, freshwater inputs, and topographic variation. The area is particularly important for wetland birds, including breeding populations and migratory species using the Atlantic flyway. Coastal habitats provide nesting areas for sea turtles, while offshore waters attract dolphins and migrating whales. The proximity to Santa Teresa National Park creates an extended protected coastal corridor of regional significance. Santa Miguel represents Uruguay's efforts to protect representative coastal ecosystems while managing growing tourism pressure along the increasingly developed Atlantic coast.

The Santa Miguel area shares much of its history with nearby Santa Teresa, including colonial military significance and Portuguese-Spanish conflicts over territorial control. The coastal region supported small fishing communities and seasonal subsistence use by local populations. Through the 19th and 20th centuries, the area remained relatively undeveloped compared to other coastal regions, with cattle ranching and small-scale fishing as primary activities. The establishment of Santa Teresa National Park in the 1920s provided indirect protection to surrounding areas including what became Santa Miguel. Growing coastal development pressure in the late 20th century, particularly from beach resort expansion, highlighted the need for additional protected areas. Designation as a Protected Landscape within Uruguay's National System of Protected Areas aimed to preserve important ecosystems while allowing compatible uses including sustainable ranching and tourism. Management has emphasized maintaining the area as a buffer and extension of Santa Teresa National Park, creating a larger conservation landscape along this ecologically significant coastal section.

Santa Miguel Protected Landscape is accessible via Route 9, Uruguay's coastal highway, located near the town of Punta del Diablo and adjacent to Santa Teresa National Park. Visitor facilities are limited compared to the neighboring national park, with access often through rural roads leading to wetland and coastal areas. Some areas are accessible to the public via marked trails and beach access points, while others are on private land requiring permission or guided access. Birdwatching is a primary activity, with wetlands supporting diverse species throughout the year and particularly during migration seasons. Beach access allows sea turtle nesting observation during summer months with proper guidance and respect for nesting areas. The area can be visited in conjunction with Santa Teresa National Park, with visitors often using the national park's extensive facilities as a base for exploring the broader region. Local guides and ecotourism operators offer wetland tours and wildlife viewing excursions. Nearby Punta del Diablo provides accommodation ranging from budget hostels to vacation rentals, while Santa Teresa National Park offers camping. The summer season (December-March) is busiest, while shoulder seasons offer good wildlife viewing with fewer visitors.

Conservation at Santa Miguel focuses on protecting coastal and wetland habitats within an increasingly developed coastal zone. Wetland hydrology protection prevents drainage or alteration that could degrade ecosystem function, working with landowners on sustainable water management. Coastal vegetation protection stabilizes dunes and provides nesting habitat for sea turtles and ground-nesting birds. Beach access is managed to minimize disturbance during critical nesting and breeding seasons. Water quality monitoring of lagoons addresses pollution from surrounding development and agricultural areas. Native habitat restoration removes invasive exotic species and restores native plant communities degraded by past land use. Waterbird monitoring contributes to flyway conservation efforts, tracking breeding success and migration patterns. Collaboration with adjacent Santa Teresa National Park creates coordinated management of the extended coastal corridor. Sustainable tourism development guidelines seek to balance economic benefits with environmental protection, promoting low-impact nature-based tourism. The protected area works with private landowners through conservation agreements, providing technical assistance and incentives for conservation practices. Climate change adaptation addresses sea-level rise impacts on coastal habitats, planning for habitat migration as conditions change. Community engagement involves local residents in conservation planning and creates stewardship opportunities for this important coastal landscape.