This study presents the conservation units as part of the instruments of national environmental policy. The aim of the work is to analyze the actions of those involved in the socio-ecological management process of the Cururupu Marine Protected Area, based on the methodological approach of historical-dialectical materialism. Methodological procedures were developed for the conduct of the investigation. Given the issue that the management plan could not be completed, the Cururupu Reserve has a management agreement that provisionally establishes the activities and prohibitions for the use of the natural resources present in the area. Additionally, it has its own management system, such as the association of residents of the Cururupu Marine Protected Area, the Green Group with the 'Clean Community' project, and actions by residents who have committed to protecting the natural resources of the area.