Chelonian use in the region is historic, but despite having once been ubiquitous, the species is currently threatened with extinction. Federal regulations have not been able to bring to the local population?s attention the need for protection of the species. Capturing adults and collecting eggs is illegal. The project was successful in changing attitudes in the region. The following activities were undertaken: meetings for environmental awareness-building, with consequent implementation of a Friends of the Environment Club; assembly of the floating nurseries; general diagnosis of the areas under study; monitoring of the specimens; experimental feeding; socio-economic study in the community. The activity was considered feasible and capable of generating high income. The length of the project was not, however, sufficient to conclude the studies. Personnel turnover in the grantee caused some difficulties, but these were successfully straightened out. Z-1 was successful in the experimental part of this project, but continuation of the activities did not happen. The specimens were released into the river. The knowledge generated, however, may serve as subsidy for future Amazon turtle management projects. The expected improvement to the quality of life in the community could be achieved through the execution of the project?s activities. The main lesson learned is that wildlife management projects may be excellent opportunities to create environmental awareness in the population, but may be out of reach, economically speaking, for low-income rural communities.