In this article we address impasses in coastal regions around protected areas and destinations of traditional population in the Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There has been some resistance from traditional fishermen against the real estate speculation. Environmental policies are founded on the concept of pristine virgin nature where human beings are not included, in both total protection and sustainable use conservation units. The Environmentally Protected Area of Marica lodges a three-century community of traditional fishermen. The establishment of a resort is being negotiated by the city council and has been restricting and threatening local fishermen. Nature as merchandise is imposed for sale to tourists as opposed to nature conceived as cohabitation, family reproduction and food security. The State Park Tiririca, in Niterói, faces dilemmas regarding its delimitation and residential rights guarantee of the traditional fishermen community in Morro das Andorinhas. The negative impacts of coastal activities are countless, as well as projects in municipalities with the presence of local communities living in the tradition of fishing and agriculture who are expelled from the land. Changes are marked by significant social inequality and subordination to the logic of domination, from the reductionist view that reinforces the concept of virgin nature and the gentrification of these green areas.