Potengi

Potengi is a river in the northeastern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte. It is one of the region’s major rivers, with headwaters in the interior and a course that runs toward the Atlantic Ocean. The river traverses the Natal metropolitan area, crossing urban and rural landscapes before reaching the coast and its estuary.

Along its course the Potengi supports a variety of habitats and is connected to several coastal lagoons and mangroves, contributing to local biodiversity and fisheries. The estuary and its surrounding ecosystems play a role in the regional hydrology and the livelihoods of communities that rely on marine and freshwater resources.

Hydrologically, the Potengi provides water for agriculture and domestic use within its basin. It has long been important to local communities for fishing, and, in earlier times, to regional transportation and trade. The river also holds cultural significance in the history and daily life of the region.

Environmental challenges facing the Potengi include pollution from urban runoff and wastewater discharge, sedimentation, and seasonal variability in flow. Management efforts by state and municipal authorities, together with local organizations, focus on watershed restoration, pollution control, and protection of riparian zones to improve the river’s ecological health and sustainability for nearby populations.