Ecotourism: understand what it is, impacts and where to practice in Brazil

O ecotourism it is one of the branches of the industry that attracts the attention of many travelers. Between 2018 and 2020, 19 million foreigners chose Brazil to visit, according to the Ministry of Tourism, ecotourism was chosen by 18.6% of these tourists.

For the future, from a global perspective, it is expected that the Ecotourism market size is expected to grow to $331.62 billion by 2027 and m an annual growth rate of 13.4%, according to a report by the The Business Research Company in 2023.

But what is ecotourism and what does it mean to do it? How did ecotourism come about and how is it done in the Brazil ? And what are the best practices? Keep reading to understand better.

What is ecotourism?

The concept of ecotourism is associated to a tourist activity that uses the natural and cultural heritage in a sustainable way, encouraging its conservation and fostering environmental awareness while promoting the well-being of local populations.

This type of tourism always focuses on activities that are carried out in the environment, preserving the integrity of the ecosystem and promoting the conservation of nature and local culture.

The objective is to provide visitors with experiences in contact with nature and culture, without harming the environment or the living beings involved. In addition, this proposal also has a strong focus on environmental education.

Therefore, it is also common for guides and instructors to teach visitors about the importance of conservation and preservation of the environment and the communities that are part of it.

Ecotourism in Brazil: how did it all start?

according to the material Ecotourism: Basic Guidelinesfrom the Ministry of Tourism, ecotourism in Brazil stands out from the environmentalist movement, when debates on environmental conservation reached the tourist activity.

These concerns took shape in the world from the 1970s onwards, from conferences, and, between 1980 and 1990, environmental alternatives began to be discussed, seeking to equate development with environmental conservation.

Mass tourism, then, was seen as responsible for often harming the natural and cultural landscape.

Soon, finding a way to experience and enjoy rural and natural landscapes became fundamental.

Against this backdrop, in Brazil, it was in the 1980s that the first studies on ecotourism appeared.

In 1985, EMBRATUR (Brazilian Institute of Tourism) started the “Ecological Tourism Project”, creating two years later the National Technical Commission formed jointly with the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA).

It was in the following decade, with the United Nations Conference on the Environment – ​​ECO 92, held in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro/RJ, that this type of tourism gained visibility and boosted a trending market.

From this, many initiatives came later, such as the Guidelines for the Policy of the National Ecotourism Program, in 1994 and the Brazilian Institute of Ecotourism (IBE), in 1995.

Main benefits of practicing ecotourism

The practice of ecotourism can bring many benefits, both for visitors and for local communities and the environment. Here are some of the main benefits:

• nature conservation : by encouraging the protection of natural areas and the preservation of biodiversity, it promotes care. Additionally, revenue generated from ecotourism can help fund conservation projects;
• environmental awareness : ecotourism can be an opportunity to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the environment, encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives.
• promotion of local culture : ecotourism can contribute to the preservation of local culture, by valuing the traditions, art and gastronomy of the community;
• economic development : ecotourism can generate income and jobs for local communities, promoting sustainable economic development;
• health and wellness : it can also be beneficial by offering physical activities in contact with nature, reducing stress and improving quality of life.

Where to practice ecotourism in Brazil?

The most common places to practice ecotourism are national parks, nature reserves, protected areas and historic sites. Some tourist areas to practice it are:

• Chapada Diamantina, in Bahia;
• Pantanal, in Mato Grosso;
• Amazônia, in Amazonas;
• Alter do Chão, in Pará;
• Chapada dos Veadeiros, in Goiás;
• Lençóis Maranhenses; in Maranhão;
• Itatiaia National Park, in Rio de Janeiro;
• Fernando de Noronha, in Pernambuco;
• Bonito, in Mato Grosso do Sul;
• Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral, in Rio Grande do Sul;
• Serra da Canastra, in Minas Gerais;
• Jalapão, in Tocantins;
• Serra da Mantiqueira, in São Paulo;
• Foz do Iguaçu, in Paraná.

Activities that are part of ecotourism

For those who want to make trips focused on ecotourism, there are a number of activities that can be enjoyed.

Get a better understanding of each one below.

Observation of fauna and flora

The observation of fauna and flora is one of the most popular activities in ecotourism. Basically, it consists of observing animal and plant life in their natural habitat, without interfering with the environment.

This activity is a way of getting to know and valuing the local biodiversity, without interfering with the environment. In general, it is necessary to have a specialized guide, who knows the region and can identify the species present in the environment.

It is important to respect nature and not interfere with the life of animals and plants, always keeping a safe distance and not leaving trash or traces of human presence.

zip line

Tyrolean is an activity that also draws attention in ecotourism. The person slides along a steel cable suspended between two platforms, crossing a landscape without interfering with the environment.

It is ideal for those seeking adrenaline and adventure in contact with nature. To practice the zip line, it is necessary to follow the instructions of the expert guide and use the appropriate safety equipment.

Ziplines can be installed in different natural environments, such as forests, mountains, canyons and beaches, providing a unique experience of contemplating nature.

Snorkeling and Floating

Snorkeling and floating allow tourists to explore marine life in a safe and different way.

With the snorkel and diving mask, it is possible to closely observe the diversity of underwater animals and plants in their natural habitat, without disturbing them.

In floating, it is possible to use life jackets and buoys to float on the surface of the water, observing marine life and the underwater landscape.

To practice snorkeling and floating, it is necessary to have a specialized guide who knows the environment and can advise on the best areas to practice the activities.

Snorkeling and floating can be practiced in different natural environments, such as beaches, rivers, lakes and coral reefs.

Each environment has its own biodiversity and underwater landscape, with unique species adapted to local conditions.

cycle tourism

Cycle tourism is an ecotourism activity that consists of cycling through natural environments, such as trails in parks, rural roads and mountains.

It is an option for those who seek contact with nature and enjoy physical exercise.

Cycling tourism can be practiced at different levels of difficulty, depending on the profile of the tourist and the chosen environment.

There are options for lighter and flatter routes, ideal for beginners, and more challenging routes, with steep climbs and rough terrain, for experienced cyclists.

During the journey, it is possible to observe the landscape and the biodiversity of the environment, learn about the history and traditions of the local communities, and appreciate the gastronomy and regional art.

Trekking

Trekking is an ecotourism activity that consists of walking on trails and paths in natural environments, such as mountains, forests and national parks.

It is an option for those looking for physical challenges, as well as contact with nature and landscapes.

It is important to choose the right equipment, such as hiking boots, backpack, protective clothing and food.

This is an activity that can be practiced in groups or individually, and can be an economical and sustainable travel option, valuing active mobility and even reducing the emission of polluting gases.

It is also a way to get to know places in a more authentic and close way, connecting with nature and culture in a conscious and responsible way.

Hang gliding

Hang gliding is an extreme sport that consists of flying using a flexible wing without an engine, moved only by the force of the wind. Ideal for those who like adrenaline.

Hang gliding can be practiced in different places, such as mountains, beaches and plains, where there are favorable wind conditions for the flight.

It is important to follow all safety regulations and use proper equipment, such as a helmet, seat belt and emergency parachute. Most often, beginners do this together with a guide.

During the flight, it is possible to observe the landscape and biodiversity of the environment in a privileged way, in addition to appreciating the art and culture of the region seen from above.

geological tourism

Finally, geological tourism is also a famous ecotourism activity. This activity consists of exploring the geological formations that nature has created over millions of years.

Many of the places to do ecotourism in Brazil, for example, have geological tourism.

Among the most popular attractions of this type of tourism are the caves, caves, canyons, volcanoes, rock formations and other landscapes that have been shaped by the action of time.

The activity helps raise people’s awareness of the need to protect natural areas and their ecosystems, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of ecological balance.

Keep reading more travel news by visiting CNN’s Travel & Food category!

Summary

To summarize what we talked about on the topic, then:

• Ecotourism is a sustainable tourism activity focused on conserving the environment and local communities;
• The main benefits of ecotourism are nature conservation, environmental awareness, promotion of local culture, economic development and health and well-being;
• The most common locations for national parks, nature reserves, protected areas and historic sites, in Brazil there are several options in all regions;
• Some activities that are part of ecotourism are zip lining, cycle tourism, trekking, and geotourism.