Potential for sustainable tourism use in the Carajas National Forest (PA, Brazil)

Abstract

The incentive to tourism in the National Forest (FLONA) of Carajas has been seen as a way to increase economic development in the region, as well as a tool to aid nature conservation. In protected natural areas, the main objective of tourism practiced in a sustainable way is to improve competitiveness and minimize impacts on interaction with natural environments. In this context, to assess the potential for public use of FLONA de Carajas, the following aspects were used: Main and Attractive Resources; Infrastructure and Supporting Factors; Destination Management; Visiting demand; and Qualifying Determinants and Quality of Life for Residents. For the theoretical basis, bibliographic reviews were carried out and for data collection an on-site visit with direct observation was carried out. As it is a conservation unit for public use, its management plan includes activities with potential for tourism, Environmental Education and plant extraction. However, considering the geological peculiarities of FLONA de Carajas, the research, mining, processing, transport and marketing of mineral resources are also included in its management objectives. Associated with this, all the diversity of landscapes and scenic beauty with a diversity of species of fauna and flora, such as the occurrence of the Carajas flower, an endemic species in the region. Visitor access and other aspects of tourism management are managed by different public, private and third sector bodies. In relation to the local infrastructure, it can be considered basic to meet the tourist demand, thus being a limiting factor for the economic and social development of the region. Even in the face of these obstacles, which can be overcome with investments, both public and private, the region has great tourist potential, mainly due to the scenic beauty that make up the scenarios of the Carajas Mosaic, specifically in the Carajas National Forest.