Birdwatching in Montanhas de Teresópolis Municipal Natural Park: birds, experiences and territorialities

Abstract

Birds possess unique physical, auditory, and behavioral characteristics that inspire emotional connections, ignite curiosity, and encourage active engagement. Birdwatching tourism is steadily growing across Brazil, and the state of Rio de Janeiro is no exception. Teresópolis - a city nestled in the mountainous Serra dos Órgãos region—stands out as a premier spot for bird enthusiasts. This prominence stems largely from its location at the heart of the Serra dos Órgãos range, surrounded by three protected areas, including the Montanhas de Teresópolis Municipal Natural Park (PNMMT). The PNMMT is currently making significant investments in the development of birdwatching routes and the necessary infrastructure to support this growing activity. This paper explores the park’s key initiatives, motivations, and investments in promoting birdwatching, focusing on three primary aspects: the park’s initial birdwatching actions, the creation of a dedicated birdwatching route, and the evolution of the Vem Passarinhar initiative. These experiences are examined through the lens of the relationships between park management and rural producers in the Santa Rita region, who have developed unique socio-environmental territorialities. The findings are based on the authors’ direct involvement in designing and implementing the birdwatching itinerary, supplemented by an extensive review of relevant documentation compiled throughout the process. A pivotal milestone in PNMMT’s birdwatching journey was the publication of the commemorative book Admiraves - which cataloged the bird species found within the protected area. Following the establishment of the biodiversity sector, a dedicated birdwatching itinerary was developed. Investments in key infrastructure - such as a birdwatching tower and an observatory overlooking the natural lake - have further enhanced the experience for visitors. The ongoing implementation of the Vem Passarinhar Initiative in the mountains of Teresópolis has made the protected area accessible to birdwatchers of all experience levels. Based on the practices and interventions developed by the managers and authors of this research, it has become evident that, despite occasional tensions between park authorities and local stakeholders, the synergy between tourism services and birdwatching activities has been strengthened. Institutional efforts are enabling cooperative networks for tourism, which allows for the valorization and involvement of socio-environmental territorialities combined with the conservation of local birdlife.