Questões territoriais entre montanhista e corredores de aventura na Serra Fina – sudeste do Brasil

Territorial issues between mountaineers and adventure runners in Serra Fina – southeastern Brazil

Abstract

This article aims to use territorial perspectives to analyze conflicts between tourism segments operating in the same area. To achieve these results, a study was conducted on the demand for tourism in Serra Fina, a location located within the Serra da Mantiqueira Environmental Protection Area (APA) in southeastern Brazil. A questionnaire was conducted to better understand the two groups that frequent the location, mountaineers and adventure runners, and thus record their objectives and perceptions about the location and identify whether there is a conflict between the two groups regarding blame for the environmental degradation of the area. As a result, it was concluded that most of the interviewees agree that the problems are caused by people from both segments, and that no specific group is to blame. The study shows that the problem lies with people who do not respect the responsible use of the location and who do not fully represent either of these groups. However, there are some discourses that inflame discussions and create room for division. The main problem in the region is the growing demand fostered by the insertion of the location within a tourism market, fueled by ideals of contact with nature, adventure and overcoming challenges. This creates a new territorial relationship between the people who frequent the area, local residents, managers and others involved.