Transmantiqueira Trail: motivations and contributions of volunteers on a long-distance trail

Abstract

Long-distance trails play a strategic role in environmental conservation and in strengthening ecotourism, promoting connectivity between conservation units and social participation in their management. The Transmantiqueira Trail (TMTQ) is one of the initiatives that contributes to this process, considering a broad network of partnerships and social engagement through volunteering. This study investigated the motivations and contributions of volunteers in the TMTQ, analyzing their engagement and the challenges of participatory management. The research adopted a quali-quantitative approach, using bibliographic and documentary research, in addition to the application of an online questionnaire directed to the trail volunteers. The results showed that volunteering is directly related to the feeling of belonging and the desire for environmental conservation, in addition to contributing to the maintenance of the trail through actions such as signage, management, and promotion of sustainable use. However, challenges such as organizational structure and the need for continuous mobilization were identified as limiting factors. The research results indicate that volunteering is a fundamental pillar for TMTQ, but that its effectiveness depends on more structured strategies for planning, management and its continuity.