Tourism potential and socio-environmental aspects in two self-identified indigenous communities in Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil)

Abstract

The process of invasion and colonization of Brazil caused the native peoples to lose a large population, much of the cultural diversity and extensive territories. Especially in the Northeast, where this process was initiated, such factors contributed to the sociocultural changes of the indigenous populations, today called "mixed-race". Nevertheless, with the self-identification in the 2010 Census, there is a growing number of communities that have integrated the indigenous movement by recognition and rights. The development of ethnotourism projects can contribute to the strengthening and greater visibility of these social groupings, in addition to being a sustainable source of income generation. However, the literature points out limitations of this type of intervention. Therefore, the objective of this article is to highlight the tourist potential in territories of two self-identified indigenous communities in Rio Grande do Norte. It is a research with qualitative focus that consisted of three stages: visits to the communities; in loco observations and photographic records; semi-structured interviews with local leaders. In the Mendonça do Amarelão Community in João Câmara-RN, with about 1,100 people, ethnotourism attractions include ecological trail in places like “Pedra das Letras” (stone of the letters) with cave paintings and the teaching of the Tupi language in the local school; as well as rituals such as the Toré dance. The community Caboclos do Assu, in Assu-RN, has about 100 people and the possibilities are the weir, native vegetation and, above all, the richness of the lives of local people. Regarding the potential to receive groups, in the first mentioned there is greater capacity of infrastructure and, although they have experience with numerous groups, they do not have experience with tourists. Thus, especially in Caboclos do Assu, a deeper study of the perspective of sustainable tourism is required, being necessary commitment of the public law and partnerships with non-governmental organizations.