Environmental interpretation in ecotourism routes in Carajás National Forest – PA, Brazil

Abstract

The creation and planning of natural areas protected contribute to the conservation and protection of natural diversity, in addition to reducing deforestation. These areas can be essential elements in the effectiveness of conservation, allied to the involvement of the population. However, when the subject is ecotourism or sustainable tourism in protected areas, it is important to highlight that the dimensions of sustainability will be influenced by tourism activities, due to the impacts it generates. Thus, it is important to internalize environmental education and environmental interpretation as means to promote awareness and effective involvement. Considering this context, the objective of the research carried out was to propose interpretative itineraries for visiting the National Forest area. The methodology for this work was to use the Brazilian version of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum method to inventory existing natural attractions with ecotourism potential, located in the Amazon Forest biome. The results made it possible to suggest visiting itineraries that consider different public profiles, as well as possible themes that can be used in the environmental interpretation of each attraction and its potential for increasing public use. Furthermore, the results offer subsidies for the development of a pedagogical project of environmental education, in order to provide a better experience in the visitation and the reflection of visitors on contemporary issues affecting the Carajás National Forest.