Public use and Ecotourism Policies in Brazilian and Canadian Protected Areas

Abstract

Brazil and Canada have two of the biggest protected area systems in the world, both of them based in the protected areas model established by the USA in the XIX century. However, they have distinct policies when it comes to public use and ecotourism inside those areas. Canadian guidelines have a greater focus on leisure and recreation activities, in a more permissive use of its resources with activities geared to large scale tourism. On the other hand, Brazil has a focus more limited on low-impact activities with a strong component of environmental education and restrictions of activities within its protected areas. From that approach, this article analyzes the Brazilian and the Canadian public policies for public use development inside protected areas and how they address the three main aspects of ecotourism: environmental conservation, environmental awareness of visitors and involvement of local community.