Ecoturismo e sustentabilidade social como um desafio para a Amazônia: um estudo de caso em Iranduba, AM

Abstract

Ecotourism is a segment of the touristic activity which can be defined as a trip to a natural area, using the natural and cultural patrimony of the local population in a sustainable way, encouraging their preservation and the formation of an environmentalist conscience, and promoting the local populations welfare. As a sustainable activity, ecotourism must be firmed on three pillars: environmental, economic and social sustainability. On this third one is the focus of this work. With the goal of investigating social implications of the sustainable ecotourism in local communities of Iranduba (AM), a study was going accomplished in two communities: São Tomé and N. Sra. do Perpétuo Socorro, through the direct observation, which was the first contact with the communities. In this first moment, was accomplished the application of a focal form for the characterization of each community. After that, the quantitative and qualitative data gathering began, through the structured interview and the not-directive interview, respectively. Through this study was possible to characterize the way how the ecotourism is practiced in these communities, analyze the participation of the several actors involved in the activity, aiming a participant managing, verify the ecotourism influence on the way of life of the communities and also identify their main needs. Ecotourism has a huge social and economic importance for these communities, not only for the generation of direct and indirect jobs, but also for the valorization of their habits and their culture, the creation of an environmental conscience and even for the self-esteem of these people. The hotels act like the link among tourists/visitors attracted by the natural local beauties and by the wealth of this people and the local communities. The study revealed, however, a great distance between ecotourism principles and the way as it is really practiced. It‟s necessary the adoption of important political, structural and managing changes, so that ecotourism, in fact, to present a sustainable and juster character regarding the local populations. These changes depend on the engagement and the negotiation among the several involved and responsible sectors for the activity success, what must take part in a serious and comprehensive strategic planning, which is the breakpoint for the reparation of inequalities and deficiencies.