Have you ever felt that at some point your work routine and / or studies reached a limit where you needed to take time for yourself, to rest and renew your energies? This feeling is very common, especially for those who follow the frantic flow of daily life in large cities. For this reason, it is very important for our well-being to disconnect and invest in moments of energization and tranquility close to nature.

This is possible thanks to ecological tourism, which allows us to live experiences in contact with ourselves, enjoying outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, climbing and horseback riding, or even taking time to rest and discover the natural beauty of our region. This form of tourism that takes place closer to the countryside is growing and gaining space among the options of travelers and explorers.

According to the World Tourism Organization, while the practice of traditional tourism advances 7.5% per year, ecological tourism – or ecotourism – exceeds this average almost three times, reaching 20% annual growth worldwide. And it is precisely the search to disconnect from the daily rush and reconnect and energize yourself that contributes to the strong growth of this index. That is why it is important that tourist destinations know how to adapt to the trend. Learn more about the topic by accessing the article Ecoturismo: uma ideia que valoriza o turismo ecológico

Ecological tourism, if done correctly, guarantees environmental conservation and allows harmonious coexistence with areas that must be protected. In São Luiz do Purunã, tourists can experience unique experiences in contact with the Floresta com AraucáriasCampos Naturais and Escarpa Devoniana e Icnofósseis present in the region.

And to inspire you to rethink the importance of the practice of ecological tourism we listed some points:

Advantages of ecotourism

Créditos: Daniel Snege

In addition to allowing greater contact with nature and creating opportunities for people to get to know the beauties of environmental conservation areas, ecological tourism contributes to the protection of nature, by directing the resources raised by the tourist activity to the defense and valorization measures and actions for the benefit of the ecosystem. 

But it does not stop there. The positive points provided by the practice of ecological tourism are also reflected in the community of the places that develop this model. Considering the numbers that demonstrate the growth and strengthening of this activity, it is strategic that the local community values and invests in this tourism format, as more and more travelers are looking for destinations in line with nature conservation values. In this way, with the increase in the flow of visitors, the possibilities of economic growth for local establishments and productions also increase.

Ecological tourism and nature conservation

By valuing collective awareness and the need to live in respect with nature, this form of tourism contributes to the repercussion of the idea in people’s imagination. Ecotourism is generally done in areas with a lot of green and that need to be protected. The advantage of ecotourism is that the “exploitation” of the place is in harmony, respecting nature and the ways of life of the place and motivating tourists to understand the need to enjoy the beauties that provides nature, but in a respectful manner, without removing unnecessary resources, polluting or damaging the site.

It is a way of sustainable development that seeks to increase tourist contact with nature and at the same time raise awareness of the importance of preserving that environment. In this way, there is an appreciation of the history of the place and the forms of life that inhabit it, in addition to allowing new generations to grow up in contact with nature.

And you owner must have already asked yourself, how to make this feasible… Stay tuned for this resource:

PSA – Payment for Environmental Services – and appreciation of nature

The Payment for Environmental Services (PSA) is a mechanism that has recently emerged with the purpose of reconciling the interests of nature, environment and population with the rural landowners, in order to provide cooperation and partnerships for nature conservation. In other words, the PSA is an investment of resources offered to rural landowners, in exchange for maintaining their farms, allowing them to act with respect and appreciation for the local ecosystem.

This tool contributes to the proper realization – and with respect to the nature – of local agricultural activities, as it follows the principle of “provider-receiver”. Basically, this means that it is not only useful to collect fines from people who act in disagreement with environmental protection, but it is also important to value those who continue their work by focusing on valuing the environment, as a provider of environmental services.

But for this practice to work, it is necessary that there are providers (engaged people capable of preserving and maintaining the environmental service), as well as buyers (interested people who will benefit from the protection of such service, such as NGOs, private companies, public power, individuals, etc.). Ah, and in this case it is also essential to consider that the practice of PSA is voluntary, and can be adopted by companies and people who want to reduce the environmental impacts from their daily actions.

As the PSA is a practice that contributes to the care and conservation of the nature of the environment, it becomes an important strategy for forms of tourism that act in line with this idea.

Where is the PSA already applied?

The Atlantic Forest Connection project is a good example of the application for Payment for Environmental Services already in effect in Brazil. It is part of a partnership between the State Environmental Institute (INEA), linked to the Secretary of State for Environment and Sustainability (Seas), and the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Food Supply (SEAPPA). Learn more about the initiative at link.

Where to practice ecological tourism?

Credits: Daniel Snege

São Luiz do Purunã is the perfect region, a few kilometers from Curitiba, for those who want to immerse themselves in incredible experiences and aligned with the concepts of ecological tourism. We have in the region pousadas e hotéis with different profiles, to serve guests with various types of interest. The local cuisine carries in its flavors the tradições da cultura tropeira which is an important part of shaping the identity of the region’s population.

This is in addition to the horseback riding options, rotas sinalizadas de cicloturismo, rivers, waterfalls and trails amid nature. Get inspired to renew your energies. Plan your visit right now. 

Oh, to make it even easier for you, we provide several tips on where to stay, what to eat and do on the Visit Purunã website. Access aqui.