As contradições do ecoturismo: o caso da Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) Corumbataí-Botucatu-Tejupá

Abstract

This research analyzes the relationship that man has with natural areas and understands how ecotourism is being developed in these areas, especially in the Environmental Protection Area (EPA) Corumbataí-Botucatu-Tejupá. Considering the interest of man over nature, there are two parts intriguing and opposite: its interpretation is sometimes natural heritage and past, as another resource to be exploited by the dominant forces of the market. In this context, there are some conflicts of interest and mostly dialectic of the very meaning of the so called ecotourism. It is possible the existence of tourism activities that do not generate impacts and transformations? What is ecotourism? It’s an adaptation of the dominant system in order to meet new demands or panacea and salvation for nature and the local community? These and other issues are controversial and perhaps no one answer. The fact is that there is a tension conflict in this space, while some fight for conservation; others will defend their economic interest’s infrastructure development to leisure and tourism. For the understanding of these conflicts, the instruments used were: literature review, visit, field diary, talks with APA’s manager and Secretary of Environment and Secretary of Brotas’ Tourism. Based on this methodology it was possible to obtain basis for reasoning and understanding of these issues previously raised.