How sustainable are recreational practices on Brazilian Amazon beaches?

Abstract

The present study focused on two beaches on the Amazon coast, located within Conservation Units under distinct management regimes. Within this context, the main aim of this study was to analyze the role of this units as a potential management framework for safety and comfort of local beachgoer. Unplanned territorial occupation, reduced investment in public services, and overcrowding are similar at both beaches, whereas the pressure level is lower on the estuarine beach of Pesqueiro, where the recreational activities are more closely monitored and controlled. Given the different pressures found on Ajuruteua and Pesqueiro beaches, which have a direct influence on the socio-environmental state of these coastal environments, and on the quality of tourist-recreational activities, it will be necessary to adopt appropriate approaches to resolve these problems and guarantee the adequate development of both the local community and tourist activities, in particular with regard to beachgoer safety.

Management implications

The role of Protected Areas (PAs) was studied as a potential management framework for the safety and comfort of beachgoers, where beach tourism practices could be efficiently integrated and managed. Two Brazilian beaches with similar environmental conditions but under different regulatory regimes were studied, focusing on aspects related to beachgoer satisfaction and safety. One of the beaches is not included in the PA and therefore not subject to the PA management plan regulations. Conversely, another beach is located within a PA and is therefore subject to the PA’s management plan. This study has shown that PAs are a positive alternative for the management of recreational activities along the Amazonian coast. However, given the specific characteristics of the study area and the limited investment in necessary services, the solutions to the safety problems of the beaches studied include the adoption of specifics beach management plans.