Ecological trails: educational tourism planning in a conservation unit

Abstract

The Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema (PEVRI) constitutes the last area of alluvial floodplain ecosystem in the Upper Parana River Basin free of damming, thus, its areas still suffer flooding during the rainy season, thus constituting a landscape with unique characteristics which can be enjoyed amid ecological trails. The aim of the present study was to conduct a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study aiming to identify the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities, according to the researchers' perspective, in the planning and management of PEVRI. For this visit was realized, and the trails of the lagoon of Santa Cruz and Curupaí River trail. To compile the data, the SWOT method was used - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats - based on information obtained from the technical visit to the park, documents and bibliographic research. According to the final score of the SWOT analysis it was possible to list some recommendations, as the forces score less than the weaknesses, with this result it becomes necessary to think about action plans. This is a classic warning sign of the need for process improvements. Opportunities and threats have earned the same score and indicate a promising future for the park. However, it is necessary to align which forces will improve the management processes and thus neutralize or mitigate the threats and weaknesses. Although this is a good sign, it is still necessary to analyze threats better.