Resumo

OLIVEIRA, Fagno Tavares  e  BRANDAO, Reuber Albuquerque. Ecotourism perspectives: an analysis of local characteristics and perceptions in Saracá-Taquera National Forest, Pará - Brazil. El periplo sustentable [online]. 2016, n.30, pp.77-105. ISSN 1870-9036.

Herein we present data on social profile, economic activities and sources of income of local communities in Saracá-Taquera National Forest, in Pará State, Brazil, analyzing perceptions and expectations related to ecotourism and nature conservation issues. We conduct social surveys, using forms to 134 households. Net income of the local population was estimated by the balance between revenue and expenditure. We used the residuals of the regression to estimate variation in income between families. The local population has a low educational level, most of the families live in the region for over 15 years, and the main economic activities are cassava flour production (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and Brazilian nut extraction (Bertholletia excelsa H. & B. Lecythidaceae). The revenues generated from the monthly sale of Brazilian nuts (about US$ 115) and manioc flour (U$ 64) covered monthly expenses with basic needs and work equipment. However, the net monthly income is very low (US$ 6) over a period up to five months. The acquisition and maintenance of work equipment are the biggest expenses (U$ 36), influencing the decrease in total monthly income. The benefit transferred by Bolsa Familia, a social policy of the Brazilian Government, contributes significantly (R2 = 0.63) to increase the income of local people. The inclusion of ecotourism in the locality can support the entry of revenue, complementing the local income, reducing the pressure on Brazilian nuts trees and promoting nature conservation.

Palavras-chave : Nature conservation; local communities; composition of income.