Brazilian indigenous communities will receive support from the Federal Government to develop itineraries and tourism experiences through ecotourism and community-based tourism. The strategy is part of the Technical Cooperation Agreement (ACT) signed during the celebration of the 57th anniversary of the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai) in Brasília. The cooperation was signed by Funai with the Ministries of Tourism, Indigenous Peoples, and Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, as well as Embratur.
The goal is to enable tourism activities to generate income, jobs, and inclusion in these areas, as well as to allow for the recognition and appreciation of indigenous histories and traditions, ensuring respect for indigenous peoples.
The Executive Secretary of MTur, Ana Carla Lopes, celebrated the collaboration surrounding the agreement.
“As an Amazonian woman, this moment is even more significant and special, as I know the power of our forest, our waters, and our people. And I know, especially, how tourism, when conducted sustainably and responsibly, can be transformative for our indigenous communities, essential for environmental and cultural conservation, especially when there is effective participation from the communities,” said Ana Carla.
The ACT provides for the training and guidance of public managers, private sector initiatives, and tourists on the importance of valuing sociobiodiversity, indigenous peoples, and the application of good practices for the responsible development of tourism. Among its objectives is the development of qualification materials aimed at the indigenous communities themselves, with content adapted to the reality of the territory, strengthening the autonomy and protagonism of the communities.
The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, also celebrated the agreement.
“We celebrate here the anniversary of Funai, and we celebrate the fact that we have for the first time a Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, and this new agreement for joint actions reinforces the appreciation that the federal government advocates for indigenous communities and territories.”
Joênia Wapichana, president of Funai, emphasized that the agency is ready to support the promotion of community-based tourism as well.
Another important point of the agreement involves the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, which will be fundamental in promoting the added value of indigenous products and services through technological innovation, sustainable certification, strengthening the management of cooperatives and productive associations, and developing sustainable business models.
Source: www.gov.br