A Collaboration to Create Income Opportunities Through Ecotourism

IBEAC and Acolhida na Colônia participate in Collaborative Arrangement program

More than 100 farming families in Santa Catarina have turned their homes into inns. For the tourists from big cities, the simple, rural life and its delicious culinary traditions are great attractions. For those who live a rural life, receiving tourists is an opportunity to make extra income, as well as to dispel myths and educate others on their lifestyles.

“Before, we were ashamed to say that we were farmers. We would receive insults about living in the countryside, that the people there were behind. After I joined Acolhida na Colônia, I’m not ashamed of anyone anymore. I’m proud to be a farmer.” – says Leda.

Acolhida na Colônia promotes rural-urban ties through ecotourism and cultural exchanges. In June, the organization received a visit from IBEAC’s Mães Mobilizadoras, from Parelheiros, in São Paulo. The group came to learn about Acolhida’s ecotourism model and apply it to an area under environmental protection in Parelheiros, where they plan to create tourism activities for income generation for women in the community.

“There was lots of learning, inspiration and knowledge sharing going on. We are immensely grateful to the incredible farmers at Acolhida na Colônia”– said Claudia Nogueira, of IBEAC.

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