Impactos socioambientais do turismo na zona costeira e marinha da APA Bonfim - Guaraíras , Tibau do Sul , RN , Brasil

Abstract

The Bonfim-Guaraíras Environmental Protection Area (APA), a sustainable use conservation unit located on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte harbors important coastal and marine ecosystems that host key tourist attractions, particularly in the municipality of Tibau do Sul and at Pipa Beach. Although tourism is a major driver of the local economy, its intensification can lead to various socio-environmental impacts, especially when planning, control, and monitoring are inadequate. In this context, this research aimed to analyze the main socio-environmental impacts on the marine and coastal zones associated with tourism activities in the Bonfim Guaraíras APA, as well as potential mitigation measures. The study was qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory in nature, conducted through data collection, a literature review, and on-site observations. Eighteen academic and scientific studies including works in English were identified and analyzed. The results highlighted that the primary socio-environmental impacts associated with tourism include wildlife disturbance, vegetation loss, water and soil pollution, landscape alteration, and the escalation of socio-spatial conflicts, while also identifying their underlying causes. Mitigation measures identified included public-private engagement and partnership building; tourism zoning and regulation; enforcement and land tenure regularization; improvements to sanitation and waste management; support for impact and carrying capacity studies; and community support and environmental education. The study concludes that while tourism is of great economic importance to the region, effective measures are required to reconcile public use with the conservation of the Bonfim-Guaraíras APA’s coastal and marine zones.