Ecotourism in the Amazon

This paper presents the development of ecotourism in the Brazilian Amazon from a legalperspective. Firstly, it provides an overview of the Brazilian Amazon and highlights the growing importanceof ecotourism in that region. Secondly, it examines the legal principles and rules on ecotourism at theinternational, regional and national levels. The regulation of ecotourism is crucial. Unregulated ecotourism islikely to cause environmental and social harm, particularly to local and indigenous communities. The legalframework regulating ecotourism activities is still incipient. This activity is generally regulated in an indirectmanner, but it is in any case subject to the general environmental law rules and principles. Becauseecotourism encompasses specific concerns when compared to traditional tourism, associated for example tothe interactions with nature, local and indigenous communities, specific regulation is required. It is found thatecotourism has been perceived as an alternative for the promotion of sustainable development in theBrazilian Amazon. The increased importance of such activity might lead to the creation of legal definitions,principles and rules specifically regulating ecotourism and its impacts.