Desafios na conservação das Tartarugas Marinhas nos países lusófonos: procurando soluções no turismo

Abstract

The increasing demand for beachfront destinations and activities has put much pressure on the costal areas. As flagship species, and therefore charismatic, marine turtles are frequently promoted as tourist attraction, being also used to pass on to target groups the knowledge of the need of protecting them, as well as the habitats upon which they depend. This article will make discuss the impact of tourism in the conservation of these animals, looking particularly at cases in Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe, drawing the attention to the need of promoting and manage tourism in the coastal areas, in such a way that its impacts in the environment and local communities is minimized, and thus con flicts with conservation projects are reduced.