The Cantão State Park in Tocantins is developing into a major ecotourism destination, enhancing conservation and biodiversity activities in the region.
The Cantão State Park, established in 1998, is positioned to become the new focal point for ecotourism in Tocantins, Brazil. Covering approximately 90,000 hectares and boasting over 800 lagoons, this conservation unit spreads across the municipalities of Araguacema, Caseara, and Pium. Its unique location at the intersection of the Cerrado, Amazon, and Pantanal biomes creates a rich sanctuary of biodiversity that has attracted prominent visitors, including Prince Charles III of the United Kingdom.
Currently, the park's management plan restricts commercial ecotourism activities. However, Tocantins Governor Wanderlei Barbosa has proposed to the Instituto Natureza do Tocantins (Naturatins) to hire specialized consultants to review and potentially revise this plan. The goal is to explore avenues for allowing the public to engage in ecotourism activities which are currently limited to restricted or experimental formats, such as hiking and canopy tours.
The development of ecotourism in Cantão State Park could have significant implications for both conservation efforts and local economic growth. By balancing ecological preservation with sustainable tourism initiatives, the park aims to attract more visitors while ensuring the protection of its diverse ecosystems, creating a model for similar conservation projects in Brazil and beyond.
