Fifteen individuals were fined for illegally accessing Pico Paraná, a popular tourist destination in southern Brazil, during an operation by environmental authorities.
In a recent operation conducted by Brazil's Institute of Water and Earth (IAT) and the Environmental Police Battalion, fifteen people were fined for unauthorized access to Pico Paraná, the highest peak in southern Brazil. This incident comes after a high-profile case in January when Roberto Farias Tomaz, known as Betinho, became lost while trekking the mountain and was missing for five days. His experience highlighted safety concerns and the importance of following established regulations when visiting such areas.
The IAT reported that a total of 35 individuals were stopped during the enforcement action, with 15 receiving fines of R$ 2,000 each for entering the park through prohibited paths. The agency emphasized that visitors must register at the IAT base before starting their trek, providing necessary details such as name, phone number, emergency contact, and entry time, to ensure safety and accountability.
The regulation is intended to enhance visitor safety, especially in light of past incidents, such as Tomaz's case, which drew national attention. By enforcing these rules, authorities hope to reduce the risks associated with hiking in popular yet challenging environments like Pico Paraná and encourage a culture of responsible tourism among visitors.
