Content uploaded by Ariane Janér
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Ariane Janér on Sep 12, 2018
Content may be subject to copyright.
Content uploaded by Rodrigo Zomkowski Ozorio
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Rodrigo Zomkowski Ozorio on Mar 23, 2017
Content may be subject to copyright.
95
COMMUNITY-BASED ECOTOURISM IN THE MAMIRAUÁ RESERVE: EVALUATION OF
PRODUCT QUALITY AND REFLECTIONS REGARDING THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL
FEASIBILITY OF THE ACTIVITY.
ECOTURISMO DE BASE COMUNITÁRIA NA RDS MAMIRAUÁ: AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE
DO PRODUTO E REFLEXÕES ACERCA DA VIABILIDADE ECONÔMICO-FINANCEIRA
DA ATIVIDADE.
Rodrigo Zomkowski Ozorio 1
Ariane Janér 2
1 Consultor na área de Turismo Sustentável ; Pesquisador Colaborador no Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá.
E.mail: rodrigo.ozorio@gmail.com
2 Instituto Ecobrasil. E.mail: ariane@ecobrasil.org.br
KEY WORDS:
Ecotourism;
Community-based tourism;
Uakari Floating Lodge;
Mamirauá Sustainable Development
Reserve;
Economic feasibility.
ABSTRACT
An ecotourism product should, among other things, offer a quality experience
for the visitor and improve the quality of life of the one who is visited. This study
evaluated the quality of community-based ecotourism at the Uakari Floating Lodge,
and analyzed the economic and financial performance of the enterprise, generating
reflections regarding the economic impact achieved and the intangible benefits
associated with initiatives of this nature. The timeframe for the analysis was nine years
(2002 to 2010). The evaluation of product quality was based upon the perceptions of
the visitor and generally revealed high levels of quality. Moreover, a comparison with
the competition yielded satisfactory results, indicating that the product can compete
internationally on quality. From the perspective of financial return on investment,
after a promising start, performance was not satisfactory over the nine-year period. An
analysis has been conducted on the impact of two external factors and one internal
factor, which have negatively impacted performance: the closure of the municipal
airport for nine months, large exchange rate fluctuations and a pricing policy that
could have been more conservative. Enterprises like the Uakari Lodge (located in
remote areas with a differentiated management model) have certain vulnerabilities
and this study reinforces the necessity of these initiatives to be better prepared for
the risks inherent in this activity. Using simulations, it is possible to show that, if the
municipal airport had not been closed or the Dollar had not suffered such a steep
devaluation, financial viability would have been reached. Equally, the study shows
that inappropriate adjustments in daily rates played a part in contributing to inadequate
financial performance. On the other hand, when analyzing the initiative from a macro-
economic point of view, it becomes evident that the activity established itself as an
important economic alternative for the local communities and that the financial
resources generated by the project had a strong multiplier effect. The analysis found
that, for each R$1.00 contributed by investors, R$4.72 was generated in the regional
economy. Equally, the wide variety of intangible environmental, social and economic
benefits, validate the socio-environmental focus of the project and its contribution as
a tool for the conservation of natural resources. Another point that merits attention
relates to the existence of a consolidated system for monitoring results, which allows
for the initiative to socialize lessons learned with academia, not-for-profit organizations
and government. The findings of the study will contribute to more efficient planning
for the transfer of management of the enterprise to the local communities.
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
96
RESUMO
Um produto de ecoturismo deve, entre outros, oferecer qualidade de experiência para
o visitante e melhoria de qualidade de vida para o visitado. Este estudo avaliou a
qualidade do produto de ecoturismo de base comunitária Pousada Flutuante Uacari,
bem como analisou o desempenho econômico-financeiro do empreendimento,
gerando reflexões acerca do impacto econômico gerado e dos benefícios intangíveis
associados a iniciativas desta natureza. O horizonte temporal contemplado na análise
foi de 09 anos (2002 a 2010). A avaliação da qualidade do produto utilizou como
base a percepção do visitante e revelou, em linhas gerais, níveis altos de qualidade.
Ademais, a comparação com a concorrência mostrou resultados satisfatórios, indicando
que o produto é competitivo internacionalmente no quesito qualidade. Do ponto de
vista financeiro, sob a ótica de retorno financeiro no investimento, o desempenho
depois de um começo promissor, não foi satisfatório no período de 09 anos. São
analisados os impactos de dois fatores externos e um fator interno, que impactaram
negativamente no desempenho: o fechamento do aeroporto municipal por 09 meses,
a flutuação grande do câmbio e uma política de preços que poderia ter sido mais
cautelosa. Empreendimentos como a Pousada Uacari (localizados em áreas remotas
e com modelo de gestão diferenciado) tem suas vulnerabilidades e o estudo reforça
para a necessidade destas iniciativas se prepararem melhor para os riscos inerentes à
atividade. Através de simulações é possível mostrar que se o fechamento do aeroporto
municipal não tivesse ocorrido ou se a desvalorização do dólar não tivesse sido tão
acentuada, a viabilidade financeira teria sido alcançada. Igualmente, o estudo mostra
que ajustes inapropriados no tarifário tiveram sua parcela de contribuição para este
desempenho financeiro. Por outro lado, quando analisada a iniciativa por um viés
macro-econômico, ficou evidente que a atividade se estabeleceu como uma importante
alternativa econômica às comunidades locais e que movimentação econômica gerada
pelo projeto teve um forte efeito multiplicador. A análise constatou que para cada
R$ 1,00 investido pelos financiadores, foi gerado R$ 4,72 para a economia regional.
Igualmente, a grande variedade de benefícios intangíveis de caráter ambiental, social
e econômico comprova o enfoque socioambiental do projeto e a sua contribuição
como ferramenta para a conservação dos recursos naturais. Outro ponto que merece
destaque trata-se da existência de um consolidado sistema de monitoramento dos
resultados, que permite que a iniciativa socialize as lições aprendidas com a academia,
terceiro setor e governo. Os resultados encontrados no estudo contribuirão para se
planejar com mais eficiência a transferência da gestão do empreendimento para as
comunidades locais.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE:
Ecoturismo;
Amazônia,
Pousada Flutuante Uacari;
Reserva de Desenvolvimento
Sustentável Mamirauá;
Viabilidade econômico-financeira.
UAKARI, v. 8, n. 2 , p. 95 - 114, 2012. Special Issue: Sustainable Tourism.
97
INTRODUCTION
In recent decades, community-based tourism (CBT)
has been defended as one of the ways to develop
tourist activities in a responsible manner, reconciling
the conservation of natural resources with the socio-
economic development of the destinations. The
term is used widely in literature,1, 2 and generally
covers initiatives that promote an alternative model
to conventional tourism, where the central concern
with involving the communities is the mainstay of
the activity itself.
Starting in the ’90s, innumerable projects of this
nature emerged which, in the majority of cases,
were supported by the not-for-profit sector and
run by donations from cooperation agencies.
However, throughout this period, many studies
identified problems that were apparently common
to the majority of these initiatives, including:
lack of monitoring and lack of quantification of
real benefits for the communities (GOODWIN;
SANTILI, 2009); lack of the most appropriate focus
based on demand and insertion into the local
tourism production chain (Epler Wood 1998); lack
of a business plan and a clear view of potential
threats for this kind of activity (CBI, 2009).
Therefore, it is not surprising that Mitchell and
Muckosy (2008) have identified an average
occupancy rate of only 5% for community
establishments. Mielke (2011), upon evaluating
the activities of CBT in Brazil 3, also found
problems with market access and identified a lack
of monitoring systems in these enterprises, making
the results difficult to control and evaluate. In the
Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in
the Brazilian Amazon, the Uakari Floating Lodge
is one of the pioneering projects of this genre in
Brazil. The enterprise has been in full 4 operation
since 2002 and utilizes a model of shared
management between the Mamirauá Institute
for Sustainable Development (MISD) and the
communities in the Mamirauá Reserve.
In order to support the decision to invest in the
Uakari Floating Lodge, a business plan was
developed, as well as a strategy for introducing
the enterprise into the market. Moreover,
indicators were pre-established to monitor the
socio-economic, environmental, and market
performance of the initiative over the years.
However, the fact that the enterprise took these
important pre-steps does not mean that the entire
business would not face mishaps. Initiatives like
the Uakari Floating Lodge – located in remote
areas and with a differentiated management
model - are sensitive to risk factors, both external 5
and internal. Among the most significant external
factors that the enterprise lived through were the
interruption in flight access to the municipality
and exchange rate fluctuations. The problem
of access – which occurred during a time of
significant growth for the enterprise – was caused
1 A form of tourism that local communities have substantial
involvement in and control over. Ecotourism’s development and
management, and a major proportion of the benefits remain within
the community (DENMAN, 2001).
2 Tourism initiatives that are owned by one or more communities, or
run as a joint venture with the private sector with equitable community
participation, as a means of using natural resources in a sustainable
manner to improve their standard of living in an economic and viable
way (Department of Tourism Botswana)
3 Those who received support from the Ministério do Turismo
(Tourism Ministry) through the support bid for CBT.
4 From 1999 to 2001, the enterprise was functioning as a ‘soft
opening’, responding to spontaneous demand.
5 External factors usually affect demand, and as such, the enterprise
does not have the capacity to intervene.
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
98
by the closure of the Tefé 6 municipal airport,
resulting in a significant decrease in demand and
thus compromising the enterprise’s cash flow.
The exchange rate, with its large fluctuations, was
also a significant risk factor since it resulted in an
overvaluation of the Brazilian Real – turning Brazil
into an expensive international long distance
destination – and negatively impacting demand
for the enterprise. Equally, managerial decisions
were made that adjusted the price of the product
in inopportune moments, creating risks of an
internal nature.
The purpose of this study is to share lessons learned
and to contribute to the discussion regarding the
performance of CBT initiatives. This document
evaluates the results of the Uakari Floating Lodge
during the period between 2002 and 2010, by
analyzing the quality of the product (from the
perspective of the visitor) and by measuring
the economic and financial performance of the
enterprise. Moreover, the evaluation attempts
to measure the impact of certain risk factors on
initiatives of this nature, as well as to generate
reflections regarding intangible benefits associated
with enterprises with similar characteristics.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Evaluation of product quality (point of view of
the ecotourist)
In order to evaluate the quality of ecotourism
services, data was analyzed from the period
2002 to 2011, collected using a questionnaire
that is filled out by guests of the enterprise and
which includes multiple choice and open-ended
questions. The principal indicators evaluated were:
food, transportation, lodging, activities, guides,
information availability, cleanliness and an overall
evaluation of the visit. The visitors qualified the
services mentioned using a scale of 1 through 5,
where: 1 is terrible; 2 is normal; 3 is good; 4 is
very good and 5 is excellent.
The questionnaire also collects qualitative
information, using a space reserved for suggestions,
criticisms and/or complaints. To analyze this
information, the comments from the period 2009
to 2011 were grouped and categorized according
to operating sector.
With the objective of comparing the quality of
the services offered by the Uakari Floating Lodge
to other competing initiatives in the ecotourism
market (Pan-Amazon and Pantanal), queries were
made to the site tripadvisor.com. Tripadvisor.
com is a site that helps visitors searching for
information about travelling. It is the largest
site of its genre in the world, with more than 60
million hits per month 7. On this site, visitors can
make independent and voluntary evaluations 8 of
the destinations they have visited and participate
in discussion forums. With these evaluations,
the destinations receive a grading that allows
interested travelers to make comparisons between
the places they want to visit.
Tripadvisor is a very highly used tool and is
useful for not only visitors themselves but for the
managers of the enterprises evaluated, since an
evaluation written after a trip has been taken tends
to have more details than an evaluation done
6 The garbage dump located near the airport was putting airplane
takeoffs and landings at risk due to the presence of vultures. So, for
security reasons, the airport was closed for nine months.
7 For more information about the site: www.tripadvisor.com/pages/
about_us.html.
8 Visitors evaluate the following criteria: price, cleanliness, services,
location, rooms and sleep quality.
UAKARI, v. 8, n. 2 , p. 95 - 114, 2012. Special Issue: Sustainable Tourism.
99
while the guest is at the destination. Tripadvisor
is not an exact measurement since evaluations are
made by only some visitors, but the advantage
is that it allows for comparison with other
enterprises. Criticisms have been made regarding
the trustworthiness of some evaluations 9, but in
the case of Uakari Floating Lodge, no evaluations
have been identified as suspect.
Economic and nancial performance
Data from the period 2002 through 2010 were
analyzed to evaluate the economic and financial
performance of the ecotourism activity with
two distinct focuses. The first aims to determine
if the commercial enterprise is viable from a
financial point of view. This study uses investment
analysis techniques and shows what the return
on investment is, compared to the return offered
by the market. In this study, the techniques used
were the NPV (Net Present Value) 10 and the IRR
(Internal Rate of Return) 11.
In the financial analysis, two scenarios were
considered
a) partial investment: does not include
investments coming from donations (external to
the enterprise’s cash flow);
b) full investment: includes total resources
invested in the enterprise (internal and external).
With the objective of knowing the level of impact
of several factors (two external and one internal)
on the financial performance of the Uakari Floating
Lodge during the period, the following three
simulations were conducted. They were related to
two external factors and one internal, all of which
are important for sales performance.
- Simulation 1 (external factor): What would the
financial performance of the enterprise have been
if the Tefé airport had not closed in 2006 12?
- Simulation 2 (external factor): What would the
financial performance of the enterprise have been
if the devaluation of the Dollar had been less
pronounced? 13
- Simulation 3 (internal factor): What would the
financial performance of the enterprise have been
if more care had been taken with the pricing policy
of the enterprise 14?
The second focus measures the contribution of
the enterprise to the economic well-being of the
region under consideration. The analysis is carried
out from the standpoint of society as a whole
(region or country) and not just from the point of
view of the owner of the infrastructure, as is done
in a financial analysis (European Commission,
2003). The analysis is drawn from a source that
considers all costs and benefits over time in order
to obtain the net effects on the economy as a
whole, adjusting for distortions and social and
environmental externalities (Harb et al 2007).
9 There are accusations in the tourist trade that some enterprises
influence guests to make positive evaluations, thus diminishing their
spontaneity. There are also accusations of false evaluations done with
the intent to harm other enterprises.
10 The NPV considers the value of money over time and aims to verify
if the cash balance will be profitable when brought to current values.
This technique identifies the minimal return that a project should
obtain so that its market value does not change (BORDEAUX-RÊGO,
2008).
11 The IRR measures the proportional return by the business in a
determined period of time (monthly or annually). Therefore, an
individual investor can compare the resulting IRR of a project with
the rate of return offered by other market investments in order to
decide to accept or refuse a project. (BORDEAUX-RÊGO, 2008)
12 The airport closed two different times between 2006 and 2007 (for
a total of nine months).
13 75% of demand for the enterprise is international (COELHO;
OZORIO, 2010), and therefore, sensitive to exchange rate variation.
The long-distance domestic market is also affected since Brazilians
are travelling more abroad.
14 The impact of price variations was considered to identify their level
of influence (managerial decisions) on the financial performance of
the enterprise.
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
100
In order to calculate economic feasibility, the
economic IRR (economic internal rate of return)
and economic NPV (economic net present
value) 15 were used. Additionally, the economic
impact generated by the initiative in the regional
economy was measured, as were the intangible
benefits of the project.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Evaluation of product quality
Monitoring product quality through services
provided is an essential element in the
management of an ecotourism operation, with
the key objective to understand the opinion of
the visitor who uses these services. Figures 1, 2
and 3 reveal quantitative information regarding
the perception of ecotourists about the services of
the Uakari Floating Lodge. Scores above the green
line (>4) represent high levels of quality.
In general terms, the analyses suggest high
levels of visitor satisfaction (Figures 1, 2 and 3),
considering that nearly all items evaluated were
always graded above 4 (very good) over the years,
with the exception of the items information (3.9 in
2004) and transportation (3.9 in 2010) 16.
15 These indicators were calculated using the same cash flows from
the company; however, transfers made to Reserve communities for
the purchase of products, payment of services and surpluses, and
resources transferred to support research were not considered as
costs to the enterprise.
Figure 1 - Visitor satisfaction related to the indicators: activities,
guides and information.
Figure 2 - Visitor satisfaction related to the indicators: food,
transportation and cleanliness.
Figure 3 - Visitor satisfaction related to the indicators: lodging
and overall evaluation of the visit.
16 The reduction in the evaluation for transportation in 2010 is
related to the period of extreme drought during this year. The low
level of water seriously limited access to the ecotourism area, where
the round trip Tefé – Lodge –Tefé, which under normal conditions
takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, increased to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Moreover, visitors needed to leave the boat and walk for 20 minutes
on a makeshift trail (OZORIO et al., 2012).
UAKARI, v. 8, n. 2 , p. 95 - 114, 2012. Special Issue: Sustainable Tourism.
101
However, even though the general results indicate
high product quality, the graphs reveal a drop
in the level of satisfaction over the period 2008
to 2010 in nearly all of the items analyzed. This
decline can be explained in the following way:
The closure of the airport between 2006 and 2007
led to a significant drop in revenue for the enterprise
17, which compromised cash flow and created
financial restrictions, preventing the completion
of maintenance projects and other necessary
investments in 2007 and 2008 (OZORIO; JANÉR,
2012). This scenario resulted in a cumulative
effect of problems related to the deterioration of
infrastructure, which in turn contributed to the
visitor having a reduced perception of quality. It
is interesting to note that a pronounced reduction
in the item lodging supports this argument, along
with the information in the qualitative analyses
(Table 1 and Figure 4).
Furthermore, from 2009 to 2010 there was
an adjustment in rates for the Uakari Floating
Lodge 18 that, taken together with the lack of
improvements in infrastructure, impacted the
level of visitor satisfaction. However, other
factors that are related to the results of this period
cannot be discarded, such as: abrupt transitions
in the enterprise’s management and insufficient
investment in training. With the objective to better
understand visitors’ opinions, a qualitative analysis
was conducted. Table 1 displays comments that
appeared with a frequency equal to or more than
5 times in each of the years analyzed (2009, 2010
and 2011), and divides them into operational
sectors.
2009 2010 2011
Cleanliness
Cleaner bathrooms
(≤10)
Flies in the restaurant
were a problem.
(≤10)
Empty the
bathroom
wastebaskets (≤5)
Change bath and
face towels more
frequently (≤5)
Guides / Information
Guides need better
English skills (>10)
More
communication of
research projects
(≤10)
Improvements to
slide show (≤10)
I would have
found it much
more interesting
if the Guides
spoke better
English(>10)
We would have
liked to hear
more about
particular aspects
of nature. (≤5)
Local guides should
speak English (>10)
Infrastructure /
Equipment
Bathrooms need
refurbishing (>10)
Investment in
upkeep and repairs
in the lodges (>10)
Rooms need more
maintenance (>10)
Ceiling needs to be
refurbished (>10)
Put a ceiling fan in
the dining room
(≤5)
Rooms need better
maintenance (≤5)
Reading light in the
rooms (≤10)
Fans in the dining
hall and in the
rooms (≤10)
Make binoculars
available (≤10)
Hot water in the
bathroom (≤10)
Activities
Get up earlier to see
the animals coming
out (≤10)
More time in the
community to
participate more in
the life of the local
people (≤10)
Organize evening
activities better (≤10)
Move the research
presentation to the
evening (≤10)
Include more physi-
cal activities in the
packages (>10)
More variety in
activities (>10)
Commercialization /
Marketing
Offer to organize
flights to the city of
Tefé(≤10)
Include on the
website reservation
page a list of what
tourists should bring
(≤10)
Improve website
information on how
to get to Tefé(≤10)
Improve Lodge
checkout times (≤10)
Food
It would be nice
to have eggs for
breakfast. (≤10)
Offer a wider variety
of food (≤10)
Minimal impact
Provide soaps and
shampoos that do
not damage the
environment. (≤10)
Table 1 - Categorization of most frequent comments in the years 2009,
2010 and 2011.
17 For more details, see the chapter on economic and financial
performance.
18 See the chapter on economic and financial performance.
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
102
It should be noted that the most frequent
complaints made by guests in 2009 were related
to upkeep of the infrastructure, the fact that the
guides do not speak English and the lack of variety
of activities. In this year, there were also a lot of
comments regarding the commercialization of
the enterprise. In 2010 and 2011, the frequency
of these complaints diminished significantly, but
these operational sectors continue to be the most
critical (especially English and infrastructure), as
can be seen in Figure 4.
In general, considering the entire period analyzed
(2002 to 2011), the quantitative analysis graphs
(Figures 1, 2 and 3) reveal high levels of service
quality. However, the analysis made it possible to
identify a reduction trend in these levels between
2008 and 2010, but starting in 2011 they returned
to a pattern of growth.
On the other hand, the qualitative analysis
(Table 1) revealed the most critical items in the
operation for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011
and also showed a return to improvement in the
quality of the product. However, it is necessary
to continue monitoring in the years that follow so
that the management of the enterprise can certify
that this return to growth is being established as a
trend.
Competitive analysis
The exercise of evaluating the quality of an
ecotourism product should also take into account
competition in the marketplace. The number of
ecotourism enterprises in the Pan-Amazon region
has grown significantly in the last 10 years, a fact
that requires that the managers of these enterprises
be aware of the strength of competition.
Table 2 presents information extracted from the
tripadvisor.com site and shows the ranking of
Uakari Floating Lodge in relation to 16 potential
competitors in the Pan-Amazon and the Pantanal
regions. The results show that the performance
of the enterprise has been satisfactory from the
point of the view of visitors, since the rating is 9.6,
sharing fourth rank with three other enterprises. It is
worth noting that the analysis includes enterprises
with distinct identities, including: businesses,
shared management, (not-for-profit sector
and communities) and integrated community
management. The jungle hotels Napo Wildlife
Centre (Ecuador), Albergue Chalalán (Bolivia),
Kapawi (Ecuador) and Yachana Lodge (Ecuador) –
which have management models similar to that of
Uakari Floating Lodge – achieved third, fourth and
seventh place rankings, respectively.
Economic and nancial performance
Table 3 presents the economic and financial
performance indicators of the enterprise for the
period 2002 through 2010.
Figure 4 - Total number of comments per sector by year.
UAKARI, v. 8, n. 2 , p. 95 - 114, 2012. Special Issue: Sustainable Tourism.
103
Ranking Ecolodge Overall Average No. of Evaluations Location
1 Barranco alto 10 60 Southern Pantanal
2 Embiara lodge 9.9 19 Southern Pantanal
3Napo wildlife
Centre 9.8 80 Ecuadorian Amazon
4 Chalalan 9.6 27 Bolivian Amazon
4 Cristalino 9.6 16 Brazilian Amazon
4 Pacaya Samiria 9.6 18 Peruvian Amazon
4 Uakari Lodge 9.6 23 Brazilian Amazon
5 Anavilhanas 9.5 98 Brazilian Amazon
6 Pousada Aguapé 9.3 13 Southern Pantanal
7 Kapawi 9.1 26 Ecuadorian Amazon
7 Yachana lodge 9.1 19 Ecuadorian Amazon
8 Juma lodge 8.9 30 Brazilian Amazon
9 La Selva 8.8 44 Ecuadorian Amazon
10 Fazenda San Francisco 8.7 8Southern Pantanal
11 Ariaú 8 85 Brazilian Amazon
12 Araras lodge 7.9 27 Northern Pantanal
13 Amazon ecolodge 7.3 51 Brazilian Amazon
Table 2 - Ranking of the Uakari Floating Lodge and its competitors from the travel site TRIP Advisor. September
2011.
Scenario 2002 – 2010 Visitors Revenue NPV IRR NPVE IRRE
Real
a) With partial investment 5,578 R$ 5,208,265 R$ (177,860) -1% R$
757,705 33%
b) With full investment 5,578 R$ 5,208,265 R$ (522,859) NA R$
412,706 20%
Simulation 1
Without airport closure and
with partial investment 7,615 R$ 7,414,921 R$ 602,972 22% - -
Without airport closure and
with full investment 7,615 R$ 7,414,921 R$ 257,972 14% - -
Simulation 2
Dollar at R$2.3 with partial
investment 5,578 R$ 5,923,508 R$ 221,903 15% - -
Dólar at R$2.3 with full
investment 5,578 R$ 5,923,508 R$ (123,093) 5% - -
Simulation 3 With partial investment 5,578 R$ 5,432,428 R$ (20,259) 7% - -
With full investment 5,578 R$ 5,432,428 R$ (365,259) -12% - -
Table 3 - Economic and financial performance metrics of the enterprise from 2002 through 2010
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
104
Financial evaluation
With respect to the context of table 3, the analysis
with partial investment shows a negative NPV of
R$ 177,860.00 and an IRR of -1%. These values
indicate that, from a purely financial point of
view, the investment was not profitable during
the period analyzed (9 years), or in other words,
a longer timeframe would be necessary for this
activity to become viable.
Regarding the simulations – in which the objective
was to measure the impact of the risk factors on
the financial performance of the enterprise – the
results were interesting. Simulation 1 suggests that
if the Tefé airport had not been closed in 2006,
the enterprise would have been financially viable,
either with partial investment (NPV R$ 602,972
and IRR 22%) or with full investment (NPV R$
257,972 and IRR 14%).
Figure 5 compares the traffic at the Manaus and
Tefé airports and clearly shows the reduction in
traffic in the city of Tefé during 2006 and 2007, due
to the closure of its airport. This directly impacted
tourist demand for the Mamirauá Reserve as can
be seen in Figure 6, which compares growth in
demand for jungle hotels in the state of Amazonas
with the increase in the number of ecotourists in
Mamirauá.
The flow of visitors, which had been growing at an
average annual rate of 27% in the period of 2001
to 2005, fell by 24% in 2006, and continued to
be unstable until 2010. This situation negatively
impacted “word of mouth marketing” (especially
among travel operators) that existed regarding
access to the Mamirauá Sustainable Development
Reserve, creating uncertainty among tourism
operators (COELHO; OZORIO, 2010).
Figure 5 - Airport Trac in Manaus and Tefé. Source: INFRAERO (2010)
Table 4 suggests that, if the mishap with the
airport had not happened, Mamirauá would have
reached or arrived very close to the number of
1000 visitors (per year) in 2008. This conclusion
makes sense since Mamirauá was experiencing a
period of continuous growth until 2005, greater
than the average for jungle hotels in the Amazon.
Therefore, while the simulation uses growth rates
that are more modest than the real growth rates
for the jungle hotels in the state of Amazonas, it is
clear that the Uakari Floating Lodge would have
reached 1000 visitors per year.
This decline in demand resulted in a 30%
reduction in revenue for the initiative in 2006, and
since recovery was slow, this resulted in a reduced
capacity for the enterprise to make investments
and maintain the facility in the years that followed
(OZORIO; JANÉR, 2012).
Figure 6 - Demand for hotels in the Amazon Jungle and in Mamirauá.
Source: Amazonastur and MISD.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Jungle lodges (left) Mamirauá (right)
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
120000
140000
160000
180000
0
500000
1000000
1500000
2000000
2500000
3000000
12345678
Tefé
(right)
Manaus international (right) Manaus domestic (left)
UAKARI, v. 8, n. 2 , p. 95 - 114, 2012. Special Issue: Sustainable Tourism.
105
Regarding the simulation related to exchange rate
variation (devaluation of the Dollar), the results
reveal that if the Dollar had remained stable at
R$ 2.30 during the period between 2005 and
2010, the Uakari Floating Lodge would have been
financially viable, with a NPV of R$ 221,903 and
an IRR of 15% in the partial investment scenario.
In the case of full investment, the NPV would have
been negative (R$ -123,093) and the IRR would
have fallen to 5%, showing that the enterprise
would not have been viable during the time period
analyzed.
Even though there was an international economic
crisis, the Brazilian economy remained strong,
which made Brazil an expensive destination
(overvaluation of the Real), and combined with
less confidence and lower purchasing power
of foreign tourists, international influx into the
country remained stagnant during the period of
2005 to 2009 (JANÉR, 2011).
The third analyzed simulation is related to the
pricing policy adopted by the management of
the enterprise. The objective was to identify what
would have happened if the rate alterations had
not been as pronounced as they were from 2005
to 2006 and from 2009 to 2010 (see Table 6). This
simulation resulted in a negative NPV of 20,259
and an IRR of 7%.
Simulation 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Jungle hotels (real
growth) 11% -3% 18% 10% 22%
Mamirauá
(simulated growth) 15% -5% 10% 10% 10%
Mamirauá
simulated number
of visitors
555 906 997 1097 1200
Table 4 - Growth of demand without airport closure (simulation).
Source: Amazonastur and MSDI.
Table 5 - Variation of average annual exchange rate in the period
2002-2010. Source: Central Bank
A pricing policy is critical when the exchange
rate fluctuates a lot. If the price increases had
been more gradual, the results would have been
more satisfactory. There is evidence that the visitor
thought that the prices were high during the years
when the rates were significantly increased.
Therefore, from a financial perspective,
considering the Uakari Floating Lodge strictly as a
commercial enterprise (which expects profitability
and a return on investment), the results suggest
that the initiative was not financially viable in the
period analyzed (9 years). The evaluation indicates
that the enterprise needs a longer timeframe to be
viable, or in other words, it would be viable in the
long term. This reality related to the timeframe for
return on investment has also been identified in
other remotely located ecotourism enterprises with
differentiated management models (community
companies, community-company joint ventures).
Harb et al 2007, when evaluating the financial
performance of Albergue Chalalán, located in the
Bolivian Amazon, used 25 years as a timeframe
(1999 to 2024), and projections (estimates) were
made between 2008 and 2024. In another study
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Average annual
exchange rate
(USD$/R$)
2.97 3.12 2.93 2.44 .,16 1.91 1.79 1.92 1.74
Variation (in %) - 5% -6% -17% -11% -12% -6% 7% 5%
Table 6 - Annual variation of average price in the period 2002 –
2010. Source: OZORIO and JANÉR, 2012.
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Price
(in USD$) 360 360 350 355 485 540 590 590 750
Variation
(in %) - 0% 3% 1% 37% 11% 9% 0% 27%
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
106
carried out by the community company Mapajo
de Ecoturismo Indígena (Mapajo Indigenous
Ecotourism, Panama), Diaz et al. used an analysis
timeframe of 15 years in their methodology.
The simulations carried out in this study contributed
to clarifying the level of impact that certain risk
factors (external and internal) represent for small
businesses like the Uakari Floating Lodge. Through
the simulation, it became clear that the temporary
aerial access limitation (closure of the airport for
nine months) constituted the largest impact factor
for the feasibility of the initiative, and that this
happened at a time when Brazil was becoming
expensive due to the continued devaluation of
the Dollar. The combination of these two factors
presented a tough financial test for the enterprise,
which had to deal with a significant reduction in
its financial reserve. This limited the capacity of
the company to invest in improvements, impacting
the quality of the product to a certain extent.
This reduction in demand and financial reserve
led management of the enterprise to increase
rates, which proved to be incompatible with the
circumstances of the moment (level of product
quality, market situation), therefore making it
more difficult to reposition the initiative in the
marketplace.
Economic evaluation
In order to determine the contribution of the
Uakari Floating Lodge to the economic well-
being of the community in which it is located, it
is equally important to analyze the performance
of the initiative from an economic perspective.
The economic evaluation resulted in a NPVE of
R$757,705 and an IRRE of33% for the scenario of
partial investment, and when full investment was
considered, economic NPV became R$ 412,706
and economic IRR 20%. This shows that the project
was efficient from an economic point of view and
that the financing provided by the investors had a
positive impact on the local economy. Calculations
show that the resources transferred to the local
economy 19 represent approximately 35% of the
total costs of the enterprise. This is evidence of the
initiative’s social nature.
Estimate of the regional economic activity
The launching of an enterprise like the Uakari
Floating Lodge generates economic activity that
goes beyond the borders of the region where the
enterprise is located. In addition to generating
revenue for the communities in the Mamirauá
Sector, the initiative stimulates the economies
of the municipalities surrounding the enterprise
and contributes to generating economic benefits
on a regional scale, especially for tourism
intermediaries (travel agencies and operators)
and airline companies. In order to estimate the
economic impact of the enterprise, estimates
were made regarding the benefits transferred
to the individual participants of the Mamirauá
ecotourism production chain.
Communities of the Mamirauá Reserve
The direct economic benefits of ecotourism
activities for the communities are generated
through services provided, sales of products and
the distribution of surpluses. However, in reality
the total is actually greater since certain things like
handmade crafts, tips for employees and laundry
expenses are not included on the books.
19 This is considered the Mamirauá Sector, Mamirauá Reserve. The
Mamirauá Reserve is politically divided into sectors.
UAKARI, v. 8, n. 2 , p. 95 - 114, 2012. Special Issue: Sustainable Tourism.
107
In an attempt to arrive at a figure for total direct
revenue generated in the Mamirauá Sector,
estimates were used for those items not on the
books. Regarding sales of handmade crafts in the
communities, the estimates were made with data
from 2002 to 2005 (VASCONCELOS, 2007).
In this period, it was found that each ecotourist
spent on average 15 Reais (R$ 15) on purchases
of handmade crafts. Therefore, it is estimated
that, during the period analyzed, the revenue
generated from handmade crafts in the Mamirauá
Sector was around R$ 80,000. Using data related
to tips and laundry over a period of one year,
values were projected for subsequent years. Thus,
it is estimated that the revenue coming from these
items would be approximately R$ 112,000.
Table 8 combines both the direct measurable
economic benefits and the estimate of those not
formally accounted for. It is worth noting the
significant increase in the number of families
benefiting over the years. In 2009, for example,
approximately 81 families benefited directly from
ecotourism activities. It is estimated that, by the
year 2010, the project had generated a total of R$
1,532,917 for the communities in the Mamirauá
Sector.
An important impact of the revenue generated
from ecotourism is related to family cash flow
throughout the year. The local communities inhabit
a floodplain area and depend on this environment
for fishing, family farming, hunting and wood
extraction. In the floodplain environment of the
Solimões region, there is a variation in the water
level that can be as much as 12 meters between the
seasons of flood and drought, creating fluctuations
in the monetary inflows that come from traditional
economic activities. Therefore, ecotourism helps
by providing these families with income when
their other activities are being affected by the
seasonal effect.
It is important to note that ecotourism was not
designed as a substitute for traditional activities
like fishing and agriculture, but as an extra source
of income (additional and alternative) for the local
population (PERALTA, 2002). In order to achieve
this while distributing the economic benefits
generated as widely as possible, the Uakari
Floating Lodge admits workers through a rotation
system 20. As such, the workers are organized into
an association, which serves as the legal entity
contracted by the enterprise (PERALTA, 2005).
According to PERALTA (2005), during the period
from 1998 to 2005, average family purchasing
power increased nearly 148% in one of the
sampled communities that is directly involved
in the CBT project. According to the researcher,
of the total household income generated in this
community in 2005, nearly 55% is related to
ecotourism, principally through services provided.
Table 7 compares average family income generated
by ecotourism activities with GDP per capita in
the closest city (Alvarães, AM). Considering that
income from ecotourism is partial, since the
workers are only involved about 10 days per
month, it can be concluded that the results are
satisfactory related to income generation.
Comparison of income 2008 2009 2010
Average family income (on the books)
resulting from ecotourism R$ 2,840 R$ 2,136 R$ 2,570
GDP per capita Alvarães R$ 3,697 R$ 3,944 ND
Table 7 - Comparison of income resulting from ecotourism with per
capita GDP in Alvarães. Source: MSDI and IBGE
20 working an average of 10 days per month
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
108
However, it is necessary to take care that these
communities do not become dependent on
the activity. In 2008, Peralta pointed out that,
although the activity had not been envisioned as a
substitute for other traditional economic activities,
with the increase in income generated through
ecotourism activities, the opportunity cost of
agricultural activities increased. As a result, there
was a decrease in the production of flour for family
consumption on the part of younger families.
year in the municipality of Alvarães 21, through
the purchase of fish, agricultural products and
rendering of services. At the same time, the
municipality of Uarini 22 received an average
annual amount of R$ 17,200 through the payment
of municipal service taxes (ISS).
Municipality of Tefé
Tefé is a key municipality for the region and
it is where part of the services and suppliers
used by the enterprise are concentrated. It has
been calculated that the Uakari Floating Lodge
generated for the city of Tefé approximately R$
2,560,000 between 2002 and 2010 through
the purchase of food products, maintenance
materials, fuel, salaries and other services.
However, the total amount is greater since some
visitors spend at least one night in the city of Tefé,
spending money on hotels and restaurants in the
municipality. If 10% of the visitors spent at least
one night in Tefé and spent on average R$ 150.00,
the enterprise’s estimated total annual economic
activity (average) in the municipality would be
approximately R$ 293,000.
It is important to note that most of the ecotourists
that visit the region come only to see the Mamirauá
Reserve, which is due to the lack of alternative
tourist activities in the municipality. As a result,
each visitor spends less time in the region, and
consequently, the average amount of money
spent in the city is less.
Year Economic
Benets Families
Average annual
income from
ecotourism per
family1
1998 R$ 1,672.61 17 R$ 98.39
1999 R$ 17,207.03 29 R$ 593.35
2000 R$ 20,936.95 33 R$ 634.45
2001 R$ 20,144.63 27 R$ 746.10
2002 R$ 68,868.00 25 R$ 2,754.72
2003 R$ 99,277.85 31 R$ 3,202.51
2004 R$ 184,479.59 34 R$ 5,425.87
2005 R$ 129,856.41 40 R$ 3,246.41
2006 R$ 104,241.66 42 R$ 2,481.94
2007 R$ 121,465..00 40 R$ 3,036.63
2008 R$ 204,455.55 72 R$ 2,839.66
2009 R$ 173,020.85 81 R$ 2,136.06
2010 R$ 195,290.48 76 R$ 2,569.61
Total direct benefits (on the books) R$ 1,340.916
Total direct benefits (not on the
books - estimate) R$ 192,000
Total R$ 1,532,917
1Does not represent total family income, but only income coming from ecotourism.
Table 8 - Estimate of income generated for communities through
services, sale of products (fish and fruit), surpluses, tips and laundry
services.
Municipalities of Alvarães and Uarini
During the period of 2002 to 2010, the Uakari
Floating Lodge’s activities generated average direct
economic activity of approximately R$ 33,000 per
21 The municipality of Alvarães is the closest to the enterprise
(approximately 30 minutes by motorboat).
22 The enterprise is registered in the municipality of Uarini, Amazonas.
UAKARI, v. 8, n. 2 , p. 95 - 114, 2012. Special Issue: Sustainable Tourism.
109
Mamirauá Institute Stores
Ecotourists that visit the Uakari Floating Lodge
purchase products in the shops of Mamirauá
Institute. It is estimated that each ecoturist spends
R$34.00 (based on information from 2011);
therefore, the income generated by the stores
through sales to ecotourists reached R$ 190,000
in the period of 2002 to 2010.
Airline companies and travel operators
Access to the Tefé region requires an aerial
connection from Manaus. Therefore, another sector
that benefits from the existence of the enterprise
is transportation. Considering that 90% of visitors
arrive in Tefé by plane, it can be estimated that
the average economic activity generated through
the sale of tickets for the Manaus-Tefé-Manaus
route is approximately R$ 265,000 per year 23. The
other 10% that arrive by boat spend on average
R$ 18,000 per year. It is important to note that
this additional trip (Manaus-Tefé-Manaus) results
in the majority of these visitors staying a night in
Manaus, and therefore, spending money on taxis,
hotels and food. However, these amounts will not
be estimated in this study.
Another sector that benefits from the Uakari Floating
Lodge is that of the tourism intermediaries (travel
agencies and operators). It has been calculated
that they receive an average of R$ 37,000 per
year through the payment of commissions. This
amount does not include an estimate of the
income generated by additional services that these
operators offer to visitors of the Uakari Floating
Lodge (flights, hotels, transfers, tours in Manaus,
etc.).
Considerations regarding economic impact
Based on this study, it is possible to measure the
economic impact that an initiative of this nature has
on the regional economy. The analysis conducted
indicates that for each R$1.00 invested in the
Uakari Floating Lodge, this ecotourism initiative
generates regional economic activity of at least R$
4.72 (see Table 9). These results demonstrate the
multiplier effect that an enterprise of this nature
has and how the benefits have regional reach.
23 A total of R$ 2,367,000 from 2002 through 2010
It is important to note that the external resources
invested in the startup of the initiative came from
international cooperation organizations and
from the Brazilian government itself. From the
beginning, it was understood that the objective
of this investment was to foment an economic
alternative. Thus, the analysis proves that, from
an economic point of view, the invested resources
obtained a significant return for the local society.
Furthermore, it should be noted that this analysis
only deals with quantifiable economic benefits.
There is also a series of other benefits that are
more complex to measure but that need to be
considered in projects with a socio-environmental
focus, since they too generate important intangible
benefits.
Table 9 - Relationship of investment to economic activity generated
until 2010.
Total of investments in
the Uakari Floating Lodge R$ 1.776.238,54 For each R$ 1.00 invested
the ecotourism generated…
Income generated in the
Reserve R$ 1.160.574 R$ 0,93
Income generated in the
MISD store R$ 190,000 R$ 0.11
Income generated in sur-
rounding municipalities R$ 3,347,951 R$ 1.88
Income generated by
airline companies and
agencies
R$ 2,690,647 R$ 1.51
Federal taxes, charges,
and bank fees R$ 474,542 R$ 0.27
Total economic activity
generated R$ 8,363,714 R$ 4.72
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
110
Intangible benets
Since it was established, the Uakari Floating Lodge
has positioned itself as a unique enterprise, where
traditional commercial logic carries lower weight
than its other objectives. Therefore, when an
evaluation of the results of a project of this nature
is carried out, it is fundamental to consider the
universe of benefits generated by the existence of
the undertaking. There are techniques available
that make it possible to assign an economic value
to the socio-environmental benefits generated
and thereby include them in the analysis of the
feasibility of the project. This study does not
quantify these externalities, but seeks to generate
reflection regarding the reach of the impacts of an
enterprise of this nature.
Ecotourism activities in Mamirauá are possible
because of the conserved natural resources in the
area, primarily the abundant fauna and the lush
landscapes of the floodplain. Over the 13 years
that ecotourism activities have existed in the
Mamirauá Sector, they have contributed to an
increase in the populations of key species in the
area (caimans, pirarucus, jaguars, monkeys, etc.);
to the reduction of invasions due to the increased
presence of surveillance in the region 24; and to the
creation of norms and mechanisms to stimulate
conservation of natural resources in the area.
There is evidence that ecotourism in Mamirauá
is contributing to the dissemination of a culture
of sustainability among visitors, the not-for-profit
sector and the media, as shown in the spontaneous
report by renowned environmental journalist,
Eliane Brum, published in the magazine Época 25.
The initiative played an important role in attracting
resources and as a showcase for the institution
(Mamirauá Civil Society and MISD) during the
implementation of the MSDR management plan
and the establishment of the institution (MISD).
For many years, the enterprise served as a kind of
demonstration project of the economic alternatives
implemented in the MSDR.
The positive results achieved by the Uakari Floating
Lodge resulted in two important international
awards. The first was granted by the renowned U.S.
Magazine Cond Nast Traveler, which considered
the Uakari Floating Lodge to be the best ecotourism
destination in the world in 2003. In the same year,
the Smithsonian, together with the United States
Tour Operators Association (USTOA) bestowed
an award for sustainable tourism on the initiative.
These two awards, in addition to other coverage
in the media, gave MISD and MSDR high national
and international visibility.
The activity is synergistic with research being
done in the area which, in addition to economic
benefits for the participating projects, generates
visibility for them (with the potential for raising
capital).
The ecotourism activities developed in Mamirauá
have a core concern for minimizing impacts on
the environment. To achieve this objective, the
enterprise has been developing methodologies for
monitoring and mitigating environmental impacts
that have the potential to be replicated in other
ecotourism initiatives.
Throughout its 13 years of operation, the initiative
has received more than 50 invitations to present
at symposiums, conferences, technical meetings,
and other national and international events (India,
Germany, Columbia, Peru, England, Chile).
24 The Uakari Floating Lodge provided financial support to the
environmental protection and surveillance system in and around the
ecotourism area in the Mamirauá SDR for approximately nine years.
25 (http://revistaepoca.globo.com/Revista/Epoca/0,,EMI238946-
15230,00-SE+A+AMAZONIA+E+NOSSA+POR+QUE+NAO+
CUIDAMOS+DELA.html)
UAKARI, v. 8, n. 2 , p. 95 - 114, 2012. Special Issue: Sustainable Tourism.
111
The Uakari Floating Lodge has held more than
80 professional development events (courses,
workshops, training seminars) with more than
1,000 participants throughout its 13 year history.
It has been estimated that the initiative has trained
a total of 150 to 200 people from the region
for some type of ecotourism work. Currently,
various trained members of the community have
multiplied the effect by training others who want
to work in this field.
Approximately 70 professionals of other initiatives
in the Brazilian Amazon have received some
type of training or have participated in exchange
programs with the team at the initiative. Since 2010,
the initiative’s calendar of events has included a
training course for multipliers of Community-based
Tourism, with the aim of communicating lessons
learned in the most targeted fashion, thereby
contributing to the development of initiatives in
other regions in the Amazon.
The Uakari Floating Lodge functions as a
laboratory for research in ecotourism and
conservation, contributing to the production of
technical-scientific information. Throughout its
14-year history, the initiative has participated in
the publication of 13 scientific works, in addition
to having completed more than 30 project
submissions to scientific events. In addition, the
enterprise has contributed to the development
of post-graduate and specialization theses,
undergraduate scientific research projects (PIBIC),
as well as one Masters dissertation. Between
articles in national and international journals,
chapters in books, and books the initiative has
already published in collaboration with other
organizations, 13 scientific works have been
produced, in addition to 30 project submissions
to scientific events. Moreover, the initiative
has assisted in the development of theses for
undergraduate and graduate degrees, scientific
research projects (PIBIC), as well as dissertations
for Masters degrees.
Due to the fact that CBT is relatively new in
the country – and Mamirauá is among the
pioneering initiatives – the generation of this
kind of information is of great value to support
interventions in other localities.
Another factor that demonstrates the relevance
of the CBT in Mamirauá is the reference to the
initiative in innumerous studies undertaken by
undergraduate and graduate students, both within
and outside of the country. Currently, community-
based ecotourism in the Mamirauá SDR is
disseminated and studied in various universities in
Brazil, especially in courses related to the theme
of tourism in natural environments and the public
use of Conservation Units.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Many CBT initiatives are conceptualized as projects
but fail for not having been considered (sufficiently)
as products. The Uakari Floating Lodge is a project
that was planned as a product, which followed
important steps in its implementation (business
plan, commercialization strategy, monitoring
system). The results revealed in this study indicate
that the Uakari Floating Lodge product has quality,
since it has succeeded in meeting the expectations
of demand. However, businesses in the area of
ecotourism are not immune to factors that are
beyond the control of their managers. In the case
of Uakari Floating Lodge, the “dual blow” (airport
closure followed by strong valuation of the Real)
had a serious impact on financial performance,
which after a promising start, ended up being
unsatisfactory in the period analyzed – even
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
112
though the direct and indirect economic benefits
have not been overshadowed.
The impact that these risk factors can create for
initiatives with characteristics like the Uakari
Floating Lodge (remotely located and with a
differentiated management model) emphasize the
need for better preparation for dealing with times
of crisis.
In this phase of difficulties, the socio-environmental
nature of the enterprise and the configuration of its
management model – that assume a linkage to a
not-for-profit organization – was important for the
continuation of the activity. It should be confirmed
that, if the enterprise were strictly a traditional
business or had an integrated community
management structure, it would have been more
difficult to maintain its operation during the crisis,
either due to the opportunity cost (traditional
business) or the financial difficulties (community
management).
However, the episodes of rate adjustment reveal
the necessity for a broader business vision in
decision making, in order to make processes more
agile and efficient. Although the financial results
were not satisfactory for the nine years analyzed,
the study revealed the existence of other positive
and important results, among them: the economic
multiplier effect in the region, the benefits to
conservation in the area, the benefits to the image
of MSDR and MISD, the professional qualification
of a great number of people, as well as the diffusion
of knowledge to other initiatives in the Amazon.
Moreover, due to the fact that the initiative has
good historical data, it is possible to monitor its
performance (environmental, socio-economic,
financial and operational), and collaborate to
share the lessons learned with academia, the not-
for-profit sector, the business community and
government.
The future presents a big challenge to the
initiative, that is, to move forward with transferring
management to local communities. With the
results revealed in this and other studies, it
has been possible to identify and measure
important bottlenecks and challenges for the
enterprise, and information such as this will
contribute to the planning to reach the goal
of transferring management. These challenges
include: strengthening associations, refinement
of the spaces for decision making, improvement
of employee managerial skills, development of
English skills for local workers and involving
them in the commercialization of the initiative.
To achieve all of this, a transfer plan will be
developed and implemented, with the objective
of proceeding in the most efficient way.
LITERATURE CITED
BORDEAUX-RÊGO, R. et al. Viabilidade
econômica-nanceira de projetos. Editora FGV,
Rio de Janeiro, 2008.
CBI. Long haul tourism: The EU market
for community-based tourism. CBI Market
Information Database. 2009.
COELHO, E. A.; OZORIO, R.Z. Travel Agencies
and Tour Operators that Market Pan-amazon
Ecotourism Destinations: positioning Mamirauá
and gathering information for Amanã. Uakari,
v. 6, n. 2, 2010. (www.uakari.org.br/index.php/
UAKARI/issue/view/10)
COMISIÓN EUROPEA. Guía análisis costes-
benecios de proyectos de inversión. Unidad
responsable de la evaluación DG Política Regional,
Comisión Europea, 2003.
UAKARI, v. 8, n. 2 , p. 95 - 114, 2012. Special Issue: Sustainable Tourism.
113
Denman, R. Guidelines for Community-based
Ecotourism Development. Gland, Switzerland:
World Wide Fund for Nature, 2001.
DIAS, C. et. al. El desao de Mapajo: análisis costo
benecio de la empresa comunitaria Mapajo
Ecoturismo Indígena. 2008. (Conservación
Estratégica, Serie Técnica, n. 15)
GOODWIN, H.; SANTILLI, R. Community-Based
Tourism: a success? ICRT Occasional Paper, n.
11, GTZ, 2009.
HARB, A. M. et. al. El efecto Chalalán. Un ejercicio
de valoración económica para una empresa
comunitaria. 2007.Conservación Estratégica,
Serie Técnica, n. 13.
JANÉR, A., PERALTA, N. B., OZORIO, R. Z.
Mamirauá: Community Based Ecotourism in a
Sustainable Development Reserve in the Amazon
Basin. In: LEGRAND, W.; SIMONS-KAUFMAN,
C., SLOAN, P. (Org.). Sustainable hospitality as
a driver for equitable development: Case Studies
from Developing Regions of the world. Routledge,
Agosto de 2011. 450 p.
JANÉR, A. Plano de marketing. Destino referência
em ecoturismo. Santarém, PA. Santarém: ABETA;
MTUR. 2011.
JONES, H. M. Community-based tourism
enterprise in Latin America. Triple bottom
line outcomes of 27 projects. Epler Wood
International. 2008.
MIELKE, E. Monitoramento dos Projetos de
Turismo Base Comunitária. Relatório final. UERJ,
2011.
MITCHELL, J.; MUCKOSY, P. A misguided quest:
Community-based tourism in Latin America. ODI
Opinion, 102. 2008
OZORIO, R.Z.; JANÉR, A. Plano de negócios
da Pousada Flutuante Uacari, Reserva de
Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá.
Análises sobre o passado e reexões para o
futuro. Relatório técnico. IDSM, 2012.
OZORIO, R. Z., VALSECCHI, J. A., PAIM, F. P.
Repercussões da seca extrema de 2010 no manejo
da atividade de ecoturismo da RDS Mamirauá.
Uakari, v. 8, n. 2, 2012. Edição Especial de
Turismo Sustentável.
PERALTA, N. B., OZORIO, R. Z., MARTINS, E.
Ecoturismo de base comunitária na Reserva de
Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, estado
do Amazonas. Série Turisol de Metodologias no
Turismo Comunitário. Rede Turisol. 2010. 46 p.
(www.mamiraua.org.br/publicacoes/tecnicas/
turismo-comunitario).
PERALTA, N. Impactos do ecoturismo sobre a
agricultura familiar na Reserva de Desenvolvimento
Sustentável Mamirauá, AM. UAKARI, v. 4, n. 1, p.
29-40, 2008.
PERALTA, N. Implantação do Programa de
Ecoturismo na Reserva de Desenvolvimento
Sustentável Mamirauá, Amazonas, Brasil. OLAM
– Ciência e Tecnologia, v. 2, n. 2, p. 169 - 193.
Rio Claro: ALEPH, 2002.
PERALTA, N. Os ecoturistas estão chegando.
Aspectos da Mudança Social na Reserva de
Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá,
Amazonas. Dissertação (Mestrado) - NAEA, UFPA,
2005.
PERALTA, N. et al. Renda doméstica e sazonalidade
em comunidades da RDS Mamirauá, 1995-2005.
UAKARI, v. 5, n. 1, 2008.
OZORIO, R. Z.; JANÉR, A. Community-Based Ecotourism in the Mamirauá Reserve.
114
VASCONCELOS, P. N. M. Pesquisa de mercado:
uma análise do grau de satisfação dos ecoturistas
em relação à compra dos produtos artesanais das
RDS Mamirauá e Amanã. Caderno Virtual de
Turismo, v. 7, n. 1, 2007.
Received: Nov. / 2012
Accepted: Dec. / 2012
