Tataquara Lodge

Tataquara lodge is an island on the Xingu River in the Brazilian state of

Para. Para is located in Northern Brazil. Owned and operated by a
cooperative of six local tribes, the lodge has fifteen rooms that are open to
tourists. The activities offered include canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing
and forest walks, guided by local people. The surrounding rainforest has a
variety of wildlife, including some endangered species such as the Harpy
Eagle and Giant River Otter.

The Advantages of Ecotourism:

Environmental benefits:

The lodge was built from local materials found on the ground (such
as wood and straw). This means that the rainforest wasnt damaged
by the lodge being built, because no trees were cut down. The
materials used to build the lodge make it blend in with the natural
environment, so it doesnt harm the scenery and make the area less
attractive to tourists.
The lodge uses solar power to run, rather than burning fossil fuels
which cause pollution.
The food served in the lodge is locally produced. This means less
fossil fuels are burnt because the food doesnt have to be
transported across the country.

Economic benefits:

Any income generated goes straight back into the local economy.
As the lodge uses food that is locally produced, local people get a
fair wage and money goes back into the economy.

Benefits for local people:

The lodge creates jobs, and therefore a source of income, for local
people.
People in local villages are encouraged to visit Tataquara Lodge to
sell crafts and perform traditional songs and dances. This provides
them with a source of income and preserves culture for future
generations.
The profits earned from the lodge are used to develop services and
provide healthcare and education for local people.

Sustainable Development of the Area:

Profits from the lodge are used to improve healthcare and education
in the area. This helps the area to develop by increasing the quality
of life of local people.
Money is generated without harming the environment. Local people
dont have to find other employment that could damage the
environment, such as logging, and resources arent used up because
solar power is used to power the lodge, instead of fossil fuels. This
means the resources are available for future generations.