Use of Socioenvironmental Criteria to Assess the Certification Potential of a Surfing Reserve in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Surfing Reserves are protected areas to protect recognized surf breaks, as well as the natural and cultural heritage associated with these areas. These areas have been created either by the countries’ own legislation or by non-governmental initiatives, such as the World Surfing Reserves – WSR promoted by the international organization Save the Waves Coaliton. In Brazil, surfing reserves do not have a legal support, but are foreseen in the Bill 6,969/2013 (known as “Law of the Sea”). In addition, the Brazilian Surf Reserves Program – PBRS (in Portuguese) has been structured to foster the consolidation of these protected areas, as well as to support the creation of new WSR. Surfing reserves, together with other protected areas, can strengthen the integrated management of marine and coastal areas, in particular through the implementation of Marine Space Planning – MSP, in the form of networks of protected areas, as has been carried out in the world. In this research, the certification potential of Ilha do Mel (coast of Paraná) in southern Brazil was evaluated for the creation of an WSR, based on the criteria of Save the Waves Co. Using the four criteria for creating an WSR, 25 parameters were evaluated and quantified through literature review, field observations and interviews with key informants. Ilha do Mel presented a “very high” potential for the creation of a WSR, with multiple surf breaks, in addition to a well-preserved natural heritage, partly due to certain restrictions on use and access to the island’s resources, including protected areas already implemented in its territory, local environmental control policies and limit on public visitation. Native communities with traditional uses of the territory are present in this location, in addition to a consolidated tourist activity, and surfing has a relevant role. It is concluded that Ilha do Mel has the appropriate characteristics for the creation of a WSR, which could reinforce the island’s socio-environmental protection and deal with potential threats, such as those related to the port and industrial activities of its surroundings. However, it is necessary to better understand the perception of local communities regarding an eventual WSR on the island, reinforcing community engagement in this process, in a context of apparent fragility of local environmental governance.