Teaching Note - Tourism Case

Small Destinations, Big Problems: a visit to Socio-Environmental Conflicts in Tourism

Indicative Summary

This case brings the story of Pedro and his hometown, Celestina. The small municipality in the interior of the Brazilian cerrado faces serious social problems, where the growth of Tourism has been noticed, due to the discovery of a remarkable natural heritage: the cave of Buraco do Buriti. However, the development of this activity is followed by several other economic interests, leading to a true socio-environmental conflict. In this scenario, readers are challenged to explore the complex ethical and sustainability dilemmas that arise when economic, environmental, and social interests collide, and to consider the best practices for making responsible decisions in such situations from the fictional context of the city of Celestina, but which represents the reality of so many other Brazilian cities.

Data Source

The data are derived from the fictional situation of Celestina, presenting a city in the interior of the Brazilian cerrado and its complexities. The main source is the case built for classroom analysis, providing a realistic context for discussions on tourism, economic development, environmental preservation, and conflicts of interest.

Educational Objectives

Understand and exercise methods of mediation of socio-environmental conflicts, recognizing challenges, narratives, motivations, interests, needs, resources and alliances of the groups of actors involved, developing in the readers: (i) the understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the development of tourism in local communities; (ii) the study and critique of the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of tourism and mining activity; (iii) recognition of the ethical and sustainability complexities involved in decisions that affect the balance between economic growth and environmental conservation.

Alternatives to Case Analysis:

Individual analysis prior to class.
Small group discussion to examine different perspectives.
Debate in plenary session to exchange ideas and conclusions.
Division of students into groups representing different stakeholders (residents, local entrepreneurs, municipal authorities, etc.) to dramatize the assembly, discussing the benefits and challenges of tourism, mining and environmental conservation.

Instructions for Role Playing

Introduction/Background

Presentation of the Intrinsic Characteristics of the City: Highlight positive and negative aspects that define the city's identity; Analyze the current socioeconomic and tourist situation.
Legislation Related to the Use of Natural Underground Cavities: Explore existing legislation related to the topic; Identify the challenges and opportunities arising from the laws.

Characters (Local Actors):

Map the different groups of actors involved in urban management: Local Community; Mining Entrepreneurs; Tourism Entrepreneurs; Third Sector (NGOs and OSCIPs); Academy; Public Power; Environmentalists.
Understand your motivations, interests, and perspectives

Division of Duties:

Separate the Participants of the Dynamics between Groups of Actors: Distribute students into groups representing different actors in the community; Define the responsibilities and points of view of each group.

Moment of Elaboration of Narratives and Arguments:

Features Available by Each Actor Group: Identify the resources available to each group; Develop narratives and argumentation strategies based on these resources.
Argumentation Strategies: Guide students in formulating convincing arguments; Stimulate creativity in the construction of narratives.

Observation: Troglobium is a term used to characterize species of animals that are endemic, adapted specifically to caves, and are extremely sensitive to variations in their environment. Thus, it is believed that any form of human activity in the ecosystem in which troglobies are present has great potential to endanger their habitat and survival as a whole - and may therefore lead to their extinction. Thus, according to Decree No. 6,640/2008, which provides for the protection of natural underground cavities existing in the national territory, the presence of these animals now classifies the space with the highest degree of relevance, in which: "Art. 3 The natural underground cavity with the maximum degree of relevance and its area of influence cannot be the object of irreversible negative impacts, and its use should be made only under conditions that ensure its physical integrity and the maintenance of its ecological balance."

Preparation of the Groups of Actors by the Teacher:

Offer Tips and New Looks: Provide insights to enrich the perspectives of the groups; Stimulate research and critical reflection.

Organization of the Debate Space (Arena of Conflict):

Preparation of the Room and Support Material: Ensure the availability of necessary technological resources; Set up the environment to promote open dialogue.
Distribution of Chairs in Circle Shape: Facilitate interaction between participants; Create an atmosphere of equality and collaboration.

Presentation of the Mediation Team:

Initial Clarifications: Explain the dynamics, stages and rules of the debate; Define the responsibilities and expectations of the participants.

Presentation of Participants (Actors):

Opening Lines: Allow each group of actors to present themselves and expose their interests; Highlight goals, dissatisfactions, and demands.

Climax:

Opening of the Debate: Conduct rounds of targeted questions, rebuttal and rejoinder; Present the narratives and strategies of each group.

Conclusion:

Invitation for Suggestions and Initiatives: Encourage students to propose solutions to mitigate conflict; Promote discussions on potential alliances and future meetings for debates.

Organization of Questions:

Questions can be used to guide the debate or provoke the students' reasoning. The questions should be organized according to the educational objectives and topics represented in the case. Some suggestions:

Analyze the economic benefits of tourism in Celestina and identify the associated challenges.
Assess how cave exploration may affect the region's biodiversity.
Explore ways to reconcile the mining company's economic interests with the protection of the environment.
Analyze the role of local government and regulatory agencies in the sustainable economic development of the region through the exploration of the cave.
Seek a balance between the economic development of tourism and environmental preservation, considering its impacts on the city.
Explore the ethical implications of choosing between economic development and environmental preservation.
Identify legal challenges in the Buriti Hole decision and discuss how to reconcile environmental legislation with sustainable economic growth.
Propose improvements to the administrative process to involve the community in cave decisions, considering a variety of perspectives.
Discuss how the mining company Nava can ensure social and environmental responsibility in its activities in Celestina, avoiding negative impacts.
Plan the organization of tourism to benefit the economy and quality of life in Celestina, considering local training, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.
Propose measures to mitigate the conflict around the Buriti Hole, reconciling interests and promoting sustainable development in the short, medium and long term.