Neotropical dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) as key organisms for promoting community-based ecotourism in a Brazilian Amazon conservation area
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Incorporating insects into ecotourism activities increases awareness of their importance in ecosystems. However, the inclusion of this group in ecotourism activities is still rare. In this context, we identified the perception of indigenous and non-indigenous leaders and residents about the potential of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) as key organisms for promoting community-based ecotourism (CBET) in the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve, Brazilian Amazon. We designed a semi-structured questionnaire and conducted interviews with 415 indigenous and non-indigenous residents (222 women and 193 men) from 73 communities and villages. When shown images of dragonflies (Anisoptera and Zygoptera), 98.55 % of respondents recognized them, predominantly identifying them as “jacinas” (55.11 %). Respondents noted differences between Anisoptera and Zygoptera based on body color and size, identified them as part of the insect group (45.78 %), and associated their habitat with forests and jungles (57.34 %). Most participants (96.38 %) indicated that current ecotourism activities do not include information about invertebrates, emphasizing the need for greater understanding of their biology and ecological significance (44.64 %), and management (29.16 %). They stated that seeing (99.52 %) and observing (99.04 %) dragonflies could attract tourists due to their striking appearance (57.10 %) and beautiful (39.03 %). Most respondents recognized the importance of dragonflies for the environment (99.52 %), culture (63.13 %), and economy (55.66 %), acknowledging their potential to generate income through tourism. Additionally, 89.88 % expressed a desire to participate in the development of ecotourism activities involving Odonata. The results reflect the enormous potential of dragonflies to be included as key organisms in the development of CBET, allowing for environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, cultural appreciation, and income generation for local communities. Furthermore, the study highlights the need to implement educational and training programs on Odonata, along with the development and funding of public policies to ensure the success and sustainability of such initiatives. • Ecotourism in a Brazilian Amazon protected area lacks info on invertebrates. • Residents of an extractive reserve in the Amazon say the striking appearance of dragonflies could attract tourists. • The inhabitants of a protected area in the Amazon assert that dragonflies are vital to the environment, culture, and economy. • Indigenous and non-indigenous people want to develop dragonfly ecotourism activities. • The traditional ecological knowledge is fundamental to the development of ecotourism.
Source: Global Ecology and Conservation
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,230
Funders: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia para Excitotoxicidade e Neuroproteção, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações e Comunicações, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
OpenAlex ID: W4402905451