A Tourist Complex is defined to accommodate activities related to recreation, interpretation, education, contemplation, and refuge in the intensive use areas of the PEI. The implementation of the complex addresses the development of sustainable tourism, offering new opportunities for leisure, environmental education, and understanding of the environment in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Furthermore, the project aims to enhance regional economic development by promoting the park as a significant destination for the local community and visitors, while ensuring the preservation of the fauna and flora. The central challenge of the project lies in harmoniously integrating human activities with the environment, celebrating the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Itapuã. The lack of adequate infrastructure and the buildings planned in the current management plan have distanced the public, weakening the sense of belonging and ownership of the park by the local community. This project aims to reverse this trend by expanding access to environmental education, science, sustainable tourism, and contemplation, thereby attracting new audiences and consolidating the PEI as a reference space for preservation and socio-environmental development. The discussion about the preservation and promotion of conservation units is fundamental for the survival of these ecosystems and also broadens the debates on political issues, regulation of indigenous territories, and the consequences of climate change.
The project is defined at two levels of development: the macro scale, with preliminary guidelines for the occupation of public-use activities, definition of sectors and phasing, and the indication of mobility and access programs; and the micro scale, with the definition of a sector for architectural intervention. Praia da Pedreira, the area focused on detailing the buildings, accommodates a restaurant, café, viewpoint, and outdoor seating areas for leisure and visitors’ stay throughout the day. In addition, the proposal includes the construction of spaces dedicated to environmental education, such as an auditorium, multipurpose classrooms, and a library with a scientific collection about the park, as well as an exhibition hall that will highlight the importance of the conservation unit. These spaces will allow for events and presentations, reinforcing the integration between the community and the park.
The guidelines of the PEI management plan will be respected and expanded, maintaining the current zoning while utilizing the intensive use areas for the development of the tourist complex. The maximum visitor capacity per area is rigorously observed, ensuring the park’s sustainability. The proposal also includes improvements in accessibility and mobility within the PEI, allowing a broader audience to enjoy the offered activities and strengthen their connection with the environment.
