Guidelines Boost Cave Guide Training

ICMBio and IABS release technical guidelines for speleotourism guides, advancing sustainable cave tourism across Brazil.

Cave tourism surges in Brazil. Last year, over 25 million visitors explored protected areas, per the Ministry of Tourism. Spots like Furna Feia National Park and the CaveRNas Route in Rio Grande do Norte draw crowds seeking nature’s wonders.

Focus on professional training

The National Center for Cave Research and Conservation (ICMBio/Cecav), partnering with the Brazilian Institute for Development and Sustainability (IABS), unveiled Guidelines for Training Activities. These cover technical, pedagogical, and operational advice for speleotourism guides.

Built from a free course that certified over 60 professionals, it drew on field training at Ubajara (CE), Furna Feia (RN), Peruaçu Caves (MG) National Parks, and PETAR State Park (SP). The effort ties into the National Action Plan for Brazilian Speleological Heritage Conservation (PAN Cavernas do Brasil) and the National Speleological Heritage Conservation Program (PNCPE).

We hope this material strengthens guides’ roles, ensuring responsible, inclusive practices aligned with national conservation policies.

Said Jocy Cruz, ICMBio/Cecav coordinator. The guidelines target public bodies, NGOs, and firms training workers in karst regions.

Sustainable tourism hinges on knowledge

Speleotourism creates jobs and income in underserved areas. It also delivers recreation and learning. The mandatory Speleological Management Plan safeguards cave biodiversity from harm.

Guides and tourists must grasp subterranean fragility. This approach preserves heritage through safe, enriching visits.

Photo: Daniel Menin