Brazil is increasingly using long-distance hiking trails as an innovative strategy to promote environmental conservation, strengthen rural economies and reconnect people with nature. The initiative is part of a broader effort to protect ecosystems while encouraging sustainable tourism and community participation in conservation.
A prominent example of this approach is the newly created Caminhos da Ibiapaba, a 186-km trail in Brazil’s north-east that links Ubajara National Park in Ceará with Sete Cidades National Park in the neighbouring state of Piauí. The route winds through varied landscapes, including dense Atlantic Forest, the dry Caatinga region and the biodiverse Cerrado savannah. Many stretches of the path follow historic routes once used by merchants during the 19th century.
Unlike countries in Europe and North America that have long-established hiking networks, Brazil has only recently begun developing a national system of officially marked trails. These paths use a standard symbol—black footprints on a yellow background—to guide hikers while creating a unified national trail network. The policy to develop such long-distance trails was introduced in 2018 with the goal of improving public access to protected areas and encouraging conservation awareness among citizens.
Government officials believe that allowing people to explore natural landscapes is key to building a culture of environmental protection. According to policymakers involved in the programme, the concept is simple: people are more likely to protect nature when they experience it directly. Hiking trails make national parks and conservation zones more accessible, enabling visitors to develop a deeper understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Beyond encouraging environmental awareness, the trails are also designed to support conservation efforts in practical ways. They can help connect protected areas, forming ecological corridors that allow wildlife to move between habitats. The presence of hikers and local guides can also discourage illegal activities such as poaching and uncontrolled land use. In addition, the trails may help reduce wildfire risks by improving monitoring and access to remote forest regions.
Local communities are playing a central role in the development of the trail network. Many of the routes are being created through grassroots initiatives involving residents, hikers and cycling groups. In some towns along the Caminhos da Ibiapaba, community members have developed secondary trails to showcase archaeological sites, landscapes and cultural heritage, including ancient rock engravings. Such initiatives not only highlight local history but also attract visitors to remote regions that previously saw little tourism.
The growing network of trails is also opening new economic opportunities for rural populations. Small businesses such as guesthouses, restaurants and guiding services are emerging along the routes, providing additional income sources for residents. For many farmers, ecotourism linked to hiking trails offers an alternative to activities like clearing forest land for agriculture, which can damage ecosystems.
Brazil currently has 22 officially recognised long-distance trails covering around 7,000 kilometres, with thousands of additional kilometres under development. The government hopes the expanding network will eventually connect conservation areas across the country through vegetation corridors that support biodiversity and reduce the risk of species extinction.
Although supporters see the trail system as a promising conservation tool, experts acknowledge that proper management will be essential to avoid potential problems such as environmental damage or unregulated tourism. Nevertheless, proponents believe that building a culture of outdoor exploration could play a key role in protecting Brazil’s diverse landscapes while fostering a sense of stewardship among communities and visitors alike.
