: : NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Tourism is an activity that also generates also impacts, environmental, social or cultural. To reduce these negative impacts is a guarantee to the supported development of tourism while conserving the cultural and natural patrimony of the region.

Envisioning the protection of the landscapes and the scenic beauty in the coastal line of the region of Itacaré and to facilitate the development of regional tourism, the government of state of Bahia created in the 1993 the "Itacaré/Serra Grande Area of environmental protection" (APA). The APA possesses a rich natural patrimony formed by exuberating florestal areas, mangroves, cascades and waterfalls of crystalline waters, rivers, streams, oceans, corals and beautiful beaches with breathtaking scenarios. The region of the APA covered by the Atlantic rainforest contains one of the biggest biodiversities of Brazil and the world. The APA occupies a coastal line of 6 Km's in length, and a total area of approximated 16.800 hectares. The following are recommendations for environmental protection:

• Keep the APA clean, throw away trash in the trash
• Respect the ocean bordering zones, avoiding traffic of cars on the beaches.
• Alert authorities of predatory fishing
• Never eat meat from wild animals
• Respect the local culture and contribute for a society of individuals who are aware of the importance of conserving this cultural patrimony.
• Avoids loud noises after nightfall
• Be aware of transit norms. Walk more often than ride.
  

: : ENVIRONMENT IMPACT AT THE SURF SPOTS

The environmental aggressions on the coastal regions modify the outline of waves, changes in the characteristics of the ocean floor, currents, microclimate and quality of water. All this can transform perfect waves into non attractive waves to surfers. The environmental impacts that directly influence the attractiveness of the spots in the region are: Alterations of ocean floors due to changes at sandbars and destruction of coral reefs. Deforestation: Causing the silting of rivers and changes in the wind system. Marine Pollution: With the outflow of sewers, garbage thrown on the beaches and the trash that comes from the ocean.

: : HOW TO PRESERVE THE SURF SPOTS

Fighting to dimish these impacts is a job for everybody, especially surfers. For the region's natural beauty to be preserved, we must:

• Clean trails and beaches, bringing along garbage bags to pick up trash left by others.
• Inform tourists and residents about the practices of preserving the environment.
• Restrain from using motorized vehicles on the beaches.
• Denounce deforestation and irregular constructions in the coastal areas.
• Denounce the outflow of sewage into the beaches.