The project, which operates in the largest and best-preserved stretch of Atlantic Forest in the country, aims to expand the sustainable tourism business chain in the surrounding areas and within protected areas of high value for biodiversity conservation within the Atlantic Forest Grand Reserve.

It operates in three municipalities along the coast of Paraná, covering an area of approximately 3,500 km², and also coordinates with key sites of the Atlantic Forest Great Reserve in São Paulo and Santa Catarina. The landscape encompasses terrestrial environments, bays, and estuaries, including Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs).

Its strategy combines nature conservation, income generation, and institutional strengthening, transforming natural heritage into opportunities for local communities and entrepreneurs.

Main areas of focus:
• Strengthening sustainable businesses related to nature-based tourism, with support for entrepreneurs and the private sector.
• Empowering local communities through training and vocational courses aimed at residents, youth, and women.
• Enhancing the value of natural assets, including the development of trails and public access to protected areas.
• Conservation of endangered wildlife, in partnership with local organizations.
• Financial sustainability of conservation in the region (ecotourism, wildlife management, agroforestry systems, and strengthening the Ecological ICMS tax).

Women’s participation is one of the pillars of the project. The goal is for at least 50% of the governance committee to be composed of women, and the project’s design includes gender indicators and cross-cutting actions to include youth and women at all stages of training.

The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the GEF FUNBIO Agency, and executed by SPVS—Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education. Classified as a medium-scale project (MSP) in the GEF-8 cycle, it focuses on biodiversity and operates in Brazil, on the coast of Paraná.