The Praia do Sono (Paraty, Brazil) as a Gateway Community to Achieve the Universalization of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Water Sanitation) in Tourist Areas

Abstract

As 4.5 billion of the world's population do not have safe sanitation, access to water and sanitation is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6) in the 2030 Agenda. This research aims to investigate the relationship between sanitary conditions and tourism, based on ecological sanitation action research developed with the local community of Praia do Sono (Paraty, Brazil), a community gateway that integrates two protected areas: the State Ecological Reserve of Juatinga and Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area. Using a qualitative approach, specifically participant observation, during one ecological sanitation project, and semi-structured interviews with nine stakeholders, the results revealed that territorial conflicts, protected area (PA) preservationist policies and the consolidation of mass tourism has limited cultural subsistence practices and the sense of collective in the community. The water sanitation project has produced more belonging and identity in the community through the recognition of the health benefits and improved quality of life for residents.