MIRINGUAVA RIVER BASIN: TOURISM AS A POTENTIAL ACTIVITY FOR IMPROVING THE SOCIOECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF SÃO JOSÉ DOS PINHAIS

Abstract

The Miringuava River basin is located in São José dos Pinhais and is the main source of water for the local population, integrating the basin system that also supplies the capital Curitiba and other cities in the metropolitan region. The Miringuava River dam and reservoir are part of the Curitiba Metropolitan Region Water and Sewage Master Plan, and the demand for restoration of the affected areas will lead to the emergence of new businesses, generating income diversification for local communities, as well as involving actors inside and outside the basin. The objective of this research is to diagnose tourism as a potential activity for improving the socioeconomic and environmental conditions of São José dos Pinhais. The socioeconomic and environmental challenges related to the use of water resources, as well as the economic dependence on agricultural production, are highlighted. Among the possible strategies, sustainable tourism stands out as a potential activity consistent with the socioeconomic development of the region, since it is committed to the conservation of natural resources, the appreciation of regional culture, and the pursuit of improving the living conditions of local residents. It was concluded that tourism is a potential activity for the development of the municipality, with its main attractions being the appeal of water security, its natural beauty, and the local community through historical and cultural preservation.