Arraial Ecoturismo
Last August (2024), while I was still living in Brazil, I had the opportunity to participate in a special workshop organized by photographer Gustavo Pedro and Arraial Ecoturismo, aimed at photographing humpback whales off the coast of Arraial do Cabo during their migration along Brazil’s shores.
I was truly moved by the way Arraial Ecoturismo has seamlessly integrated sustainable tourism with environmental education. Their efforts not only allow people to experience the wonder of humpback whales, but also highlight the crucial importance of preserving these majestic creatures and their natural habitats:
Sustainable tourism helps minimize the negative impacts on the environment.
Environmental education raises awareness and fosters respect for nature.
Whale conservation efforts ensure the survival of these majestic creatures.
Preserving natural habitats supports biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Promoting responsible wildlife tourism encourages a balance between tourism and conservation.
In collaboration with Projeto Baleia Jubarte, Arraial Ecoturismo ensures that all tourism activities are guided by strict ethical standards, which are in place to protect the whales. These guidelines — enforced rigorously across participating agencies in Brazil — are designed to guarantee that encounters with the whales are safe, respectful, and non-invasive, preventing any stress or disruption to their natural behaviors. It’s truly inspiring to see how education and conservation go hand in hand in these exceptional programs.
Humpback whales were heavily hunted during the whaling era, which spanned from the early 17th century through much of the 20th century. By the time the whaling ban was instituted around 1960–1980, it is estimated that humpback whale populations’ numbers were reduced by up to 90% in some regions.
Brazil officially banned commercial whaling in 1986. Projeto Baleias Jubarte is a Brazilian research initiative launched in 1987 aimed at studying and conserving humpback whales and has played a significant role in the recovery of the whale population in the South Atlantic over time.
The population of humpback whales in Brazil has grown from a low of a few hundred individuals in the 1980s to over 20,000 today, making the South Atlantic humpback population one of the most successful conservation stories of a marine mammal.
Despite the significant recovery of their populations, they still face threats from ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, climate change, pollution, noise disturbance and irresponsible tourism.
Despite these ongoing challenges, there is hope for humpback whales. Conservation efforts, such as improved fishing practices, speed restrictions in shipping lanes, marine protected areas, and public awareness campaigns, have already made a positive impact. Communities worldwide are coming together to safeguard these majestic creatures, ensuring their songs continue to echo through the oceans for generations to come.
I encourage anyone looking to embark on adventures to consider eco-tourism by booking with agencies that prioritize sustainability and minimize environmental impact. It’s a simple way to travel responsibly while supporting the well-being of local communities.
