Socio-spatial Reconfigurations in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: Conflicts and Dilemmas Related to Traditional Communities

Thays Regina Rodrigues Pinho

Department of Tourism and Hospitality, Federal University of Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract: This study aims to present the conflicts and socio-environmental dilemmas associated with socio-spatial reconfigurations related to land issues and tourist use in areas of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP) and its surroundings. This is a descriptive-analytical and categorial study, based on the qualitative approach, with production of primary data and systematic observations in loco, carried outs between Sep./2018 to May/2019, with categories of observation established a priori and a posteriori, and conducting semi-structured interviews with open questions applied to the National Park manager at the time. Data analysis was based on content analysis. The main results point to conflicts and dilemmas related to the transformations promoted by tourism, such as the turisification of spaces and evidence of massification; the low effectiveness of the Route of Emotions as a product that promotes socioeconomic improvements; and disputes regarding the land issue, concessions for the use of the park for private initiative and new delimitations suggested to the LMNP.

Key words: tourism, traditional communities, protected areas, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP)