São Paulo – The Brazilian Ministry of Environment is expected to publish this Thursday (15) a government request for proposals from private sector players interested in managing the national parks of Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral, along the Rio Grande do Sul-Santa Catarina state border. The two conservation units span 30,400 hectares between them, including a canyons complex that is a major tourist spot.
The Ministry said Brazilian and non-Brazilian companies and entities will be allowed to bid, alone or in consortia, to become the concessionaire authorized to explore tourist services within the environmental conservation units. The winning bidder will enter into a 30-year concession contract, during which time it will be required to “revitalize and modernize the parks’ facilities as well as manage and enhance conservation,” in compliance with environmental regulations in effect.
While visiting the area, Environment minister Ricardo Salles commented on the RFP: “This is the first park concession process under the new model, which is more inviting to the private sector. It should attract more investment, and therefore create more jobs and lead to environment conservation. Next up will be São Francisco de Paula [RS], Canela [RS] and other parks across Brazil.” He said the Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral concessions process will yield BRL 270 million over a 30-year term.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
