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Boipeba Island: Saving Grace
Every little helps
There are positive signs that, learning from the mistakes of the past, Boipeba’s caretakers may be successful in pioneering a much more sustainable model of tourism. AMABO, the Association of Residents and Friends of Boipeba, put together a Sustainable Development Plan with the aims of balancing the economic growth that incoming tourism generates with the needs of the local population, whilst minimising the environmental damage.
“Boipeba’s not the place to come if you’re looking for parties” Cristina told me, as we sat on the veranda of her pousada, Casa Amarilo, basking in the evening warmth of yet another beautiful day. “If you want parties, stick to Morro de São Paulo. The people who make the effort to get here, hopefully, appreciate Boipeba’s natural marvels, the unspottedness.” Cristina, who moved from Rome some years ago and now balances her vocation as the island’s photographer with running a small pousada, is adamant that visitors to the island must recognise their impact on the island – and, preferably, give something back.
The local library – a venture started by Cristina - encourages tourists to donate books at the end of their holiday for the community’s use. The friendly young librarian, Albino, jumped at the chance to practise his English with us as he explained how the library worked and the various community art and literacy projects it hosts. The library, as well as the fairly recent introduction of the internet, is affording the previously cut-off Boipebans access to a wealth of information. And, apparently, the opportunity to learn foreign languages is one of the benefits that tourism brings to Boipeba.
Cristina actively encourages her guests and other visitors to think about what they could offer, and then organises skills-exchange workshops. Recently, for example, visiting doctors have run free healthcare workshops for the villagers. “It’s all by word of mouth” she told me “but this is the kind of place where you tell five people, and they tell five people… and soon enough the whole village knows about it.”
Leandro, who recently finished building the luxurious Pousada Mangabeiras, situated at the top of a hill with impressive views over the long empty beaches, explained how the pousada had to conform to a strict set of building controls, which he supports. “We’re proud that we didn’t cut down a single tree to construct our pousada” he told me. “We designed the place around the natural habitat.” Other measures taken included installing solar panels and a water tower, which as well as making use of the rainwater, provides a stunning 360 degree view of the island.
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