Portal Network

The establishment of Atlantic Forest Great Reserve Portal Network represents the creation of a collaborative platform that facilitates and encourages joint actions involving representatives from a wide range of areas and different regions, who until then had not envisioned possibilities for joining forces.

This group includes public institutions, private companies, civil society organizations, and individuals who work to disseminate and promote sustainable development, always on a voluntary basis. All members work horizontally, without hierarchical levels, and everyone is treated equally. These organizations and individuals work collaboratively based on a common vision:

“The Atlantic Forest Great Reserve is recognized nationally and internationally as a tourist destination focused on nature conservation and cultural and historical appreciation.”

The Network has no leaders or spokespersons. Decisions, when necessary, are made in collective meetings where consensus is always sought. Everyone is a potential spokesperson for the initiative, and the group also encourages leadership actions from its members. Regular meetings are the main forum for coordination and deliberation, as are the various Working Groups, created at member request to advance specific issues.

One of the key elements of the entire process was the establishment of a Letter of Principles, which outlines the core ideals that unite these members in pursuit of sustainable development for the region. Therefore, organizations and individuals who are invited or request membership on their own initiative must agree to the following:

I. Share the same objectives of the Portal Network regarding the dissemination and promotion of the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and sustainable tourism development;
II. Subscribe to the Letter of Principles, committing to follow it;
III. Have the agreement of all organizations and individuals that are part of the Portal Network.

All members of the Portal Network represent good examples to be followed in their own communities and should be valued and recognized for their work. At the same time, they are responsible for establishing and, whenever possible, improving the quality of the services and products offered.

The Letter of Principles is not intended to segregate or exclude individuals or institutions interested in collaborating with the Atlantic Forest Great Reserve. It is a guiding document, indicating a possible path for all members to act, individually or collectively, in the same direction.

Joining Forces

Structuring a tourist destination based on Nature Production is a major challenge that involves several stakeholders in the Atlantic Forest Great Reserve, and the adoption of the Collective Impact methodology and its strategic approach to cross-sector collaboration is appropriate for complex scenarios where individual initiatives are important but insufficient to solve the problem at hand.

The initiative encourages and catalyzes the organization of groups that respond to the cultural, structural, environmental, and social characteristics of each location. To facilitate discussions, the space was subdivided into Sectors and Portals, micro-regions that correspond to distinct regional boundaries, identified by their tourism potential and vocation, through which visitors can access natural, cultural, and historical attractions. The delimitation and naming of the Access Portals in each Sector is carried out through collaborative development during meetings with local representatives. Thus, the Atlantic Forest Great Reserve fosters a network of partnerships and collaborative work, extending from communities to broader regional initiatives.

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Adhesion of Partner Municipalities

If your municipality is within this territory, don’t miss the opportunity to join this Network. To become a tourist destination in the Atlantic Forest Great Reserve, it’s important to prioritize the following commitments:

Creation and/or strengthening of the Environment and Tourism secretariats;
Creation and/or strengthening of municipal councils for the Environment and Tourism;
Structure natural attractions and adopt AFGR's visual identity in the signaled of these locations;
Implement a tourist information point with information on services and natural resources;
Raising funds for the restoration and preservation of municipal historical heritage;
Join tourism governance bodies;
Promote training for businesspeople and entrepreneurs;
Encourage businesses with social impact and nature conservation;
Collaborate directly with the implementation of Portals in the AFGR initiative Sectors as a way to strengthen local businesses;
Implementation of the Atlantic Forest Municipal Plan – PMMA.

Are you interested or have questions?

We are here to help. We would be happy to tell you more about this initiative and have your municipality commit to us, becoming part of this network for the development and promotion of the Atlantic Forest Great Reserve.