The historic center of Paraty and the Atlantic Forest reserves of the Ilha Grande region of Angra dos Reis, both in the State of Rio de Janeiro, were awarded the title of World Cultural and Natural Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Science and Culture (Unesco). With the conquest, cities hope to become even more attractive to new investments and projects.
With this new addition, Brazil now has 22 sites on Unesco’s list of World Heritage Sites. However, this is the country’s first mixed one, that is, it appears as both natural and cultural heritage.
“We’ve been looking for this title for many years and it’s only been possible now. This is a unique moment and especially important for all the residents of Paraty,” said the mayor of Paraty, Valceni Teixeira.
The site approved by Unesco consists of five elements: the Serra da Bocaina National Park, the Juatinga Ecological Reserve, the Historic Center of Paraty, the Ilha Grande State Park and the Praia do Sul Biological Reserve. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, the territory of Atlantic Forest preserved in the region is the second largest in the country.
“The most interesting thing about this title is not to attract tourists to a specific event. All cultural and environmental beauties are in the municipality for 365 days a year, so the visitor will be able to enjoy it all on any day. This is very important because it unlocks the flow of tourism on specific dates of events. It is very good because it is another action against the seasonality of tourism,” argued Paraty Culture Secretary Cristina Masela.
“These places will boost national tourism and will certainly increase the number of tourists in the country and the region,” said Tourism Minister Marcelo Álvaro Antônio.
It is very good because it is another action against the seasonality of tourism
“In Paraty and Ilha Grande, we see in an exceptional and unique way a combination of natural beauty, unique biodiversity, cultural manifestations, a preserved historical complex, and archaeological testimonies important for understanding the evolution of humanity on planet Earth”, said the president of Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan).
With information from Agência Brasil