health
March 5, 2026
‘It creates a sense of belonging’: Brazil bets on hiking trails for conservation
The country’s network of footpaths is growing – with hopes they will develop local economies and better preserve the environment
TL;DR
- Brazil is developing a network of marked long-distance hiking trails, with the Caminhos da Ibiapaba being the first in the northeast region.
- The standardized black and yellow footprint markings aim to increase access to national parks, boost local economies, and improve environmental preservation.
- Trails are seen as tools for conservation by fostering knowledge and appreciation of nature, helping control wildfires, deterring illegal activities, and serving as wildlife corridors.
- The government's policy for long-distance trails, launched in 2018, aims to connect all conservation units within vegetation corridors.
- Brazil currently has 22 officially recognized long-distance trails spanning 7,000km, with many more shorter paths adopting the signage.
- The development of trails is often a bottom-up process driven by civil society and local communities, creating a sense of ownership.
- New trails like the Caminhos da Ibiapaba are expected to bring economic opportunities to overlooked regions through food, lodging, and cultural experiences for hikers and cyclists.
- Trails offer alternative income sources for farmers, promoting forest protection over land clearing and fire use.
- There is a growing global movement of using trails for conservation and rural development, with examples in Greece, Romania, Lebanon, and Jordan.
- Brazil has plans for an additional 9,000km of trails, with ongoing efforts inspiring park managers in other regions.
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