Setur conducts Trail and Hiking Guide course in Alter do Chão in Santarém
The training is part of the strategies of the Government of Pará to prepare the local population to act professionally in sustainable tourism
The State Department of Tourism (Setur) is conducting the Trail and Hiking Guide course in Alter do Chão, in Tapajós, one of the main postcards of Santarém and an important tourist hub in Western Pará, until May 16. The training started on May 5 and is part of the strategies of the Government of Pará to prepare the local population to act professionally in sustainable tourism, promoting quality experiences and valuing regional knowledge.
The course was divided into three modules: Tourism, Trail Guiding, and Pre-Hospital Care (APH). The theoretical classes took place in the auditorium of the Church of Our Lady of Health, while the practical activities were held at Serra Ibitira Piroca, one of the most visited natural attractions in the region.
In Module I, led by tourism expert Deoclécio Júnior, participants had access to content about the fundamentals of tourism, resources, and tourist attractions, as well as a critical approach to the current offer of products in Alter do Chão. According to the instructor, the meetings also promoted reflections on ecotourism and community-based tourism, encouraging the creation of interpretive narratives that reinforce the environmental and cultural value of ecological trails and traditional tours, such as those conducted by catraia in the igapó forest.
“We worked on developing skills through techniques for constructing narratives of natural elements, diversifying the visitors' perspective. This favors the understanding of the ecosystem and promotes environmental education at the visitation site,” highlighted Deoclécio.
Module II was under the responsibility of instructor Willan Gama, specialized in trail guiding and field practices in natural environments. Module III was taught by Sergeant Angélica from the Military Fire Department, who provided students with essential knowledge about first aid in trail environments and emergency situations.
“It is an honor for the Military Fire Corps to be part of an event of such magnitude. The First Aid training for the students of the Trail and Hiking Guide Course is of utmost importance, as during their work, they will encounter numerous situations that may require such knowledge,” stated the fire sergeant.
During the module, topics such as basic life support, scene assessment, trauma, fractures, clinical emergencies, and even emergency childbirth were covered. The course's implementation in Santarém reinforces Setur's commitment to the interiorization of tourism, the qualification of professionals in the sector, and the valorization of Western Pará as a strategic destination, especially in light of the growth of ecotourism and the upcoming COP 30, which will be held in Belém in 2025.
For the Secretary of Tourism of Pará, Eduardo Costa, investing in the training of guides is essential for tourism to develop responsibly and with social inclusion. “Alter do Chão is a symbol of the beauty and diversity of the Amazon, and preparing the local community to guide visitors safely, knowledgeably, and respectfully towards the environment is fundamental. With actions like this, we are generating opportunities, promoting sustainability, and strengthening tourism as a vector for regional development,” stated the secretary.
