The creation of Environment Conservation Units has unleashed processes of change in the localities. Due to the regulations imposed by the legislation the populations are impelled to modify their ways of appropriation of natural resources. The conservation of these areas matches an urban population demand for a greater contact with places considered as 'natural', which encourages a flux of tourists towards them. The inhabitants, restricted to their usual practices and activities and also impelled by the economic pressure of tourism, turn to the rendering of services to these visitors. Thus, the rural area begins to be apprehended as environmental space and seen as 'paradise', originating new social territories. In the case of Vila do Aventureiro, in Ilha Grande, these processes occur due to the establishment of two conservation units: the Reserva Biológica da Praia do Sul and the Parque Estadual Marinho do Aventureiro. The proposition of this work is to reflect on the contrast between the preserving perspective installed in this area and the social transformations that this process unleashes.
CADMA; Environment Conservation; Tourism; Local Populations