Sustainable community
Like many communities around the world, in Povoado Bar da Hora we seek access to clean water, economic opportunities, safe environments for our children, lifelong learning, a sense of community, and a voice in decisions that affect our lives. We have developed a series of initiatives that help pave the way to building a sustainable community aligned with these essential goals.
The initiative of Povoado Bar da Hora and its sustainable tourism has won the prestigious Braztoa Sustainability Award 2024. We were one of the four winners among more than 86 initiatives from all over Brazil. Congratulations to all tourism entrepreneurs and residents of the village for embracing the concept of Community-Based Tourism.
Belonging and the caiçara identity
The importance of belonging and the caiçara identity in Povoado Bar da Hora is fundamental for community solidarity and cultural preservation. These values strengthen community bonds, promoting a life in harmony with nature and keeping ancestral traditions alive. The caiçara identity not only enriches the visitors' experience but also ensures that economic development is supported by a solid and respectful cultural foundation, where every community member feels valued and integrated.
In Povoado Bar da Hora, this rich culture is symbolized by the intimacy and conservation of the environment, artisanal fishing, and cassava cultivation.
Photo: Caiçara and its fish
Composting e Biodigesters
The implementation of composters and biodigesters has transformed organic waste management in the community. The composters convert solid waste into organic fertilizer, enriching community gardens and promoting local agriculture without the need for chemical agents. Biodigesters, in turn, convert organic waste into biogas, used as a clean energy source in local restaurants, and produce nutrient-rich effluents used as natural fertilizers. These practices not only reduce environmental impact but also strengthen the circular economy and self-sufficiency of the village.
Photo: Female entrepreneur and owner of a biodigester that produces biogas.
Mangrove Reforestation
The mangrove reforestation along the banks of the Preguiças River is a vital initiative for the recovery and preservation of local ecosystems. This effort brings together inns and restaurants and aims to protect coastal areas from erosion while creating essential habitats for a wide range of marine species.
Mangroves serve as nurseries for fish and crustaceans, directly supporting local fishing — a key part of the community’s economy. Additionally, the initiative promotes environmental education and community engagement by involving schools, tourists, and volunteers in planting seedlings.
This collective effort ensures a sustainable and resilient future for present and future generations, reinforcing the importance of environmental preservation.
Photo: Local involved in the mangrove reforestation
Sustainable Broom Factory in Bar da Hora
Fourteen residents of Bar da Hora — both men and women — are actively involved in the community-run factory that produces sustainable brooms made from recycled PET bottles. The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Maranhão State Department of Labor and Solidarity Economy and the Association of Residents and Fishers of Bar da Hora, combining income generation with environmental responsibility.
Each broom represents the removal of 20 plastic bottles from waste streams and the edges of nearby mangroves. The goal is clear: to reduce pollution caused by improper disposal and to offer the regional market of Lençóis Maranhenses a useful, affordable, and environmentally conscious product.
The construction of the facility that houses the factory was made possible through self-financing from the community tourism fund — another example of how tourism can drive local solutions. Visits to the factory are available as part of the Productive Backyards Tour.
Bar da Hora joins a benchmarking journey in sustainable tourism
The Bar da Hora Community, winner of the 2024 Braztoa Sustainability Award, was invited to take part in a benchmarking trip focused on sustainable tourism in the destinations of Bonito and Pantanal, in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
The initiative, promoted by BRAZTOA in partnership with the Tourism Foundation of Mato Grosso do Sul (FUNDTUR-MS), brought together national award winners for an immersion in good practices in sustainable and regenerative tourism.
During the trip, representatives from across Brazil had the opportunity to visit exemplary projects, engage in dialogue with managers, and strengthen networks committed to transforming tourism into a tool for human, economic, and environmental development.
This achievement reaffirms Bar da Hora’s commitment to a model of tourism that values people, culture, and nature, blending local knowledge with innovation to inspire a more sustainable future for destinations across Brazil.
Photo: First day of the visit — Rio da Prata Ecological Park, MS
5 lessons Bar da Hora brings back from the trip
During the visit, Neuza, president of the Bar da Hora Residents and Fishermen Association, highlighted five inspiring lessons:
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Tourist safety — clear signage and protocols to ensure visitors’ and residents’ peace of mind.
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Zero Waste Program — responsible waste management and collective participation in keeping natural spaces clean.
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Quality service — hospitality and professionalism as key elements of sustainability.
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Waste treatment using biodigester and banana-tree system — a simple, efficient technology that recycles resources and protects the environment.
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Carrying capacity control — limiting visitor numbers to preserve nature and maintain quality experiences.
“We return inspired to keep improving the way we welcome visitors, caring for both nature and people,” says Neuza.
Photo 1: Banana-Tree Filtration Garden — Rio da Prata Ecological Park, MS
Photo 2: Birdwatching — Buraco das Araras, MS