Walking Tracks and Environmental Impact on an Urban Forest Remnant in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Although ecotourism is recognized as a potentially valuable tool for sustainable development, it may lead to environmental impacts. Walking tracks, which can be perceived as being associated with low-impact activities, may be deleterious when the frequency of visitors is high and the area is not properly managed. Such is the case for urban forests in the city of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), an example of which is discussed in this article. Walking tracks have the potential to bring positive social outcomes to developing nations, but an adequate management plan needs to be in place to mitigate possible ecosystem impacts.