A brief overview of the concessions in the State Parks of Itacolomi and Ibitipoca, Minas Gerais

This article investigates the public use concession processes in the Itacolomi and Ibitipoca State Parks, located in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The research examines the challenges and opportunities involved in the concession of these protected areas, considering the interaction between public managers, the private sector, and local communities. Through a historical and critical analysis, the study explores how the economic exploitation of these areas can be balanced with environmental conservation, while also highlighting the risks of commodifying nature and excluding traditional populations. The paper discusses the importance of participatory management that involves all social actors, ensuring that concessions contribute both to biodiversity preservation and to the sustainable socioeconomic development of the regions. Based on the collected data, the article proposes recommendations to improve concession processes in Conservation Units, promoting a management model that respects the rights of local communities and ensures long-term sustainability. It concludes that an ethical and inclusive approach is essential for the success of the concessions and for mutual benefits to both the environment and society.