Waste Management in Tourism: a Study in an Environmental Conservation Park in Light of the Circular Economy

Objective: This study investigates the implementation of waste management practices in environmental conservation parks, focusing on applying circular economy principles to reduce CO₂ emissions and mitigate environmental impacts associated with tourism. Theoretical Framework: Based on a theoretical framework that integrates Circular Economy, Zero Waste, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the research provides a comprehensive basis for analyzing challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourist destinations. Method: A case study was conducted at Parque Estadual de Vila Velha in Ponta Grossa (PR), Brazil, using document analysis, review of official reports, and the application of the Waste Reduction Model (WARM), which is based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Both quantitative and qualitative data were systematically collected and analyzed to compare different waste management scenarios. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that the adoption of zero waste practices substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves operational efficiency in waste management, and enhances visitor experience. Research Implications: The study shows that adopting waste management practices based on the circular economy and the zero waste concept can lead to a significant reduction in GHG emissions. The scenario that proposes the local treatment of organic waste, such as composting, presents a significant reduction in emissions. This indicates that investing in on-site treatment technologies can be an effective strategy to improve waste management and reduce the need for transportation, which is a significant source of emissions. Originality/Value: Discussion of emissions scenarios from waste treatment in an environmental preservation tourist park, based on the WARM methodology. Comparison of results from different treatments, implications for waste transportation and segregation.