Alternatives to mining: past, present, and future in Nova Lima, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Abstract This article discusses alternative options to mining in the municipality of Nova Lima, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, particularly in the district of São Sebastião das Águas Claras/Macacos. Its primary hypothesis is that community-based (eco)tourism may become a counter-hegemonic activity to mining expansion in the region. It contributes to theoretical reflections in the field of Latin American Political Ecology and Tourism and to social movements and public policies in related areas. The study conducted bibliographic and documentary research and participant analysis and found the municipality of Nova Lima to be highly dependent on mineral extraction, which has a political influence on the local decision-making process. The paper concludes with some considerations, both general and specific, about the possibilities and challenges of developing community-based ecotourism as an alternative to mining and of strengthening the local players in managing the territory.