Iguaçu National Park is awarded a concession and is expected to receive more than R$ 3.5 billion in investments

The Brazilian govt has taken another important step towards the country's green growth. Aimed at environmental preservation, encouragement of ecotourism and generation of green jobs, the govt has held the auction for the concession of Iguaçu National Park.

The Consórcio Novo PNI won the auction with a R$ 375 million bid and a 349.45% premium. The concession plan provides for investments of R$500+ million in infrastructure and R$3 billion in the park's operation over a 30-year period, doubling the number of visitors.

This auction marks a new economic model in the parks sector, promoting environmental conservation and better allocation of resources. The auction is a milestone that will transform ecotourism in Brazil and generate more than 1 million jobs.

Public use is considered strategic for nature conservation, by inhibiting illegal practices. The area will remain protected by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) but privately managed, integrating economic solutions and environmental protection.

The Iguaçu National Park covers an area of almost 200k hectares, the largest remaining reserve of Atlantic Forest in the region. The park’s main tourist attraction are the Iguaçu Falls, UNESCO’s world heritage site, elected one of the 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.