Carbon-neutral tourism in the Cerrado: Praia Rica Expedições’ operations

Expedition Meu Jalapão: nature and wildlife. Recognized by Embratur (Brazilian Ministry of Tourism) as one of the 100 most remarkable and qualified experiences for international travelers.

The discussion around emissions in tourism has moved beyond the margins and now influences decisions made by travelers, operators, and destinations. In Brazil, this shift is still uneven. In the Cerrado, where the relationship between biome, climate, and conservation is direct, the issue becomes even more sensitive.

Praia Rica Expedições has transitioned to operating with carbon offsetting across its entire structure and has become the first carbon-neutral tourism initiative in Tocantins — from expeditions to management. This includes transportation, field operations, and international commitments. The decision does not emerge as an isolated adjustment, but as a continuation of a positioning already assumed when adhering to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, a UN initiative.

What does it mean to offset carbon in tourism?

Offsetting carbon in a tourism operation involves measuring the emissions generated by each activity involved — ground transportation, energy consumption, team travel — and compensating them through certified projects, such as renewable energy or environmental conservation.

In the case of expeditions in natural environments, such as Jalapão, Chapada dos Veadeiros, and other regions of the Cerrado, this calculation is not abstract. It is directly linked to factors such as long distances traveled, access to remote areas, and reliance on limited infrastructure.

Offsetting does not eliminate impact, but establishes a measurable responsibility for it.

In 2026, Praia Rica joined the council of the Lajeado State Park, established to protect the waters of the Palmas region, in Tocantins.

How this applies in practice

Operating in the Cerrado requires decisions that go beyond the itinerary. The definition of routes, the time spent in each place, and the choice of suppliers directly influence the volume of emissions. In practice, the offsetting adopted by Praia Rica considers:

Expeditions

Each journey involves travel across different segments, fuel consumption, and logistical support. These data are collected and converted into equivalent carbon emissions.

Operations and management

The calculation is not limited to the field. It includes administrative activities, institutional travel, and participation in international tourism events.

Offsetting

In 2025, more than 14 tons of carbon were offset through a wind energy project. The choice of this type of project is linked to its capacity for continuous clean energy generation and the traceability of carbon credits.

1.During the expeditions, travelers have the opportunity to plant native Cerrado seedlings in sensitive areas. 2.On guided hikes with native guides, travelers gain deeper insight into the biome.

Why this matters in the current tourism context

Carbon offsetting is beginning to consolidate as a relevant criterion in international markets, especially in Europe. Operators and travelers increasingly seek clarity regarding emissions, impact, and operational coherence.

However, there is a difference between communicating sustainability and structuring an operation around it. In nature-based tourism, this difference becomes evident in how experiences are conducted.

In the Cerrado, where the landscape depends on sensitive natural cycles, the pressure on visited locations is not only a matter of visitor volume, but of how these flows are organized.

The relationship between carbon, the Cerrado, and the experience

Carbon offsetting does not operate in isolation. It connects with decisions that are already part of how operations are conducted:

• avoiding itineraries concentrated during peak hours

• better distribution of time across locations

• reducing unnecessary travel

• working with small groups

  
  

These choices directly impact both the experience and emissions. Less movement, more presence. Less fragmentation, more continuity.

It also means observing the environment as a whole. The experience is no longer just a sequence of stops, but a way of engaging with the entire biome.

An ongoing movement

The offsetting of emissions in 2025 marks a measurable starting point. In 2026, emissions continue to be monitored and offset, keeping operations aligned with the goals of the Glasgow Declaration.

More than a label, this is understood as an additional layer of responsibility over decisions that were already in motion.