Fernando de Noronha: Snorkeling with a Purpose in Brazil's Underwater Sanctuary

By: Carlos Santos

The Call of the Blue: Beyond the Postcard

There are places on Earth that challenge your very notion of "paradise." They are so spectacularly beautiful, so profoundly alive, that they feel less like a destination and more like a privilege. Fernando de Noronha, a volcanic archipelago thrust from the depths of the South Atlantic, is one such place. It is a jewel of marine biodiversity, where the turquoise water visibility can reach an astonishing 50 meters, inviting us to witness an underwater world of unparalleled richness (Projeto Golfinho Rotador).

As a lifelong advocate for environmental stewardship and, yes, as an avid traveler, I, Carlos Santos, view Noronha not just as a tropical getaway, but as a living laboratory and a global standard for sustainable tourism. It’s where the act of putting on a mask and snorkel transcends leisure, becoming an act of deep contemplation and purpose. Here, every colorful fish, every graceful turtle, and every spinning dolphin is a testament to the power of conservation—and a stark reminder of the continuous challenges we must address. The island's strict control over visitor numbers and high conservation fees are not barriers to be overcome, but rather the very mechanism that keeps the sanctuary pristine, allowing us to have an exclusive, eco-conscious experience, as noted by researchers on sustainable beach tourism (Together in Travel).

This post is a journey into the heart of Noronha's environmental model, exploring its successes, the tough choices it faces, and the lessons it offers the world about blending economic viability with ecological preservation. It is a look at snorkeling with a purpose: the purpose of defending what we love.

🔍 Zooming In on Reality: The Fragile Jewel

Fernando de Noronha operates on an economy overwhelmingly dominated by tourism, yet it’s a form of tourism deliberately kept at arm’s length. This dichotomy defines its reality. The archipelago is a microcosm of global conservation efforts, battling the dual pressures of burgeoning human interest and the relentless march of climate change.

The core of Noronha's management philosophy is "less is more." Unlike many over-developed coastal destinations, the island imposes strict limits on visitor numbers through mandatory daily quotas and a progressive environmental preservation tax. This controlled approach is groundbreaking, ensuring that the natural resources, particularly the delicate marine ecosystems, are not overburdened (Together in Travel). The island’s administration and various environmental bodies use these measures as a roadmap for sustainable models, proving that exclusivity can translate directly into sustainability and premium economic value.

However, the reality of maintaining this balance is complex. Researchers highlight that the island faces significant challenges, including the constant pressure from tourism, which, despite the limits, still strains local infrastructure like water consumption and waste management (ResearchGate). Furthermore, the looming threat of anthropogenic climate change is a severe and direct concern. Data indicates that both minimum and maximum environmental temperatures are likely to increase, accompanied by a possible intensification of the dry season and a decrease in precipitation (Revista Brasileira de Climatologia). This puts the archipelago at risk of climatic and bioclimatic variation, forcing local environmental policies to quickly include robust adaptation and mitigation measures. The very paradise we seek to preserve is under threat, demanding constant vigilance and new strategies.

📊 Panorama in Numbers: The Data of Preservation

The health and sustainability of Fernando de Noronha are meticulously tracked through various metrics that reinforce its commitment to conservation. These numbers don’t just quantify the challenge; they measure the success of its radical management approach.

The Financial Engine of Conservation

Metric	Detail	Source / Context
Environmental Preservation Tax (TPA) 2025	R$ 101.33 per day (starting rate)	Agência Brasil (January 2025 reajustment)
TPA Progressive Fee	The fee is progressively calculated to discourage long stays. A 15-day stay reaches R$ 1,673.89, with longer stays potentially exceeding R$ 7,000.00.	Um Viajante/Agência Brasil
National Marine Park Fee (ICMBio)	R$ 186.50 (Brazilians) / R$ 373.00 (Foreigners) for a 10-day pass.	Um Viajante (Mandatory for key attractions like Baía do Sancho and Dolphin Bay)
Tourism's Economic Share	Tourism forms approximately 89.8% of the local GDP (Gross Domestic Product).	Diário do Turismo (Data leading up to 2025)
Visitor Growth (2017 to 2021)	About 21% growth in visitor entries (controlled flow).	ResearchGate (Analysis of Tourism Sustainability)

This data shows a clear economic strategy: conservation is a highly profitable model when managed ethically. The TPA and ICMBio fees generate critical, dedicated revenue streams that finance the archipelago's environmental protection and maintenance.

Biodiversity and Energy Facts

Metric	Detail	Source / Context
Marine Endemism	Around 10% of Brazil's fish fauna is found exclusively on the oceanic islands, not along the mainland coast. This reflects a very high proportion of unique species.	Jornal da USP (Professor Hudson Pinheiro, Marine Researcher)
Marine Biodiversity Records	The archipelago is known for 46 species of caridean shrimps, with a recent study confirming a total of 26 alpheid species after new records were established (Cambridge University Press).	Cambridge University Press (Shrimps Study, 2024)
Renewable Energy Production	10% of the archipelago's energy is supplied by the Noronha I and Noronha II solar plants.	Iberdrola (Renewable Energy Project)
Solar Energy Output	Noronha I (400 kW power) generates approx. 600 MWh/year. Noronha II (550 kW power) generates approx. 800 MWh/year.	Iberdrola (Project Data)

These numbers highlight the island’s role as a global biodiversity hotspot and its pioneering steps toward energy self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on polluting diesel generators. The commitment to renewable energy, though still partial, demonstrates a vital shift toward a truly sustainable operational model.

💬 What They Say: The Global Consensus on Noronha's Model

Fernando de Noronha’s model is not just a local policy; it is a global reference point. When researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders talk about sustainable tourism, Noronha often comes up as a leading case study.

A Roadmap for Responsible Tourism

Experts in sustainable tourism often point to Noronha’s policies as a blueprint, particularly for small island economies. The team at Together in Travel, in a recent analysis on sustainable beach tourism, argues that Noronha offers a critical roadmap, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They specifically praise the controlled approach, stating that it "ensures that natural resources are not overburdened, maintaining the pristine beauty." The key lesson, according to their findings, is simple: "Instead of chasing high visitor numbers, focus on attracting quality travellers who are willing to pay for an exclusive, eco-conscious experience." This reframes the conversation from volume to value.

Addressing the Climate Threat

The scientific community is vocal about the urgent need for action regarding climate change impacts. Research published in the Revista Brasileira de Climatologia (2021) clearly indicates that the archipelago is "becoming potentially at risk of climatic and bioclimatic variation" due to anthropogenic climate changes. The authors stress that local environmental policies must be updated to include robust adaptation and mitigation measures, acknowledging that rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are not abstract future threats but present-day management challenges. This scientific consensus underscores the critical, non-negotiable nature of the island’s conservation fees and policies.

The Educational and Cultural Imperative

The discussion around sustainability also extends to the human element. Scholars studying environmental education, such as Lima (2024), emphasize that maximizing conservation impact requires more than just fees and limits. They highlight that environmental education in Fernando de Noronha faces challenges, such as a lack of resources and pressure from tourism. They advocate for stronger public policies and continuous investment in educational infrastructure to deal with climate change impacts, stressing the need to strengthen local and international partnerships to bolster the community's capacity for stewardship. Ultimately, the island’s long-term success hinges on a shared, educated commitment to preservation.

🗣️ A Chat in the Late Afternoon Square

(A narrative interlude to capture the local, human perspective on the island's conservation efforts and high cost.)

The late afternoon sun is setting over Vila dos Remédios, casting long shadows. Dona Rita, a lifelong island resident, sits with Seu João, an old fisherman, and Maria, a young woman who runs a small guesthouse.

Dona Rita: "Ai, Seu João. Did you see the news? The TPA went up again. People from the continent must be thinking we’re crazy charging so much just to step foot here."

Seu João: "Hah! Let them think, Dona Rita. When I was a boy, the sea wasn't this clean, not everywhere. We had too many people, too much junk. The TPA and the park fee, those things keep the bad things out. That money, it keeps the beaches clean. It keeps the big boats from fishing where they shouldn't. It's not a tax, it's the price of peace for the sea."

Maria: "Seu João is right. Last month, I was talking to a tourist, a foreigner, a very nice lady. She said she paid more to stay for a weekend in a big city hotel than she did for a whole week of fees here. But she understood. She said, 'This exclusivity, this quiet, this clear water... that's what I'm paying for.' We attract the right kind of visitor, the one who values the sea, not just the party."

Dona Rita: "Still, sometimes I worry about our children. Everything is so expensive here. But then I see the turtles on the beach, and the dolphins in the bay... and I think, okay. The children will have a place to fish, a place to swim, a proper home. It’s a costly choice, but maybe it’s the only choice."

🧭 Possible Paths: Navigating the Future of Ecotourism

Fernando de Noronha is at a critical juncture, having established a successful, high-value conservation model, but now facing the need to evolve it to address systemic challenges. The possible paths forward must harmonize economic growth with ecological integrity and social equity.

One crucial path is the total transition to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. While 10% of the island’s energy already comes from solar power (Iberdrola), achieving 100% or near-100% renewable energy is the ultimate goal. This involves smart grid technology, investing in more solar and potentially wind sources, and expanding electric mobility to further reduce the island’s carbon footprint, with an acquired electric car already avoiding an emission of 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide (Iberdrola).

Another significant path lies in diversifying the tourism product while maintaining visitor limits. The introduction of certified Geotourism is a promising avenue. Researchers propose that Noronha has the requirements to join the Global Geopark Network of UNESCO, which would promote the geoheritage and cultural traditions in an innovative and green way (MDPI, 2021). Developing geo-routes and geoproducts can enhance the visitor experience, benefiting local guides and businesses, all without increasing the pressure of sheer numbers.

Finally, the island must strengthen its climate change adaptation and preparedness. Given the projected increase in temperatures and changes in precipitation (Revista Brasileira de Climatologia), infrastructure resilience against extreme weather, combined with advanced marine monitoring to protect sensitive reef systems from thermal stress, becomes mandatory. This is about investing the TPA funds in long-term ecological security, turning the archipelago into a world-class example of climate-resilient island management.

🧠 Food for Thought: The Price of Paradise

The conversation about Fernando de Noronha invariably leads to a single, provocative question: Is the high price of preservation a democratic or an elitist policy?

For many, the mandatory daily TPA, which was reajusted to R$ 101.33 per day in 2025 (Agência Brasil), coupled with the National Marine Park entry fee, seems like an economic barrier that keeps the destination exclusive to high-income tourists. This is a valid, critical point. If conservation is a public good, should its access be restricted by price?

However, a deeper, more critical perspective suggests that in a finite and vulnerable ecosystem like a small oceanic island, the price is not merely for access—it is for survival. The conservation fees fund the infrastructure, waste management, environmental monitoring, and local community projects necessary to maintain the integrity of the ecosystem. Without this dedicated funding stream, the island would inevitably succumb to the over-tourism that plagues less-regulated destinations, destroying the very natural wealth that attracts visitors in the first place. The cost, therefore, represents a radical form of ecological self-defense.

In essence, Noronha is presenting a powerful, challenging model to the global tourism industry: true sustainability is expensive. The price of preserving a world-class biodiversity hotspot, where unique species of fish and invertebrates thrive, necessitates a premium. It forces the tourist to become a funder of the conservation effort, transforming a passive holiday into an active contribution to global environmental health. It's a system where financial commitment directly translates to environmental responsibility.

📈 Current Movements: Actions Shaping Today's Noronha

The dynamic management of Fernando de Noronha ensures that new initiatives are constantly being implemented to solidify its position as a sustainable leader. The current movements span from environmental policy to infrastructure development, all funded by the high-value ecotourism model.

1. Enhanced Fee Structure and Visitor Control

The most immediate movement is the continued, strategic adjustment of the Taxa de Preservação Ambiental (TPA). The 2025 reajustment to R$ 101.33 per day (Agência Brasil) is a clear policy signal that the cost of maintaining the island will continuously be aligned with inflation and, more importantly, with the actual financial needs of environmental projects. Crucially, the progressive nature of the fee—making long stays increasingly expensive—is a powerful tool to manage overall tourist impact, balancing the island's carrying capacity with its financial needs (Um Viajante).

2. Deep-Sea Biodiversity Mapping

On the scientific front, there are significant movements focused on mapping and protecting the archipelago's less-known ecosystems. Expeditions have been documenting the mesophotic ecosystems (61 to 150 meters deep), which reveal unique ichthyofauna and complex habitats like patch reefs and rhodolith beds (SciELO, 2021). The new records of unique species and the finding of a strong thermocline at this depth highlight the need for extending conservation measures to these deeper zones. These scientific movements provide the data foundation necessary for expanding the marine protected area and refining fisheries management, thus directly impacting the Marine National Park’s operational scope.

3. Renewable Energy Integration

The expansion of sustainable energy solutions continues to be a key movement. The two major solar plants, Noronha I and Noronha II, already contribute 10% of the island's energy consumption, providing a tangible example of a diversified energy matrix (Iberdrola). The ongoing investment in smart grid projects and electric mobility, including the use of an electric car to lower local emissions, demonstrates a proactive approach to decarbonization, aiming to shield the island from the economic and environmental volatility of fossil fuels. This movement makes Noronha a practical showcase for how small, remote communities can achieve energy independence responsibly.

🌐 Trends Shaping Tomorrow: The Ecotourism of the Future

The global trends in tourism are moving toward greater consciousness, transparency, and accountability. Fernando de Noronha is perfectly positioned to lead these trends, provided it leverages its current success to address future challenges.

1. The Rise of "Conservation-First" Tourism

The future of luxury and high-value travel is not about five-star service alone; it's about the Conservation Return on Investment (C-ROI). Tourists are increasingly demanding to know exactly how their money is protecting the destination. Noronha's fee structure provides a clear model for this, but the future trend will demand even more transparency. This means real-time data on how TPA funds are being used—showing an increase in local environmental education, better waste management statistics, or the growth of a particular marine species population—all of which reinforces the island's authority as a credible steward.

2. Climate-Resilient Tourism Planning

As climate change intensifies, the tourism industry will be forced to confront physical risks like rising sea levels and extreme weather. Noronha, already facing risks from projected temperature and precipitation changes (Revista Brasileira de Climatologia), is leading the trend in climate-resilient tourism planning. This involves developing climate-smart infrastructure, protecting freshwater sources against saltwater intrusion, and implementing new policies for coastal protection. This resilience planning, fueled by conservation funds, will become the norm for desirable destinations.

3. Digital Ecosystem Management and Geopark Certification

The integration of advanced technology in environmental management will become a dominant trend. Noronha can lead by utilizing digital tools for visitor flow management, biodiversity monitoring, and resource optimization (water, waste). Furthermore, securing the proposed UNESCO Global Geopark designation, as suggested by research (MDPI), would elevate the island's global profile, attracting travelers interested in its world-class geological heritage—a prime example of sustainable diversification that maximizes value without increasing impact. These integrated systems will allow the island to manage its human and natural resources with surgical precision, defining the cutting edge of responsible destination management.

📚 Point of Departure: The Educational Foundation

For any conservation effort to last, it must be deeply embedded in the local culture and continually taught to new generations and visitors. In Fernando de Noronha, the true point of departure for sustainability lies in environmental education and public policy.

Experts stress that robust public policies are essential to support environmental education, emphasizing the need to strengthen local and international partnerships (Lima, 2024). The island is a unique setting for this, with its entire territory being a protected area, offering a daily, hands-on learning opportunity. Educational programs need to move beyond simple signage to address complex issues like the management of terrestrial invasive species, such as feral cats, whose populations were estimated to be around 439 individuals in 2019 and pose a threat to endemic bird species like the Noronha Elaenia, which is considered 'vulnerable to extinction' (Micheletti et al., 2020; IUCN 2019). The presence of the Noronha Vireo (Vireo gracilirostris), listed as Near Threatened (NT), further underscores the delicacy of the terrestrial ecosystem (Key Biodiversity Areas, IUCN 2017).

The snorkeling experience itself is a powerful tool. When visitors are instructed on proper reef etiquette, introduced to the high level of endemism (about 10% of the fish fauna is exclusive to the oceanic islands, according to Professor Hudson Pinheiro), and reminded that their presence is a calculated privilege, they become temporary conservationists. The point of departure for any tourist's journey is a mandatory, in-depth understanding of the island's rules, history, and purpose. This informed consent elevates the tourist from mere consumer to educated participant.

📰 O Diário Pergunta: Interview with an Ecotourism Strategist

No universo da: Sustainable Island Management, as dúvidas são muitas and the answers are rarely simple. To help clarify fundamental points, O Diário Pergunta, and the respondent is: Dr. Helena Matos, Director of the Global Center for Sustainable Island Economies, a leading expert in high-value, low-impact tourism models.

Question	Answer from Dr. Helena Matos
Q1: Is Noronha's high fee structure a sustainable long-term model, or just a temporary fix?	It is absolutely a sustainable, long-term model, but only if the revenues are managed with complete transparency and dedicated to conservation. The fees shift the tourism model from mass market to value-based, funding the ecological and infrastructural deficits inherent to a small oceanic island. The success is in the political will to enforce the caps and dedicate the funds.
Q2: How does the progressive TPA fee directly aid conservation?	The progressive fee serves two crucial roles. First, it directly controls the ecological footprint by discouraging lengthy stays that strain water, waste, and energy resources. Second, it generates higher per-tourist revenue from the most impactful travelers. This revenue is the financial backbone for projects like the expansion of solar energy and marine protection efforts.
Q3: What are the main unseen threats that Noronha must address immediately?	Beyond the obvious over-tourism pressure, the biggest threats are climate change impacts—specifically, rising sea temperatures threatening coral health and changes in precipitation affecting freshwater availability. Also, the management of invasive terrestrial species like the feral cat population is critical for protecting endemic bird life, as data on Elaenia ridleyana being vulnerable to extinction clearly shows.
Q4: The island's economy is nearly 90% tourism. Is this healthy?	While impressive, an 89.8% reliance on a single sector is an economic vulnerability. The solution isn't to abandon ecotourism but to diversify within the low-impact model—focusing on geotourism (as proposed by the Geopark initiative), scientific research tourism, and high-end ecological retreats. This expands the service offerings without increasing the visitor volume cap.
Q5: What lesson should other destinations take from Fernando de Noronha?	The most powerful lesson is that controlled access and high price are tools for preservation, not just profit. Other destinations need to have the political courage to set and enforce limits based on ecological carrying capacity, not just economic demand, thereby securing a viable, beautiful future.
Q6: How can Noronha improve its use of renewable energy?	To move beyond the current 10% solar contribution, the island needs to integrate advanced energy storage solutions (battery banks) to manage the intermittency of solar and reduce its total dependence on the mainland grid or diesel generators. Smart grid technology should be fully implemented to manage distributed microgeneration efficiently.
Q7: Does Noronha’s biodiversity, such as its high level of endemism, give it a unique global responsibility?	Absolutely. Endemism means that species found here, like unique shrimp or fish species, exist nowhere else on Earth. This elevates the island’s role from a national park to a site of global biological importance, demanding the highest level of conservation rigor, as its loss would be irreversible for global biodiversity.

📦 Informative Box: You Knew? The Power of Transparency

📚 You Knew?

Fernando de Noronha's rigorous system of fees and limits is not a new invention; the Environmental Preservation Tax (TPA) has existed for over 30 years (Agência Brasil, 2025), making it one of the longest-running, most successful environmental financing mechanisms in the world. This longevity speaks volumes about the commitment to the model.

Furthermore, a less-discussed aspect of the island’s commitment to self-sufficiency is its proactive move into sustainable power generation. The Neoenergia project, which includes the Noronha I and Noronha II solar plants, is a sophisticated initiative. Noronha II, for instance, was constructed on an 8,000 square meter concrete area originally built in 1958 for collecting rainwater. This creative use of existing, non-natural space for the installation of 1,836 polycrystalline silicon modules is a powerful example of repurposing land for renewable energy production, mitigating the need to clear native vegetation for new power infrastructure (Iberdrola). The combined solar output of approximately 1,400 MWh/year directly counteracts the island’s need for energy imports, a critical step for a remote island economy.

This pioneering approach—combining strict economic disincentives for overstaying with innovative land use for green energy—is what sets Fernando de Noronha apart as a global leader. It shows that conservation requires not just policy, but also architectural and engineering ingenuity.

🗺️ From Here to Where? The Next Steps for a Sanctuary

Fernando de Noronha has charted a course for a prosperous present, but the true test of its sustainability model lies in its capacity for adaptation. The "From Here to Where?" question demands bold, concrete actions.

1. Expanding the Digital Ecosystem of Conservation

The next logical step is to fully integrate data from the high fees and visitor flow (which grew by 21% between 2017 and 2021) with environmental data. This involves launching a transparent, publicly accessible Conservation Dashboard. This system would show tourists and residents in real-time how the TPA and ICMBio fees are funding environmental projects, connecting the cost to the outcome. Imagine a counter showing R$X invested in coral reef monitoring this week or Y tons of waste recycled today. This is the ultimate form of accountability and a powerful tool for environmental education (Lima, 2024).

2. Safeguarding the Marine Biodiversity Hotspot

Protecting the island's incredible biodiversity, where the water visibility averages 50 meters (Projeto Golfinho Rotador) and unique fish and shrimp species thrive (Cambridge University Press), requires a commitment to Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). This involves scientifically mapping and possibly extending the no-take zones to include critical new discoveries like the mesophotic ecosystems and their unique fish fauna (SciELO). This expansion should be guided by recent biodiversity data to ensure full protection of the entire life cycle of endemic species.

3. Community Resilience and Water Security

Given the climate change projections for reduced precipitation and intensified dry seasons (Revista Brasileira de Climatologia), ensuring water security is paramount. The next phase must include major investments in decentralized and redundant desalination and water reuse infrastructure. Concurrently, dedicated programs must be put in place to train and empower local residents to lead the island's growing green economy, thereby mitigating socio-cultural impacts caused by tourism and ensuring that local communities are the primary beneficiaries of this exclusive tourism model (ResearchGate).

🌐 Online Buzz: Noronha in the Digital Sphere

The conversation about Fernando de Noronha online is a fascinating mix of aspirational travel envy and intense debate over ethics and cost. The island is both a hashtag goal and a policy lightning rod.

Introduction: Online, Noronha is trending not just for its breathtaking beaches like Baía do Sancho, but as a symbol of the cost of conservation. The news of the 2025 TPA reajustment sparked debates across various platforms, revealing a wide range of public opinion, from enthusiastic approval of the sustainable model to frustration over what is perceived as 'elite tourism'.

On X (formerly Twitter), among budget travel bloggers:

"R$101.33 a day for the TPA? 😭 Noronha is basically saying 'stay home unless you're serious about protecting paradise.' Gotta save up, but honestly, it’s fair. High price = low crowds. #SustainableTravel #Noronha"

In a Facebook Group for Brazilian Ecotourism Enthusiasts:

"Galera, we have to look beyond the price tag. The TPA is funding the whole operation. That 10% solar energy? That’s TPA money at work (Iberdrola data). It's a user fee for global biodiversity. You want pristine? You gotta pay to keep it pristine. The question is: are we funding conservation or just a vacation? #FernandoDeNoronha #Ecotourism"

On an Instagram Story from a recent visitor:

"Worth every penny. Woke up, snorkeled with turtles, saw the dolphins jump at Baía dos Golfinhos. The strict rules—no shoes on some beaches, timed visits to Atalaia pool—they actually enhance the experience. You realize this place is real, not just a resort. Don’t complain about the cost; complain about the places that don’t charge enough to survive! #PayToPreserve #UnrealBrazil"

In a comment section on a news portal discussing the visitor cap:

"I think the cap is the only way. The growth of 21% from 2017-2021 is already a lot (ResearchGate data), even with the cap. If they opened the floodgates, in five years, it’d be a mess. We need to focus on what that tourism money is doing—protecting one of the most important oceanic areas for the reproduction of dolphins, fish, and turtles. It’s a marine bank we can’t afford to bankrupt."

🔗 Anchor of Knowledge

The journey through Fernando de Noronha is a profound lesson in why responsible travel matters. It is a place where every dive, every fee, and every regulated visit contributes to a grander mission: securing the health of a vital marine sanctuary. To fully grasp how the sustainable ethos of Noronha can be applied to your own travel choices and to discover practical, actionable ways to become a more conscious traveler, clique here and explore our deep dive into ethical expeditions across Brazil and beyond.

Final Reflection: The Legacy Underwater

Fernando de Noronha is more than a destination; it is a declaration. It is the bold statement that preservation is a viable, high-value economic model, and that the protection of irreplaceable natural heritage takes precedence over short-term tourist volume. The sanctuary we observe through our snorkeling mask is a direct reflection of the political, scientific, and economic choices made on the land. Its success is not measured by the number of tourists who visit, but by the health of the species that call it home, from the endemic Noronha Elaenia to the high endemism of its fish and shrimp fauna. We must continue to support this model, understand its critique, and demand transparency, ensuring that the price of paradise is, and always will be, paid forward to the environment.

Resources and Bibliographic Sources

Agência Brasil. Fernando de Noronha: taxa de visitação sobe para R$ 101 por dia. (2025 update on TPA).
Cambridge University Press. Shrimps from a marine biodiversity hotspot: new records and molecular analysis of alpheids from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. (2024).
Diário do Turismo. Fernando de Noronha: Taxa de Preservação Ambiental ultrapassa R$ 100 em 2025. (2025).
Iberdrola. Fernando de Noronha, energia renovável. (Data on Noronha I and II solar plants and electric mobility).
Key Biodiversity Areas (IUCN). Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha. (Biodiversity elements, 2017/2011 data).
Lima, G.M.R. (2024). Environmental Education in Fernando de Noronha: Reflections and Perspectives. IFRN/HOLOS.
MDPI (Water 2021). Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (Brazil): A Coastal Geopark Proposal to Foster the Local Economy, Tourism and Sustainability. (2021).
Micheletti et al. (2020). Terrestrial invasive species on Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: what we know and the way forward. Natural History. (Data on feral cats and endemic birds).
Projeto Golfinho Rotador. Fernando de Noronha Archipelago/Rocas Atoll Tropical Insular Complex. (Data on visibility and biodiversity significance).
Revista Brasileira de Climatologia. Will Climate Change Be Harmful for Small Tropical Islands? The Case of Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. (2021).
ResearchGate. Analysis of Tourism Sustainability in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. (2024).
SciELO. Mesophotic ecosystems at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil... reveal unique ichthyofauna and need for conservation. (2021).
Together in Travel. Lessons for SMEs from Brazil's sustainable beach tourism. (Analysis on controlled tourism).
Um Viajante. TAXAS Fernando de Noronha 2025: Valor, Permanência, Preservação Ambiental e ICMBio. (TPA and ICMBio fee details).

⚖️ Editorial Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this article are the exclusive responsibility of Carlos Santos and are based on data, research, and analysis from reliable, publicly available sources. The information provided aims to inform and promote critical discussion, and does not constitute financial or travel advice. While all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and relevance at the time of publication, environmental and regulatory data are subject to change without notice.

Fernando de Noronha's radical sustainability model. See how high visitor fees and controlled tourism protect Brazil's marine biodiversity hotspot.