Ironman Brazil 2009 happened this Sunday in Florianópolis gathering 1500 athletes, a record number of participants to previous editions. The race in the city is the only qualifying one in Latin America for the final in Hawaii.
I was again working as support staff in the bike transition area. It was set again in Jurerê Internacional.
There were many people from other countries and I met even Japanese and Korean athletes. The weather on Saturday was rainy and cold when the athletes were checking in their bikes and making final adjustments, however on the race day, the rain stopped and we even had some sunshine.
On the start and along the course there were many spectators seeing the race and also a lot of garbage was produced as the event output. The Ironman race is good for the city but it also bring some questions on environmental responsibility. There is a huge waste of 200ml water cups, that many athletes take to drink less than half and throw it away, power bars and energetic food packages spread all over the place and other special needs left at along the way. Of course there will be a clean up but the wasted water cannot be recovered and not all plastic could be collected.
I believe that the people involved, especially the athletes, should find ways to minimize the impact by creating a social and environmental objective. It is not responsible an organization that contributes with local social projects but in the other hand ignore the damage it is causing to the environment.

Race results
Men’s top 3
* EDUARDO STURLA (ARGENTINA) at 08:13:39
* REINALDO COLUCCI (BRASIL) at 08::28:08
* PETR VABROUSEK ( CZECH REPUBLIC) at 08:37:18

Women’s top 3
* DEDE GRIESBAUER (USA). at 09:10:15
* CHARLOTTE KOLTERS (DENMARK) at 09:18:31
* HEATHER GOLLNICK (USA) at 09:31:42

Florianopolis has hosted for the last 3 days the 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, which is being organised by WTTC for the first time in South America in Florianópolis. If you have some knowledge about tourism it is easy to see that it will boost investment opportunities in Santa Catarina state and consequently all over Brazil.
According to the news, the event was successful despite some critics on too much politics talk at the beginning.
Important people of global tourism industry, Brazil government authorities, our president, journalists and press associates stayed on Costão do Santinho, considered one of the best resorts in Brazil, discussing about the tourism industry and challenges it is facing now, mentioning of course the economic crisis and the recent virus spread.
The visitors had an opportunity not only to see the beautiful place that is Florianopolis but also to bring home memories of a great evening dining show of Gilberto Gil and the live concert of Roberto Carlos, the king, in Floripa and free for the public.
Whatever is the outcome of this event, it is certain that people will have eyes for investment opportunities and we might see a boom of hotels, resorts, golf courses and other tourism related business. Many questions could raise if we think about the real thing.
It would it be possible to get all economic incentive to grow Santa Catarina state and still maintain sustainable development ?
Will public administration be able to monitor and control all variables that involve quality and safe tourism ?
The green logo that companies show as environmental responsible could hide intentions that are not so green ?
Has the discussion brought the idea that massive tourism can impact on local culture and nature resources if not careful planned on a long term horizon ?
The summit is considered a turning point for Brazil tourism. I just hope that it will turn into something good for our nation and natural resources.

Florianópolis is composed of many fishing communities where catching fish and harvesting seafood are important activities in their lifes. The tradition has been cultivated by Portuguese Azorean families that settled in the island in the 18th century.
Autumn is the opening season for catching the mullet, a popular fish present in many dishes of the local cuisine. The mullet is usually caught with long nets pulled by a group of people. The nets are placed close to the beach where observers look for a shoal. The fishing in the island is mostly artisan.
Unfortunately the fast growth has affect the tradition, changing the local culture and causing conflicts, like the fishermen and surfers fighting for the sea during winter. However the dark side is pictured by overfishing, leading to a inevitable resource depletion, unless a sustainable fishing management is implemented. “The Tragedy of the Commons” explains well the problem. The reduction of species like the haddock and cod in the Atlantic show how man is aggravating the problem and could lead us all to a food shortage. If we all think only for the short term we will have nothing to catch in the future.
Some countries like Norway (with the Cod) and Australia (with the Lobster) understand that it is possible to minimize the impact with control over the fishing industry making for a sustainable fishing. Unfortunately the ocean has areas where no law is present and you certainly find boats taking as much as it is possible.