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Brazil is one of today’s most fashionable holiday choices and Praia do Forte one of the country’s most attractive destinations. White sandy beaches bathed by crystalline waters and lined by coconut trees, a whole host of water sports, luxury hotels, its exotic culture, the history of Portugal’s colonisation of America…Praia do Forte is all this and much, much more.

But if there’s one particular thing that Praia do Forte is famous for, then it has to be its nature reserves that overflow with a wealth of flora and fauna – including the sea turtles. Visitors to Praia do Forte should take the time to visit the national headquarters of the project for the protection of sea turtles in Brazil – Tamar Project – to gain an insight into an initiative that plays a vital role in the survival of various species of sea turtles.

There are seven types of sea turtles in the world, four of which have been laying their eggs on the beaches of Papa Gente for thousands of years. At the Visitor Centre tourists can see various species of sea turtles at all stages of their development. From September to March on the coast, and from January to June on the oceanic islands, the organisation monitors the beaches where the turtles lay their eggs. The Tamar Project is estimated to protect 14,000 nests and 650,000 baby turtles each season. In addition to its conservation work, the secret behind the success of the Tamar Project lies in the fact that it has built bridges with the local communities, replacing a culture of predation for one of protection, and providing job opportunities in areas where unemployment is high. The fishermen that would once kill the turtles and use their shells to make combs with are today working with the project and bringing up their children in an environment based on ecological protection. One of the most moving moments to witness – although naturally it’s not always possible – is when the turtles lay their eggs on the beach.

In addition to the turtles, it is also the ideal spot for watching other marine animals, such as starfish, crabs, rays and sharks. The base at Tamar covers some ten thousand square metres and boasts Brazil’s most modern and best-equipped Visitor Centre.

So don’t forget to pay a visit to the Tamar centre if you’re staying at Praia do Forte – it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has two 5 star All Inclusive holiday complexes in Salvador da Bahia: the IBEROSTAR Praia Do Forte and the  IBEROSTAR Bahía. Both hotels offer visitors the perfect holiday experience in Brazil, set against a stunning natural backdrop. These luxury accommodation options offer comfortable stays, a wide range of restaurants and bars, spa centres, swimming pools and a packed programme of leisure and sports activities”