ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on social equity being at the heart of the green economy and sustainability. The green economy concept has been discussed widely in Brazil particularly since the Rio+20 conference. However, until now, the majority of people in decision-making positions in the government, industrial businesses and agribusinesses have not favoured the green economy, indicating that an economic-centred development mentality has dominated the future vision of many of these stakeholders. The study shows clearly that responsible tourism initiatives stimulated by public and private sectors have been growing consistently in Brazil. It strongly indicates that social inclusion and the economic development of local people in tourism destinations can foster steps in the direction of the green economy if sustained by adequate policies. The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism launched the International Task Force on Sustainable Tourism Development (ITF-STD) project-the Green Passport. The project defined simple responsible ways that make it possible for tourists to act sustainably.
