Ampla, the electricity distribution company for 73% of the State of Rio de Janeiro, believes that it is essential to go beyond providing services. The company wishes to participate in the lives of its customers by means of projects that it encourages and supports. Participation in the Costa Verde Cultural Guide stresses the company's commitment to the local community, in particular in a social context, providing culture and leisure options for the entire population.
The company values the increased esteem of local inhabitants and the towns in its concession area, and contributes by disclosing the best and genuine aspects in each of these. From this viewpoint, Ampla believes that the Costa Verde Cultural Guide could contribute positively to the region’s progress, boosting its economy and local culture.
This company has prepared a Social Responsibility program based on a three-point sustainability effort covering social, economic and environmental aspects. Its key actions are aimed at education, culture, income generation and social development in the communities under the company’s sphere of influence. The balance between the interests of its different publics – customers, staff members, suppliers and society – is essential for the company’s performance.
Ampla hopes that each Costa Verde attraction should be explored by its visitors, and that they enjoy as much as possible the art, culture, cooking and handcrafts provided by this rich region, bountiful in natural beauty spots, in hospitality and especially in learning and leisure opportunities.
A Green Coast with the Blue Sea
On the left, the sea; on the right, the Atlantic Coast Rainforest – this is the route of a memorable visit to the Costa Verde across the municipalities of Itaguaí, Mangaratiba and Angra dos Reis to Paraty. It is an itinerary that cuts across a background witnessed by old townhouses, by poetic folk festivities, African roots, religion, the aroma of typical cooking and much more. It is a region replete with energy, where one falls asleep with the sea murmuring on one side of the bed and the sound of the forest on the other.
Culture never dies! It may have been buried alive, yet with a little effort it will flourish once again, speak, explain how we were and influence what we are; whence we came, why we identify ourselves with this or that. There is still much to do in the preservation of this cultural and natural environment. The Costa Verde Cultural Guide contributes to this end.
An arduous research task was involved: door-to-door interviews, face to face, moving photographs, in selecting the region’s tangible and intangible cultural venues. We may not have become aware of some notable features, yet on being informed we will include them in the 2nd edition. In 2014, we published the Vale do Café Cultural Guide in a printed and digital version. We have received positive feedback on the expansion of local activities resulting from the publication. This is also expected from the Costa Verde edition.
Modern-day tourists are tuned to the times; they plan their trips on the Internet. They no longer wish to be known as tourists, but as visitors. They wish to become acquainted with new places, experience unforgettable emotions, rub shoulders with people from different cultures. The Costa Verde is pure fascination.
Our sponsor AMPLA provides this region with electricity. But in addition to the electricity that gives rise to development, it provides an umbrella for projects in the Costa Verde: cultural, social and socio-cultural actions. It is more than a utility concessionaire; it hands out a new form of energy, shedding light on each attraction listed in this Guide. Working with AMPLA is a lesson in partnerships as the company is not only a sponsor awaiting the end result, but is involved in the entire process; it discusses every detail and hence makes us better professionals.
We convey our thanks to TAESA – Transmissora Aliança de Energia Elétrica and to SEBRAE, customary partners and co-sponsors. The Costa Verde Cultural Guide encourages the region’s small business community and furthers work and increased income generation. The Ministry of Culture encourages this action through the Rouanet law. We also convey our thanks to the region’s local Town Halls that shared information with us, with recommendations of wonderful venues known to few people.
Fernando Portella
