Reefs are an important habitat for a quarterof all forms of marine life on earth and human actions are putting them under great danger. Research portrays an exponential growth in marine tourism industry by year 2030. Unlessthis is carefully managed, tourism can pose a major threat to natural resources. The future of marine tourism is likely to be shaped by several factors like technology, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences. While this technology continues to advance, there may be an advancement in sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism practices, too. As a result,marine tourism operators may need to prioritize sustainable practices in order to attract and retain customers in the future. Overall, the future of marine tourism will likely be defined by a balance between technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and consumer demand. In this thesis project the author has speculatedof a future driven by government organizations and the private sectors working together to mark sustainable prospects for future goals. Sea beyond is one such stakeholder hypothetically pitched through this project which has been working towards ocean literacy for children in schools and kindergarten while aiming towards the Ocean decade challenge 2030. Another hypothetical stakeholder is Dyson, well known for vacuum cleaners and air purifiers. Engineering & design inspiration by Dyson with its advance technology helps derive a functional mobility. The project results into a holistic expedition and engagement with marine life. Systematic trails are maintained during journey without compromising any disturbance to aquatic life. Inclusivity for all- kids, adults and the elderly (even specially abled in a wheelchair) has been considered throughout the design process. The research & design approach has resulted ina mobile self-sustaining autonomous terminalthat takes passengers to different locations. A specially designed capsule- Aquapod, descends into the depth of ocean under curated parameters. The expedition takes one through a spiritual journey of excitement, awareness, educationand responsibilities. Channeling an experience from appreciation of the beautiful marine life to realizing how damages are caused by bleaching of corals. During the journey, passengers also spectate ocean cleanup project and coral farming to understand the conservation practices of today. It provides users with recreational activity along with meaningful awareness and reflect on their responsibilities. Aquapod is a product that helps in mobility, embarks on the importance through experience and gathers data for analysis. The collected data by Aquapod during each journey helps oceanographers and marine biologists for their study and research in respective fields.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-13T12:17:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Johanny Araujo Andrade.pdf: 1297869 bytes, checksum: 81731ddadc772e90b9fc5012efc2253a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-12-22 / The main objective of the present study was to discuss the opportunities to the effective implantation of the scientific tourism in Manaus city, evaluating its potentialities and limitations. We attempted through sustainable actions, to show that it is possible reconcile to the preservation and conservation of the natural landscape the improvement of the local community life quality through this touristic modality. To aim the objectives, it was done a bibliographic study to the construction of a theoretical support base since the Scientific Tourism activities are considered new yet. After this step, it was done a discussion about Manaus city socioeconomic situation through its evolution study, using indicators like IDH, industrial activities, activities of trade, services and per capita income. At the same time of this step it was done a survey of the institutions of higher and research that could get high potential to contribute with the scientific tourism. We attempted to list some criteria for selection of the institutions like: check their respective missions, time of foundation, scientific production, visit access and others. Like any economic development, it was done a survey of the infrastructure that is considered sine que non condition to the tourist of any modality. To this survey it is told informations given from Amazonastur and Manaustur companies.Finally, this research presents a sketch of a scientific tourism planning to Manaus city.To the development of this planning we used all the informations already discussed, but it was necessary to do interviews with a small portion of the city population that here were called social representations, in other words, they are builders of public opinions, specialists on environmental and/or tourist areas. Given that, it was defined a list of information that ensure the feasibility of the exploration of this sector involving social, political, economic, cultural and environmental actions. / O objetivo principal do presente estudo foi discutir as oportunidades para a efetiva implantação do turismo científico na cidade de Manaus, avaliando suas potencialidades e suas limitações. Buscou-se através de ações sustentáveis, mostrar que se pode conciliar à preservação e conservação da paisagem natural a melhoria da qualidade de vida da comunidade local através desta modalidade turística. Para alcançar os objetivos, procurouse realizar um estudo bibliográfico para a construção de uma base de sustentação teórica uma vez que as atividades de Turismo Cientifico ainda são consideradas novas. Posterior a esta etapa, fez-se uma discussão sobre a realidade socioeconômica da Cidade de Manaus através do estudo de sua evolução, por meio de indicadores como IDH, atividades industriais, atividades de comércio, serviços e renda per capita. Paralelo a esta etapa foi realizado um levantamento das instituições de ensino e pesquisa que obtivessem elevado potencial para contribuir com o turismo Cientifico, Buscou-se elencar alguns critérios de seleção das instituições tais como: verificar suas respectivas missões, tempo de fundação, produção cientifica, acesso a visita entre outros. Como todo e qualquer empreendimento econômico, foi realizado um levantamento da infra-estrutura a qual considera-se condição sine que non para o turista de qualquer modalidade. Para este levantamento contou-se com informações cedidas pelas empresas amazonastur e Manaustur. Por fim, esta pesquisa apresenta um esboço de um plano para o Turismo cientifico para a cidade de Manaus. Para a elaboração deste plano utilizou-se todas as informações já discutidas, porém fez necessário realizar entrevistas com uma pequena parcela da população da cidade as quais aqui foram denominados representações sociais, ou seja, são formadores de opiniões públicas, especialistas nas áreas ambientais e/ou turísticas. Partindo deste principio definiuse um elenco de informações as quais garantem a viabilidade da exploração deste setor envolvendo ações sociais, políticas, econômicas, culturais e ambientais.