The Balneário Camboriú City Hall announced the ban on naturism at Pinho beach, a pioneer in the practice in Brazil since the 1980s. The measure, responding to community and security forces' demands, will be formalized by decree and the new Master Plan. The decision drew criticism from the Brazilian Naturism Federation, which advocates for policing over abolishing the practice.
Mayor Juliana Pavan (PSD) of Balneário Camboriú, on the coast of Santa Catarina, announced on Wednesday (17) the prohibition of naturism at Pinho beach. Recognized as Brazil's first naturist beach in the 1980s, the site will now lose its official designation.
Pavan stated she will sanction on Friday (19) the new Master Plan, approved by the City Council, which does not reserve areas for naturism on the city's beaches — unlike the 2006 plan, which formalized the practice at Pinho beach. Additionally, a municipal decree will prohibit "naturism or any similar practice" on all Balneário Camboriú beaches.
According to the mayor, the decision addresses requests from the local community, Municipal Guard, and Military Police. Reports suggest the area "lost its true purpose as a naturist beach and has been used for illicit acts and sexual crimes, even affecting neighboring wild beaches." The city hall provided no details on the number or types of incidents recorded.
"Pinho beach unfortunately failed to fulfill its original purpose and became a scene of situations that concern and violate the law," Pavan said. "We listened to security forces and residents who live the reality of these beaches daily, and this is a necessary measure to ensure safety, order, and respect for residents, visitors, and the environment."
The Brazilian Naturism Federation responded with a critical note, signed by president Paula Silveira. The organization argues that crimes should be addressed through policing and punishment, not by abolishing a legitimate and historical practice. "The public authority's omission at Pinho served as an argument to, in practice, serve real estate interests rather than population safety," the text states.
The federation highlights that Pinho beach is a landmark of Brazilian naturism, recognized nationally and internationally, representing an environment of respectful coexistence and conscious contact with nature. It stresses that naturism is regulated and should not be confused with disorderly nudism or criminal acts.
