Una history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the municipality of Una dates back to the late 19th century. Initially, these lands were part of the neighbouring district of Canavieiras. The official moment of the administrative unit's foundation is considered to be 1890, when the settlement received the status of a "vila" (small town) under the name São José. The city received its modern name later; it has roots in the indigenous Tupi language and translates as "black", which is linked to the characteristic dark colour of the local river waters.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the settlement was determined by a combination of natural conditions and economic opportunities in the region:

• Geography: Its location at the mouth of a river flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by dense tropical forests, created ideal conditions for fishing and the extraction of natural resources.
• Climate: The humid tropical climate contributed to the rapid growth of vegetation, which became the foundation for agriculture.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During its formative period, the city's economy, like that of many regions in Brazil at the time, was based on agriculture. A key role was played by cocoa cultivation, which was experiencing a true boom, as well as coconut farming and the extraction of piassava palm fibre. The cultural environment was shaped by a blend of Portuguese colonial traditions and the lifestyle of the local population, who were primarily engaged in the agrarian sector and fishing.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1880 — The administrative district of São José is formed, initially part of the neighbouring municipality of Canavieiras.
• 1890 — The settlement receives the status of an independent municipality (vila) and separates from its neighbours, beginning its independent development.
• 1923 — The city and district are officially renamed to Una in accordance with the law of the State of Bahia.
• 1960s — A period of economic prosperity for the region due to the active expansion of cocoa plantations.
• 1980 — The Una Biological Reserve is founded, becoming one of the most important conservation areas in Brazil.
• 1989 — The opening of a luxury resort on Comandatuba Island transforms the municipality into a centre for elite tourism.
• 1990s — A crisis in cocoa production due to agricultural pests stimulates the reorientation of the economy towards eco-tourism.
• 1998 — The "Una Ecopark" opens to visitors, offering tourists unique routes through the tropical forest.
• 2000s — Active infrastructure development and the strengthening of the city's status as an important point on the tourist map of the Cocoa Coast (Costa do Cacau).

Modern Development Vectors

• Logistics Breakthrough. A crucial stage for integrating the municipality into the global tourism network was the opening of the Una-Comandatuba Airport. The ability to receive large passenger liners from São Paulo and other metropolises allowed for a direct flow of travellers, bypassing long transfers, which secured the region's status as an accessible high-class resort destination.
• Innovations in Eco-tourism. In recent decades, Una has focused on creating unique infrastructure for nature observation. A prime example was the implementation of the Canopy Walk project in the local Ecopark. This structure, elevated above the ground, allows tourists to explore the upper tiers of the Atlantic Forest without disturbing the ecosystem, attracting nature lovers from all over the world.
• Biodiversity Conservation as a Brand. The city has become the unofficial capital for the conservation of the Golden-headed lion tamarin — a rare primate found only in this region of Brazil. The efforts of local authorities and environmentalists to protect this species have turned into a powerful tourist magnet, attracting volunteers, researchers, and wildlife photographers.
• Centre for Event Tourism. Thanks to the infrastructure of Comandatuba Island, the municipality has transformed into a popular venue for major events. Prestigious sports tournaments, fashion shows, and business forums are regularly organised here, helping to maintain economic activity in the region regardless of seasonal fluctuations in classic beach tourism.
• Agrarian Diversification. Having overcome the consequences of the cocoa monoculture crisis, local farmers have successfully mastered the cultivation of other tropical crops, such as mangosteen and rambutan. This has not only strengthened the economy but also enriched the region's gastronomic map, offering tourists new taste experiences within the framework of agro-tours.

Architectural Appearance: From Colonial Simplicity to Eco-Resorts

The architectural landscape of the city of Una is distinguished by modesty and restraint, characteristic of small agrarian centres in the state of Bahia. Unlike the large historical cities of the region, there are no monumental cathedrals or opulent palaces here. The city's appearance was shaped by the practical needs of farmers and fishermen, and in modern times, by the influence of the luxury tourism industry.

Historical Buildings and the Influence of the "Cocoa Boom"

The period of active regional development associated with cocoa cultivation in the early 20th century left its mark on the city centre. This era is characterised by provincial eclecticism with elements of the Portuguese colonial style.

• Residential Architecture: In the historic centre, one can find traditional one- and two-storey houses with tiled roofs and tall windows. These buildings were constructed to be functional, without excessive decoration, reflecting the lifestyle of early settlers and planters.
• Religious Centre: The main architectural dominant of the old part of the city is the Church of Saint Joseph (Igreja Matriz de São José). This building, designed with simple forms, serves as the centre of community life and vividly demonstrates the traditions of religious architecture in the Brazilian hinterland.

Modernity: Resort Architecture and Eco-Style

In the late 20th century, with the development of tourism, the region received a new architectural vector. On Comandatuba Island, which administratively belongs to the municipality, an enclave of modern resort architecture was formed.

• Integration with Nature: The Transamerica Resort complex became a striking example of how large-scale development can harmoniously blend into a tropical landscape. Architects used natural materials, wood, and roof tiles, creating low-rise bungalows and pavilions that are literally immersed in coconut groves.
• Landscape Design: An important part of the urban planning solution for the resort zone was the creation of extensive parks, golf courses, and swimming pool systems that visually continue the lines of natural bodies of water.

Urban Development

The layout of the city of Una itself is dictated by geography. The city stretches along the bank of the river of the same name, which historically served as the main transport artery. The main streets run parallel to the river, while perpendicular alleys descend to the water, providing access to docks for fishing boats. Such a structure is typical for coastal settlements in Brazil, where life is inextricably linked to the water.

Distinguished Personalities and Iconic Figures

Although the city of Una is a small municipality, its history and development are inextricably linked with the names of people who influenced the economy, ecology, and culture of the entire Cocoa Coast region in Brazil. This list includes entrepreneurs, scientists, and cultural figures who left a noticeable mark on the city's destiny.

• Aloysio de Andrade Faria
  Role: Entrepreneur, banker, visionary.
  One of the most influential figures in the modern history of the municipality. It was thanks to his investments and vision that the famous Transamerica resort and the airport were built on Comandatuba Island. This turned a quiet agrarian corner into a magnet for the global elite and radically changed Una's economic landscape.
• Adelmar Faria Coimbra-Filho
  Role: Biologist, primatologist, conservationist.
  A distinguished Brazilian scientist whose research played a key role in the creation of the Una Biological Reserve. His work on studying the Golden-headed lion tamarin drew the attention of the global community to the region's forests, which allowed the unique ecosystem to be saved from complete destruction.
• Marcelo Decker
  Role: Founder of Una Ecopark, environmental enthusiast.
  A pioneer of private conservation tourism in the region. Decker founded the "Una Ecopark" and initiated the creation of the famous system of suspension bridges in the tree canopy. His activities contributed to reorienting the city's image from a simple cocoa supplier to a centre for environmental education.
• Jorge Amado
  Role: Writer, classic of Brazilian literature.
  Although the writer was born in a neighbouring region, his work is the "voice" of the entire Cocoa Coast. In his novels, he immortalised the daily life, culture, and social conflicts of cocoa planters and ordinary workers, characteristic of Una in the first half of the 20th century. His legacy shapes the city's cultural code.
• Saint Joseph (São José)
  Role: Heavenly patron of the city.
  A historically significant figure for the municipality's identity. The settlement's first name was São José, and to this day, this saint is considered the city's patron. Annual festivities in his honour are the main cultural and religious event uniting all residents.