Tourism in conservation units is a special section in ecotourism that helps in the development of a sustainable site. The deductive method, doctrinal survey and documents in official sites, such as documents and reports directly or indirectly produced by organs of the public authorities, are employed to discuss the following question: Can concessions for the exploitation of tourism in conservation units be sustainable development vectors through the generation of income and employment of communities living in the area? Current paper analyzes the legal and economical overview of public policies for the development of tourism in conservation units in Brazil and demonstrate the capacity of this type of tourism to positively impact the economy. Law 13,668/2018 authorizes federal authorities to concede services, areas or establishments of conservation units to third parties through bidding. It is expected that such concessions, based on the new legal diploma, may boost the segment's public policies by environmental, social and economic benefits. Public administrators have to meet the challenge to produce income and, at the same time, the conservation of biodiversity. Although only a few agreements have been signed, at recent dates and for long-term duration, an analysis of the contracts evidences true compatibilization and positive results sought by the new juridical instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]