Da geodiversidade ao geoturismo: valorização e divulgação do geopatrimônio de Caçapava do Sul, RS, Brasil

Abstract

The extraction of geodiversity resources to spur economic development and growth of societies is long-standing. But it was only in the 90s that worry in taking care of geological heritage gained forces, approaching scholars and interested in the area to advance the discussion of conservation strategies, management and sustainable development for the cities with representative geodiversity. One of geoconservation strategies, which in addition to promoting the preservation also encourages sustainable local development, is the geotourism. An activity developed on the principles of sustainability, which seeks through environmental interpretation disclose aspects of geological heritage and the importance of its preservation, and also involve local communities in this process. The use of the geological potential as a tourist attraction, added to the cultural, historical and biodiversity aspects emerged as a major tool in the endogenous development of territories that are often excluded from globalized processes due to its features. In this context, this thesis has as central issue analyze the geotouristic potential of the city of Caçapava do Sul, RS, and discuss their contributions to the preservation of natural resources, geological, geomorphological and cultural, as well as for local development. The municipality is located in the southern half of the state, inserted into the Pampa biome, possessed of a rich geodiversity because saves from environments with the oldest rocks of the State, until recent deposits associated with the current dynamics. Caçapava do Sul was the 2nd Capital Farroupilha Riograndense during the Farroupilha Revolution, historical aspects that result in striking features of the gaúcho culture. It was also the Copper Capital in the mid-twentieth century due to the exploitation of mineral that occurred in Minas do Camaquã, being the 1st copper exploration mine in Brazil. Through the inventory of geosites it was possible to select the 12 with tourist potential, and that best represent the geodiversity of the municipality, namely: Pedras das Guaritas, Toca das Carretas, Pedra do Segredo, Pedra do Leão, Pedra da Guarda Velha, Chácara do Forte, Cascata do Salso, Cerro da Angélica, Cerro do Bugio, Cascata do Pessegueiro, Minas do Camaquã and a mirador potential of Serra do Segredo. Was also conducted a historical survey of Camaquã Mines. In this regard, it is suggested the implementation of interpretation materials to assist the disclosure of aspects relating to the geological evolution of the sites as well as the importance of preservation. Furthermore, geoturism is configured as an alternative to the development region.