Turismo, patrimônio e artesanato: uma proposta educativa para o território Geoparque Quarta Colônia Aspirante Unesco

Abstract

This study was developed in the Master's Program in Cultural Heritage at Public University of Santa Maria – PPGPC/ UFSM. The proposal aims to validate the artisanal know how to do of wheat and corn straw as cultural heritage of “Quarta Colônia” UNESCO Aspiring Geopark. It was tought, a pedagogical material was prepared to guide and raise awareness of the school community about this craft knowledge, boosting income generation and boosting Community-Based Tourism through cultural and sustainable aspects associated with the project “Quarta Colônia Geopark”. The study region is located in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, has been the subject of scientific studies that contribute to the understanding of the arrival of the first immigrants in the region, who bequeathed to their descendants customs and traditions that are perpetuate to the present day. The UNESCO Aspiring Geopark “Quarta Colônia” arising from partnerships between the Sustainable Development Consortium - CONDESUS, the local community and public-private institutions is an area covered by nine municipalities connected to the constitution of the territory, where paleontological evidence of fossils and remarkable cultural and natural heritage surround the territory. The proposal to educate for heritage, based in “Quarta Colônia” Geopark, aims to contribute to refining its own history, strengthened by an identity focused on its cultural references, in this case, arising from handicrafts and dialogue with local artisans. With the result generated by the research product, the awareness of social actors in the school, heritage, community and tourism spheres, contributing to the consolidation of UNESCO Geopark.