O geopatrimônio na província geomorfológica da Cuesta de Haedo: atividades interpretativas, educativas e geoturísticas

Abstract

Geotourism is characterized by the interest of visitors to geoheritage, through knowledge of natural aspects, carried out with the aid of interpretive means, providing them with contemplation added to the understanding and interaction with the landscapes. It consists of adding geodiversity and geoheritage to tourist activity with a focus on places of geotouristic interest, benefiting local communities and giving visitors a new tourist experience. Thus, this thesis aims to fill a gap in the understanding of the geodiversity of the Geomorphological Province of Cuesta de Haedo, thus proposing to identify and characterize the Geological Places of Tourist Interest (LGITs), from the study of geodiversity, creating a bilateral Geotouristic itinerary of this region. In order to achieve the general objective, it was necessary to define specific objectives, which are listed below: Review studies on the geodiversity of Cuesta de Haedo; Define and characterize the main LGITs of the area under study; Adapt a methodology for selecting and evaluating LGITs, establishing the places with the greatest tourist and educational potential, and proposing a mapping of the main areas; Deepen knowledge related to geotourism, proposing an organizational script applied to the reality of the place; Generate interpretive content for the aspects and values of Cerro do Jarau, in language suitable for the popularization of knowledge. The methodology used was based on the Geotourism Potential Index (PGeo), resulting from the weighting of variations in the Potential for Tourist Use (PUT) that characterizes elements of aesthetic value and tourist support, and the Additional Value (VAd), in which stand out scientific, educational and cultural values. Twelve LGITs with high Geoheritage value were selected, of which 4 (four) in Brazil and 8 (eight) in Uruguay. In this perspective, it is concluded that Cuesta de Haedo has potential for the insertion of bilateral geotouristic activities, since it presents undeniable historical, cultural, educational and scientific importance in its remarkable geodiversity, mainly in the regions highlighted here (Cerro do Jarau-BR and the Botucatú-UR Geopark Project (Los Catalanes)). It is worth emphasizing the need for a plan to take advantage of these sites as a way to strengthen tourism in the region and thereby boost the economy of the municipalities, with geodiversity being a key element for promoting the socioeconomic development of local communities. Therefore, using these assets as a way of disseminating geoscience allows access to the population that is commonly found far from the natural, scientific and cultural riches that these places provide. Evidencing that the union and cooperation between the two countries can bring benefits to both, especially in the tourism sector that will support economic and social development through cooperation, whether in joint actions to attract tourists, or in the expansion and dissemination of its attractive.