Avaliação do uso público em áreas de escaladas na Serra da Tiririca, Niterói/Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract

Rocky outcrops are geological formations, characteristics of coastal massifs in the state of Rio de Janeiro that present peculiar biological, ecological and geographical complexity. Its environmental fragility is reported by many authors and the indiscriminate use of these areas may be a problem for conservation efforts. Outdoor adventure sports are among this kind of use and show growing popularity of. This research aimed to evaluate the public use of climbing activities in two interest s areas to the practice in the Serra da Tiririca (Enseada do Bananal and Córrego dos Colibris), Niterói, RJ, regarding the need for biological diversity conservation. Also are taken into consideration social institutional aspects, since the area in question is included in Serra da Tiririca State Park (PESET). All Córrego dos Colibris pathways were climbed, while the Enseada do Bananal were located in field, where it was possible to observe its route and the presence of vegetation. In this process the plant species present in the climbing tracks were observed and photographed for later identification. Those that could not be identified in situ were collected by the usual techniques of botany and the testimony material was deposited in the RFFP and RB herbarium. There was also desk research in order to collect information about the dialogue between climbers and managers in meeting records, as well as climbing guidelines and minimum impact recommendations. In addition, with the same goal of gathering information, interviews were conducted with key people. The survey results show that the climbing routes in the Córrego dos Colibris represent a risk factor for the maintenance of local biodiversity, because it is an area with endemic and endangered species that are directly affected by the climber s strings and trampling. Its recommend disabling this sector and this area should be framed in an area that does not allow visitation. The Enseada do Bananal is an area that is already quite affected, more species before existing not being observed, presenting, however, areas tops of rock blocks that still have good regenerative capacity if they are safeguarded for this. There is good dialogue between UC and climbers, which enables the development of a participatory management process, in which the interests of both sportsmen as those for the conservation of biological diversity can be met. The survey results show that the escalation in Córrego dos Colibris Sector is a risk factor for the maintenance of local biodiversity. The area shows endemic and endangered species, and those are directly affected by the climber s strings and trampling. Thus disabling this sector and its framework in the restricted to visitors area is recommended. The vegetation in Enseada do Bananal Sector is already quite affected. This is a consolidated area for the practice of climbing, thus existing pathways must be restored and new routes must not be opened. Furthermore, the areas of the tops of the rock blocks still have vegetation that must be preserved. It was found that there are no institutional guidelines for the development of the climbing practice in PESET and that these have not been proposed by the newly released management plan. However, since 2007, from the initiative of the mountaineering community, there is a dialogue with the Park managers from which it has reached an agreement on new routes opening. Although this process still need methodological refinement, the mountaineering community is sensitized to the issue, noting that the rocky outcrops should not be seen only as a challenge to be overcome at all costs. Thus, it was found there is a good communication between the PESET and climbers and this is a positive aspect for the management of the Park, providing that both the athletes and conservationists interests can be met.