O geoturismo no Parque Nacional do Itatiaia: subsídios para a criação de um circuito interpretativo em trilhas na Parte Alta

Abstract

The protection and dissemination of Geodiversity are of great importance due to its cultural, scientific, intrinsic, functional and aesthetic values. In this context, Geotourism is an important tool when addressing these values, with the conservation of geomorphological and geological attributes, combined with their use for leisure and scientific knowledge, the main pillar. In the highest regions of Serra da Mantiqueira is located the Itatiaia National Park, a Conservation Unit that has very relevant geological and geomorphological attributes. Therefore, the general objective is to propose a geotouristic circuit with the already existing trails in the Upper Part of the Itatiaia National Park, still little studied and diagnosed for the practice of geotourism. For this, it was necessary to achieve specific objectives, such as the characterization and mapping of possible geological and geomorphological attractions with the aid of geoprocessing, applying a related methodology for the valuation of each attraction and proposing actions of Geoconservation to guarantee a correct development of geotourism. on trails with high potential, based on scientific knowledge. The trails of the Upper Part of the Conservation Unit were studied through bibliographic research, field research and the use of geoprocessing to identify and map the geological, geomorphological and pedological attractions. As main results, five important connecting trails and 101 attractions were identified, divided into geomorphological, geological and pedological attractions. A survey was also carried out with visitors in order to identify the profile of tourists, the reasons for their visit and what most caught their attention on the tour. From these results it was possible to produce the analytical maps with geoprocessing, and consequently, the production of the map of the geotouristic circuit of the Upper Part. The attractions were classified, for the most part, with medium and high attractiveness, indicating the importance that the Conservation Unit has for Geoconservation and Geotourism. However, even though it is widely perceived by visitors/tourists, geology and geomorphology still need to be better understood, and it is opportune for the Conservation Unit and the concessionaire that manages it, to publicize these attractions, identifying locations with educational and informative signs, positioned in strategic places. At the same time, the guides for visitors and accredited national guides are the main promoters of these attractions and also multipliers of the scientific knowledge acquired, with the Itatiaia National Park playing an important role in training, recycling and holding short courses with the help of entities that deal with the subject and civil society.