New Training Contexts for Geoeducation and Tourism

Abstract

The development of non-formal educational strategies and the promotion of territory Serra da Estrela as a didactic resource constitute, at present, a stimulating action model for learning and qualification of human resources, promoting knowledge, and developing competence of value for sustainability. Knowledge of endogenous resources, heritage, and lifestyles enables the development of tourism initiatives to be promoted, recognizing its strategic value (economic and social) and spreading good protection practices. The Estrela Geopark, through the development of educational programs, aims to stimulate contact with the geoheritage of the Serra da Estrela territory in an outdoor learning approach, educating and sensitizing students from different cycles to the importance of geoconservation, heritage enhancement, and sustainability of tourism. In this context, the compression of history, evolution of the Earth and life, in the context of a natural mountain laboratory is promoted, providing knowledge and attitudes for the conservation of heritage and the valorization of the territory.