Jasmine Cardozo Moreira

Interpretative Panels About the Geological Heritage—a Case Study at the Iguassu Falls National Park (Brazil)

The Iguassu Falls National Park, located in southern Brazil, has one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world and is one of the biggest natural attractions of Brazil. This region has the potential to join the Global Geoparks Network and to provide geotourism activities. Despite the great potential in terms of its geodiversity, the park lacks informative and interpretative material about the Geological Heritage. To reverse this situation, the Minerais do Paraná (MINEROPAR, i.e., the Geological Survey of the State of Parana) has been placing interpretative panels on protected areas and sites that have geological interest. The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of three interpretative panels implemented by MINEROPAR in the park and, especially to ascertain whether or not they are meeting the expectations of visitors, 300 questionnaires were distributed to the park’s visitors. The methodology also encompassed field trips, consulting the available literature and contact with the managements of the park and the concessionaires. The paper addresses aspects of environmental interpretation, interpretative resources (specifically on interpretative panels), about the Iguassu Falls National Park and finally the results are presented, based on the questionnaires. It was found that most visitors did not read the panel, but these who did so appreciated its content. In conclusion, considerations were made to improve the interpretation of the environment made with the help of interpretative panels.

Os Valores da Geodiversidade: Geossítios do Geopark Araripe/CE

In July 2010 researchers from the State University of Ponta Grossa visited the Araripe Geopark (AG), the only national representative in the Global Network of Geoparks. Accompanied by staff members of the AG, the group looked for knowing the geopark territory, administrative and physical infrastructure, public and private partners, daily work and the whole process of its establishment, with the main objective to build a similar proposal in the Campos Gerais region, State of Parana. All selected geosites from the AG were visited, and intrinsic, cultural, aesthetic, economic, functional, educational and scientific values of geodiversity, as proposed by Murray Gray in his seminal work, were identified too. Considering the implicit subjectivity, it is assumed that all geosites have an intrinsic value. In relation to the other values, the more easily recognizable to each geosite were: the cultural value for the Colina do Horto Geosite, mainly associated with religious concerns and the figure of Cicero Priest, and the Batateiras and Missao Velha Waterfall geosites, by the strong connection with the Kariri People settlements, their history and legends and their relation with water resources; the aesthetic value for geosites with favorable topographical location and privileged views of Araripe Cuesta and the extension of the sedimentary basin (Colina do Horto and Pontal da Santa Cruz geosites), waterfalls composing an impressive landscape (Batateiras and Missao Velha Waterfall geosites) and exceptional processes of erosion (Ponte de Pedra Geosite); the economic value for Pedra Cariri Geosite, with the mining of laminated limestone, and in the former Ipubi Geosite, with a closed mine of gypsum; the functional value is significant in Batateiras and Riacho do Meio geosites, where springs of major rivers of the region are harbored; and, the whole set of geosites shows scientific and didactic values, but they are prominent in the Cariri Petrified Forest and Pterosaurs Park, with an outstanding paleontological record. The identification of these values reinforces and contextualizes the importance of geoconservation actions that have been conducted in this territory and puts a holistic sight on the geodiversity, strengthening its linkage with the local population and with all life that is supported by this geodiversity.

Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: A Paradise Formed by Volcanism in Brazil

This chapter presents aspects of the volcanic Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, one of the leading ecotourism destinations in South America, which is composed of two protected areas and recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO since 2001 (Fig. 24.1).

Tamar Project: Conservation and Education in Ecotourism Activities Related to Turtles in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

The TAMAR Project (Marine Turtle Project) has focused on the research and conservation of sea turtles along the Brazilian coast since 1980, with 23 research bases and nine visitor centers throughout the country. On the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha (Northeast of Brazil), the TAMAR works since 1984, because it is a strategic location for food and nesting of these kind of turtles. Fernando de Noronha is one of the country’s leading ecotourism destinations. It is a National Park, a Biosphere Reserve, and a proposed UNESCO Geopark project is being developed. The turtles were important in the recognition of the area as a World Heritage Site, also designated by UNESCO. In Noronha, TAMAR’s efforts are in scientific research activities, conservation and management, environmental education, awareness, and community action. Understanding the importance of environmental awareness, the TAMAR project develops various activities that allow participation by the public. These include turtle nest openings, “tartarugada” (activity during the night, when the turtle makes nest on the beaches) and intentional capture of sea turtles. There are nightly exhibitions and environmental education talks at the Visitor Center. During the daylight hours, the team seeks out and captures turtles by diving and snorkeling for the sole purpose of research to support the sustainability of the turtles. Tourists have the opportunity to follow this exciting field research, and they are encouraged to take pictures and interact with the turtles. This high degree of interaction develops awareness about the importance of field research and the importance of conservation and research in Noronha.

Sustainable Tourism in Brazil: Faxinal and Superagui Case Studies

The tourism experience in Brazil is distinctive in many ways. In this chapter we discuss two case studies in two very different settings, but both located in the southeastern Brazil state of Parana. Both emphasize the need for economic benefit to communities relying on tourism. The first focuses on the Faxinal and its contribution as a micro level sustainable tourism location. The second study involves the island residents near Superagui National park. This ecotourism setting includes extremely rare species and some limited economic impacts. Both case studies emphasize the importance of managing ecosystems and engaging local communities.