Geodiversity and geoheritage in the context of climate change and geosystem services: case studies in São Paulo and Amazonas

• Grant number: 25/07019-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Principal Investigator: Maria da Glória Motta Garcia
• Grantee: Maria da Glória Motta Garcia
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Antônio Gilmar Honorato de Souza ; Christine Laure Marie Bourotte ; Daniel Souza dos Santos ; Denise de La Corte Bacci Toledo ; Eliane Aparecida Del Lama ; Jose Bernardo Rodrigues Brilha ; Maija Toivanen ; RAIMUNDO HUMBERTO CAVALCANTE LIMA ; Roberto Cesar de Mendonça Barbosa ; Vânia Maria Nunes dos Santos

Abstract

This project aims to integrate geodiversity, geosystem services, and geological heritage within the context of climate change and nature conservation, using two case study areas: the northern coast of the state of São Paulo and the municipality of Presidente Figueiredo, in Amazonas, Brazil. Both regions exhibit rich geodiversity and face critical challenges related to urbanisation, natural resource exploitation, and socio-environmental vulnerabilities intensified by climate change. The proposal adopts an ecosystem-based approach and recognises the importance of abiotic elements in sustaining ecosystems and contributing to human well-being. The main objectives include: updating inventories of geological sites; selecting and characterising sites that record past and present climate changes; assessing geodiversity through geological - environmental mapping; identifying and categorising geosystem services; and analysing the degradation risk of geosites, focusing on the impacts of climate change and human pressures. Established methodologies will be applied for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of geological sites, as well as integrated cartographic analysis of geodiversity to inform conservation and sustainable use strategies. The main expected outcome is an integrated geoconservation management plan structured around four pillars: (i) geodiversity; (ii) geosystem services; (iii) conservation and protection of geological sites; and (iv) communication and education to address climate change. The proposal aims to promote and adapt municipal and regional actions for the conservation and enhancement of geodiversity, integrating public administration, academia, and society, based on scientific advances, local leadership, and the sustainable use of natural resources. (AU)