Guarani Aquifer System, geosites and cultural heritage present in the Corumbataí River Basin as inductive factors for the creation of a global UNESCO GEOPARK for environmental conservation and regional socio-economic development

• Grant number: 17/19973-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2018
• End date: January 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Law - Special Rights
• Principal Investigator: Luciana Cordeiro de Souza Fernandes
• Grantee: Luciana Cordeiro de Souza Fernandes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas (FCA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Limeira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to evaluate the potential of using a new instrument of environmental protection through the territorial certification of the Global Geoparks Network of UNESCO in the search for effectiveness in the environmental protection of groundwater, especially in the outcrop areas (recharge) of the Guarani Aquifer System (SAG), using as a study area the territory of the Corumbataí Basin, a territorial area with clearly defined boundaries comprising 1,708 km2 distributed in eight municipalities, which includes a remarkable geological patrimony with innumerable geosites, SAG, considered world heritage, as well as regional cultural diversity, associated to the strategy of sustainable development. The certification of a territory for the protection of its natural resources through the creation of a Geopark does not occur as the institution of a Conservation Unit, since it is not a park and there is no need for law enforcement. In this process, the involvement of the local population is essential, because of the need to play a leading role, by abandoning the status of mere spectator or victim of a new law, it is a bottom-up process that counts on participation and commitment of the local population. And this instrument of territorial certification must be in strict accordance with the legal diplomas, existing in the territory, which continue to be in force and must be contemplated in the Geopark Management Plan. It is in this context that the creation of a UNESCO Geopark is sought in the Corumbataí River Basin as an international instrument for certification of the territory that gives greater protection to natural resources as it integrates the effective participation of the population in its creation process. This protagonism will awaken the "feeling of belonging", empowerment of its cultural heritage and "territorial identity", fostering regional socioeconomic development. (AU)