Valuing and protecting geoheritage: comparing the experiences of South Africa and Brazil

• Grant number: 17/50177-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2018
• End date: February 29, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Agreement: National Research Foundation, South Africa
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Maria da Glória Motta Garcia
• Grantee: Maria da Glória Motta Garcia
• Principal researcher abroad: Jasper Knight
• Institution abroad: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), South Africa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/18652-2 - Geological Heritage of the Coastal region of São Paulo State: inventory and valorisation with support of geospatial technologies, AP.R

Abstract

This project is based on social science methodologies of environmental investigation and in surveying the public and key stakeholders on environmental policy and practice, and in landscape evaluation for assessing geoheritage. This project is based on three linked work packages. WP1 focuses on reviewing and understanding the legislative and policy framework for geoheritage conservation and management in the two countries, including in the context of environmental management and landscape/scenic area conservation. This will also include interviewing key strategic stakeholders such as government officials and regional conservation planners and decision makers. WP2 then involves an evaluation of current practices based on existing sites where geoheritage is considered to be a significant part. A general survey of public understanding of geoheritage and geoconservation will be undertaken, in order to evaluate to what extent geoheritage issues are present in the public consciousness. WP3 will integrate these results in order to inform on strategic interventions into public communication and promotion of geoheritage, based on selected local case studies. Impacts of these interventions will be examined based on questionnaires and interviews with visitors (public) and stakeholders (managers). This project uses an integrated social science methodology, informed by governmental and management frameworks, with measurable outcomes that will be of relevance to existing and developing geoheritage sites, the public and site managers. (AU)