Inventories of the geological heritage as subsides for geoconservation actions: example of the coastal region of the State of São Paulo

• Grant number: 16/19992-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: April 01, 2017
• End date: June 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences
• Principal Investigator: Maria da Glória Motta Garcia
• Grantee: Maria da Glória Motta Garcia
• Host Investigator: Jose Bernardo Rodrigues Brilha
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidade do Minho (UMinho), Portugal

Abstract

Inventories of geological heritage are essential tools to assess the quality and quantity of sites of geological interest in a given area. The information obtained in these studies should precede any deployment of geoconservation strategies and from the quality of its results depend on all actions directed either to land management, science dissemination, popularization of geosciences, geotourism and geoparks organization. However, although essential, inventories can not be taken as an end, but as a tool. When properly disseminated, the data obtained can, besides the obvious scientific contribution, provide support for administrative bodies at different scales, to use the geological information in land management, as well as serve as the basis for the development of appropriate laws to protect the geological heritage. The area focused on this project, the São Paulo coast, has been the target of inventory work since 2012, initially in the northern portion and, more recently, extending to the central and southern portions. From this database is expected to have a solid diagnosis about the sites of scientific, tourist and educational value, listed according to scientific value, risk of degradation and tourism and educational potential. The purpose of this project is to obtain data and information about the actions in geoconservation undertaken in Portugal, a country that, like others in Europe, has its inventory conducted, based on which has been developing usage proposals, management and enhancement of the geological heritage.