Importância da floresta petrificada de Altos (PI) como patrimônio geológico e geomorfológico e a relação com a comunidade local: uma perspectiva de geoconservação

Abstract

The studies on Geodiversity, Geological and Geomorphological Heritage or Geopatrimony and Geoconservation have been widely discussed, making it necessary that society has knowledge about its elements, its importance and strategies for conservation of these heritages. In this context, Geography can play a relevant role in the studies of such themes, discussing, analyzing and interpreting the different aspects and landscapes. Thus, the guiding question of this research is: What is the importance of the Petrified Forest of Altos (PI) as a geological and geomorphological heritage considering the relationship with the local community in the perspective of Geoconservation? The general objective of this work is to analyze the importance of the Petrified Forest of Altos (PI) as a geological and geomorphological heritage and the relationship with the local community in the perspective of Geoconservation. As for the specific objectives, it aims to discuss aspects related to geodiversity, geological and geomorphological heritage, geoconservation and related terms; to characterize the study area in its physical-natural and socioeconomic aspects and examine respective scientific works; to understand the relationship of the local community and identify the impacts and actions developed for heritage conservation; and to suggest actions for the Geoconservation of the studied geological-geomorphological heritage. In the methodological aspect, from the point of view of the objectives, this research is classified as descriptive, explanatory and exploratory. The qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted, having as procedures the bibliographic, documental and field research. In the latter, direct observation with photographic record, interviews and application of forms were carried out, complemented by a cartographic study. At first there is a theoretical discussion about the concepts of geodiversity, geological and geomorphological heritage and geoconservation, listing the role of geographic science in the studies of these themes. It then presents the characterization of the study area in its physical-natural aspects with a synthesis of the field observations highlighting geological-geomorphological aspects, emphasizing that these observations occurred at different times and periods in order to identify changes over time, also addressing previous work on the heritage studied. The work also discusses the socio-economic aspects of the surrounding community, which is part of the context of the study area and, therefore, its relationship with the studied heritage must be considered. It is necessary to know the importance of the heritage for the community and, also, for the municipality of Altos. Finally, the present work presents suggestions of possibilities and actions for the geoconservation of the heritage, such as the legal framework, the creation of a museum, the implementation of an interpretative/informative panel, the production of an educational booklet and postcards. The aim is to raise the awareness of society in general as to the recognition of the importance of the Petrified Forest, thus hoping to contribute to the valuation and dissemination of this geological-geomorphological heritage of the municipality of Altos (PI)