O geoturismo como estratégia de desenvolvimento regional: o caso do geopark Araripe/ Ceará - Brasil

Abstract

The Geopark Araripe/CE is the only one in Latin America. Given the potential that this region has, this work sought to list the social actions performed by Geopark Araripe/CE, in the period from 2007 to 2012, to the community. In parallel, it was investigated the existence of geoproducts experiences and finally was prepared the SWOT matrix of Geopark Araripe/CE, in order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Geopark Araripe/CE as well as the threats and opportunities. The hypothesis of the study examined whether the actions taken by the Geopark Araripe/CE are collaborating for the development of geotourism in the region. The research was carried out in three stages. First it was done a bibliographic search and documentary on the characterization of Geopark Araripe/CE and the identification of actions aimed at educating the community. We then carried out a field visit to Geopark Araripe/CE. The collection of primary data was made by the method of focused interviews, together with managers Geopark Araripe / CE and the method of unsystematic observation in in August 2012. Finally the data obtained in the field visit associated with bibliographic and documentary sources were compiled and analyzed using the methodology of Integrated Chain of the Creative Economy for geoproducts and development of the SWOT Matrix of Geopark Araripe/CE. As a result, the study listed out a series of environmental education initiatives in the community, made by managers Geopark Araripe/CE. This confirms the fact that the philosophy of Geopark Araripe/CE is directed to geoconservation and social inclusion. Regarding the geoproducts it was conclude that there are projects to raise awareness of leadership, however, the Geopark Araripe/CE does not have a certification seal from geoproducts. In SWOT analysis of the Geopark Araripe/CE, it was found that the Geopark Araripe/CE has many strengths and opportunities that corroborate for its solidification as a tourist destination in the State and the development of geotourism in the region. However, to the contribution of the Geopark Araripe/CE in the development of geotourism be continuous, it is necessary that the public and private managers have knowledge about the planning, structuring and promoting geotourism within the Geopark Araripe/CE. This can be thought through the model deployment Integrated Chain of the Creative Economy.