Avaliação de sítios geológicos com interesse turístico no estado do Ceará: proposta metodológica e de valorização

Abstract

One of the most recent topics in the context of geoconservation is geotourism, which has been gaining ground within scientific research. In the state of Ceará, whose rich geodiversity is responsible for the formation of numerous geological attractions of great scenic beauty, geotourism remains a relatively unexplored field. This study proposes an evaluation method and suggests enhancement strategies with the aim of promoting the geotouristic use of geological sites in Ceará. Initially, a systematic study of evaluation criteria for the tourist value of geological sites was carried out in order to compare quantification methodologies used worldwide. A literature review resulted in 114 selected articles and identified 13 different methods. This highlights the absence of a single effective method for evaluating geological sites of geotouristic interest, making it necessary to complement or adapt existing methods. Subsequently, 79 strategic sites were inventoried, distributed along the coast, in the mountain ranges, and in the hinterlands of Ceará. After this stage, a new method of quantitative evaluation of tourist value was developed, in which all inventoried sites were assessed using this proposed method in order to test its effectiveness by obtaining information on the relevance of these places. The resulting rankings allowed for the selection of priority sites for protection, for which geoconservation actions for geotourism in Ceará were suggested. In order to promote the enhancement of these locations, the study concludes with marketing proposals, including the development of a portfolio featuring seven geotouristic routes, a geotouristic map of Ceará, a set of postcards to promote the Geopark Sertão Monumental project, and suggestions for valuing regional handicrafts as potential geo-products. In light of the foregoing, the thesis paves the way for disseminating the importance of geoconserving the abiotic elements of the landscape in various geological environments of Ceará, contributing to knowledge of these environments and to strategies in public policy. This work can serve as a guide to promote geotourism — a sustainable form of tourism.