A Network Perspective of the Ecosystem’s Health Provision Spectrum in the Tourist Trails of UNESCO Global Geoparks: Santo Sepulcro and Riacho do Meio Trails, Araripe UGG (NE of Brazil)

Abstract

In this investigation, we formulated the Ecosystem’s Health Provision Spectrum and its centrality indicators, based on the identification of the Ecosystem Health Potentials and Opportunities on the trails of Santo Sepulcro and Riacho do Meio in the Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG), establishing a baseline for the promotion of green exercise and geotourism in the territory. Based on the network methodology for complex systems, we analyzed the closeness and strength of biotic, abiotic variables, nature phenomena, infrastructure, and sensory experiences in order to determine the configuration of these associations. In the Santo Sepulcro, regarding the association, two negative relations and two positive relations among the variables were highlighted; as for closeness and strength, Aquatic Diversity with the Scientific Values of Geodiversity stood out. In Riacho do Meio, we highlight three positive associations among the variables; as for connectivity, Biodiversity and Meteorological and Climate Exposure presented the highest values and, as for strength, the variables Biodiversity, Route Classification, and Aquatic Diversity were the most prominent. We conclude, based on the presented configuration, that the variables with greater connectivity act as hubs; if these variables are optimized, the network will present an acceptable theoretical configuration. However, neglecting central strength variables can cause the network to collapse.

Greening Roadway Infrastructure with Vetiver Grass to Support Transportation Resilience

“…Planting vetiver is a nature-based solution for protecting and restoring the environment from natural and human-induced hazards such as pollution, greenhouse gases, and urbanization [19,20,34]. It also provides multiple benefits (social, economic, and biophysical), resilience and sustainability to the effect of climate change, and low-cost for implementation [35,36]. Compared to traditional grey infrastructure (i.e., concrete and other conventional aggregate materials), vetiver is much less harmful to the environment [27].…”

Classification of the Effort Index and Biomechanical Overload in Natural Trails of UNESCO Global Geoparks—A Network Perspective of Trails of the Araripe UGG (NE Brazil)

“…In this scenario, the simple act of walking on a trail and connecting with nature and the diversity of the ecosystem proved to be even more necessary for our full health [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. The act of “thinking” nature, as the first access channel, in many situations, was the only way we could benefit from this connection [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. The curious thing is that whenever we are encouraged to abstract, to relax, to meditate or to control our emotions, we seek to transport our thoughts to natural environments.…”

“…The curious thing is that whenever we are encouraged to abstract, to relax, to meditate or to control our emotions, we seek to transport our thoughts to natural environments. A waterfall, the sea, a green meadow, a stream, a pond, a forest, a trail... We recall our memories of places where we have already been, or that we have seen in a film or an image [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. The very spiritual concept of “paradise” is linked to a natural environment and never to an urban, arid or industrialized environment [ 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

“…In the most critical period of social distancing and with the relocation of many jobs to working from home [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ], our need to move and enjoy the intangible benefits of natural environments has become evident [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. In this pandemic perspective of restriction to “doses of nature” [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], the offer of active itineraries and experiences linked to diverse natural environments demonstrates a significant potential for the resumption of tourism in a sustainable character, considering that this was one of the most impacted sectors in the economic context as a result of the restrictions of social mobility on a global scale [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”

“…The UGGp is characterized by presenting an aggregative and dynamic way of managing a living territory from the conception and holistic articulation of the natural and cultural heritage and having geosites as places of relevant scientific, educational and touristic interest, with emphasis especially on the strategies of geoconservation, geotourism and geoeducation. However, it is not limited to the geological identity and the characterization of these geosites, as it is in dialogue with the whole territory, articulating and gathering different social sectors as the public, the private and the organized society, in order to discuss, propose and contribute with strategies to safeguard, promote and implement initiatives of sustainable development with strong regional appeal and respect to the traditions and identities of its people in its various cultural manifestations [ 13 , 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”