Geotourism and Soil Quality on Trails Within Conservation Units in South-East Brazil

Abstract

Geotourism is a growing activity in Brazil, mainly in Protected Areas, where trails are used by both visitors and local people to access geotourist attractions. The use of these trails can have negative impacts when there is inadequate planning and management. This research investigated two geotourist trails; Caixa D Aço natural pool trail in Serra da Bocaina National Park (State of Rio de Janeiro) and Água Branca waterfall trail in Serra do Mar State Park (State of São Paulo State). Geodiversity values were assessed at both geosites, adopting the methods of Gray (2004Gray ( , 2013. Soil physico-chemical analyses were conducted on samples from 0-10 cm depth. The dominant soil texture on Caixa D'Aço natural pool trail is sandy clay loam and on Água Branca trail all samples were coarse sandy loams. Soils on Caixa D'Aco natural pool trail were compact, with a mean bulk density of 1.41 g/ cm 3 ; whereas on Água Branca trail the mean value was 1.19 g/cm 3 . The geodiversity values at both sites were similar, except for supporting services, Caixa D´Aço natural pool has a medium value, and Água Branca waterfall has a high value. This paper stresses the importance of geoconservation studies in publicizing the geoheritage of Brazilian Protected areas.

Quantitative-Qualitative Method for Quick Assessment of Geodiversity

“…These elements describe the form and quality of the area, and they are common throughout the Earth, while other elements of main values (volcanos, caves, weathering mass, and structural elements) are connected to places with conditions that contribute to evolution of these processes. Additionally, soils were not mentioned above, as this element is considered to fall within the sphere of biological activity and will be studied in future research [3,10,[30][31][32][33][34][35]. Notably, soils represent the interface between abiotic and biotic nature and processes, with soil formation and type impacting on the geocultural aspects of societal development, such as evolution of agricultural practices.…”

The dilemma of valuing geodiversity: geoconservation versus geotourism

“…In Africa, one study is conducted in each of Cameroon [42], Morocco [43], Angola [44] and Egypt [45]. In South America, three studies take place in Brazil [46][47][48], and one in Ecuador [49]. Australia, representing the final continent, accounts for only one study [50].…”

Saline Soils: A Potentially Significant Geoheritage of the Vojvodina Region, Northern Serbia

“…Soils are complex and diverse natural systems, with broad spectra of chemical, physical and biological properties. Recently, pedodiversity has become a topic of some importance, while topics related to the role of soils in natural and cultural heritage are less commonly discussed [4,5].…”

“…Figure 6. Map of slatina landscapes in the Vojvodina region within and outside of otherwise protected areas: 1 -Slano Kopovo, 2 -Jegrička,3 -Rusanda,4 -Okanj Bara,5 -Pečena Slatina,…”