Method for the Characterization and Quantification Assessment of Geological Heritage Adapted to Paraná State, Southern Brazil

Abstract

Identification and evaluation of geosites are essential to the management and conservation of geological heritage. However, the only systematic geoheritage inventory done so far in a wide area of Brazil is the one in São Paulo State. In order to contribute little by little to a national systematic geoheritage inventory, this paper presents and discusses the method used in the inventory done in Paraná State. As most of the geoheritage inventory and assessment methods were developed in European contexts, it was necessary to include in the method some adjustments related to local particularities aimed at increasing the sensitivity of the method to elements of cultural value related to indigenous people and communities of former black slaves (quilombolas), as well as some ecological aspects. It is expected that the proposed method for the Paraná State can be adopted by other Brazilian states to allow a comparison of the results between the states, which is essential to cover in the future the whole country with a systematic geoheritage inventory.

Inventory and Quantitative Assessment of the Geological Heritage of Paraná State, Southern Brazil

“…The method used by Xavier et al ( 2021 ) assesses the scientific value (6 criteria) and vulnerability (6 criteria) of geosites (Tables 1 , 2 , and 3 ). Each criterion is evaluated by three indicators, scored with values from 0 to 4.…”

“…Furthermore, another methodological aspect that deserves an analysis concerns the adequacy of the main published methods applied to the quantitative assessment of Brazilian geosites. Such methods adopt criteria based on European historical and cultural context, often not adapted to the peculiarities of the Brazilian reality (Xavier et al 2021 ).…”