Southern Canyons Pathways UNESCO Global Geoparks: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Objective: This article aims to understand the process of setting up the GMCCS and its prospects for the sustainable development of the communities living in the territory. The following research questions are posed: a) How did the prospecting of UGGps take place in the LAC region? b) How did the process of recognition and approval of the GMCCS take place? c) How has the GMCCS contributed to the sustainable socio-economic development of the towns that make up the territory?
 
 Method: In order to achieve the above objectives, the state-of-the-art methodology was used, together with bibliographic and documentary research, to understand the conception of the idea of geoparks in the international context and their dissemination around the world.
 
 Results and conclusion: As a result, it was found that the territories that have been recognized, including the GMCCS, have proved to be effective and sensitive tools for the socio-economic development of their respective communities, although the prospecting of geoparks in LAC is still happening slowly and gradually.
 
 Research implications: UGGps (UNESCO Global Geoparks) aim to promote the sustainable development of local communities. The GGN (Global Geoparks Network) currently has 177 accredited territories around the world, ten of which are in the LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean) region. The research shows that the territory of the UNESCO World Geopark Caminhos dos Cânions Sul is moving towards promoting sustainable development in its territory.