The Challenges of geoconservation in the Campos Gerais of Paraná

Abstract

The Campos Gerais do Paraná earth heritage is represented mainly by geomorphologic features, past glacial evidences, type localities of geological units, and classic fossiliferous outcrops. The region has special significance in terms of its research and educational values, with a number of teaching institutions using it as a type of practical laboratory for activities in the Earth Sciences. The establishment of a coordenated earth heritage conservation strategy in the region will require the adoption of sequential actions: inventorying, quantification, classification, protection, valuing, divulgation, and monitoring. The implementation of this geoconservation plan of actions responds to the exceptional values and threats to the regional geodiversity. These threats include engineering works, predatory collecting of geological samples and inadequate land management, mainly linked to agriculture and forestry practices. Some of the next challenges to the geoscientific community in the Campos Gerais are: a) to bring scientific support to an increasing natural tourism sector, respecting limits and integrating it with the other touristic activities (cultural, historical, gastronomical etc.); b) to determine criteria for the rational use of mineral, soil and water resources; c) to increase the presence of earth science knowledge in the daily activities of the society through formal and informal programs; d) to effectively participate in the management of conservation units; e) to act in harmony with biodiversity conservation professionals, building natural conservation strategies that address both the biotic and abiotic aspects; and f) to set up the scientific foundations to the implementation of a geopark in the region of the Campos Gerais.