Geoparks Management: Challenges and Realities

Abstract

The geoparks represent part of a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. These spaces are valued local tourist attractions with emphasis on geological features, maximizing Geotourism. This activity brings local economic benefits and educate people about the evolution of your site and landscape. By not being tied to any law, the geoparks is allowed different forms of management. To understand the management of these spaces aim of this study is to present a detailed analysis of national and international geoparks management plans in order to understand the management of these territories. The methodology used apesenta a qualitative focus exploratory, since it noted the need to seize on geoparks management. Thus, it adopted a bibliographical and documentary research, in which the data collection instrument were adopted plans for national and international geoparks management. The analysis of these documents- plans gestões- made it possible to identify that there is a kind of standard management of these sites and that management of these areas occurs as the reality of each location. However there are points in common in the efforts made in the Arouca Geopark is the one with the most comprehensive managerial context to use more of the administration tools. Thus, the management of geoparks adapts to their different socio-economic contexts, incorporating them in the planning sphere.

Keywords

• Geoturismo. Geoparque. Gestão.