Matrix of Priorities for the Management of Visitation Impacts on the Geosites of Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark (NE Brazil)
Eduardo S. Guimarães,
Artur Sá,
Ronaldo Gabriel,
Helena Moreira,
Jaqueliny R. S. Guimarães,
Paulo Felipe R. Bandeira,
João Marcos F. de Lima Silva,
Rafael C. Soares,
José Patrício P. Melo
Affiliations
Eduardo S. Guimarães
Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UNESCO Chair on “Geoparks, Sustainable Regional Development and Healthy Lifestyles”, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Artur Sá
Department of Geology of the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Geosciences Centre of the University of Coimbra and UNESCO Chair on “Geoparks, Sustainable Regional Development and Healthy Lifestyles”, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Ronaldo Gabriel
Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UNESCO Chair on “Geoparks, Sustainable Regional Development and Healthy Lifestyles”, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Helena Moreira
Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, Health and Human Development (CIDESD), CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UNESCO Chair on “Geoparks, Sustainable Regional Development and Healthy Lifestyles”, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Jaqueliny R. S. Guimarães
Department of Nurse, Regional University of Cariri, Street Cel. Antônio Luiz 1161, Pimenta, 63105-000 Crato-CE, Brazil
Paulo Felipe R. Bandeira
Department of Physical Education, Regional University of Cariri, Street Cel. Antônio Luiz 1161, Pimenta, 63105-000 Crato-CE, Brazil
João Marcos F. de Lima Silva
Department of Physical Education, University Center Doctor Leão Sampaio; Leão Sampaio km 3, Lagoa Seca, 63180-000 Juazeiro do Norte/CE, Brazil
Rafael C. Soares
Department Geology, Post Graduation Program, Federal University of Ceará; Humberto Monte, s/n, Pici, 60440-593 Fortaleza/CE, Brazil
José Patrício P. Melo
Department of Law, Rector of the Cariri Regional University, Coronel Antônio Luíz, 1161, Pimenta, 63105-000 Crato/CE, Brazil
In order to safeguard the material and immaterial heritage and to foster delightful experiences for visitors, this investigation aimed to define a Matrix of Priorities for management of Visitation Impacts Management on the Geosites of Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark. With a quantitative approach involving the revision of documents, the methods used in this paper determined what the demands for visitation are as well as the impacts of these demands. We identified the offers for activities and occurrences in the geosites. Using this model, we calculated the following variables: (i) evident impacts, (ii) management profile, (iii) visitor demand and (iv) activity zone. We also classified the recommended management actions and presented the priority matrix. We classified the geosites of Ponte de Pedra, Riacho do Meio and Cachoeira de Missão Velha as requiring immediate or priority management action, in view of the high impacts of visitation evidenced. The geosites of Pedra Cariri, Floresta Petrificada and Parque dos Pterossauros were classified as programmed action, highlighting the difficulty of accessing them and the low demand for visitation. The geosites Pontal de Santa Cruz, Colina do Horto and Batateiras presented the best scores and require feedback action. It is emphasized that the deepening the investigations is required in order to produce and interpret the data complexity that guides the management of a dynamic territory such as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
