Projeto Geoparque Seridó: um estudo das práticas turísticas como propulsor para o desenvolvimento local

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the touristic practices present in the Geoparque Seridó project, which contribute to the development of the localities where it is developed. In recent decades, there have been spaces aimed at the protection of natural resources, with special attention to the physical environment (geodiversity), along with the touristic practice, as is the case of Geoparks. These are mechanisms for managing a territory, through the conservation of geological heritage, education and tourism, which is linked to the development of the community inserted in the territory. The project is composed of six municipalities located inside the state of Rio Grande do Norte, being: Cerro Corá, Lagoa Nova, Currais Novos, Acari, Carnaúba dos Dantas and Parelhas, both possessing great diversity in the natural and cultural aspects. In methodological terms, this is a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach. In order to make a comparison with the Seridó Geopark Project in terms of tourist practices, we analyzed the sites of Arouca Geopark and Geopark Naturtejo - Portugal, as well as interview with a member of Arouca Geopak. Finally, the minutes of the work group Geoparque Seridó, created by the state Government of Rio Grande do Norte, were analyzed. In relation to the results of the research, it was possible to identify several segments present and developed in the territory of the project Geoparque Seridó, based on sustainable tourism, triggering to two major segments: Nature Tourism and Cultural tourism. In the first, there are activities related to ecotourism, geotourism, adventure tourism and rural tourism. In the second: geotourism, pedagogical tourism, gastronomic tourism, event tourism, religious tourism and archaeological tourism. These do not deplete the possibility of new niches and/or segments in the area studied. The contribution to the development of the locality through the generation of employment and diversification of income, incentive to the production of handicrafts, as well as the production of gastronomic souvenir, in addition to education and environmental awareness through Project actions. In addition, comparing the practices and touristic segments of the two Portuguese geoparks with the project Geoparque Seridó, the differences found were: health tourism, occurred only in the Naturtejo Geopark and the archaeological tourism that happens in the project Geopark Seridó. This denotes the potentiality of the latter when compared with the two model Geoparks. The discourse of public managers regarding the project in question is positive. Participation and communication between public and private managers and the local community were perceptible, making it a contact and exchange of beneficial experiences for the realization of tourism in this territory.