Priority geotouristic interest sites for environmental conservation in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil

Abstract

Ecosystem services arising from the interaction between the biotic and abiotic elements of landscapes are only possible when the environment has a certain degree of stability, thus, environmental conservation becomes necessary. The work is developed from the perspective of identifying the places of geotouristic interest in the municipality of Santa Maria — Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Such components involve the geological and geomorphological attributes of the landscape, which, associated with climate, vegetation, water and human activities, provide essential ecosystem functions for the maintenance of local and regional environmental quality. The relationship established between geology and geomorphology favors the development of soils, and it is where biological diversity is established, in such a way that the care to maintain the geodiversity present in the territories becomes a fundamental component. The procedures to identify places of geotouristic interest were based on scientific references, field work and interviews. The results obtained favored the discussion about the order of importance, regarding the conservation of these places of interest, as well as the elaboration of a map of their location. The identified sites are related to the geotouristic uses carried out on the hills and waterfalls, as well as the scientific and cultural use of fossiliferous sites. Thus, the elements analyzed constitute landscape potential for sustainable activities and for dissemination and encouragement regarding the protection of the landscape.