Potencial geoturístico e geoeducativo do patrimônio geológico da região de Piraí da Serra - Paraná

Abstract

Piraí da Serra is located on the Second Plateau of Paraná, on the edge of the Devonian Escarpment, inserted in the phytogeographic region known as Campos Gerais do Paraná. With about 513 km2 and integrating part of the municipalities of Tibagi, Piraí do Sul and Castro. Its geodiversity is marked by landscapes resulting mostly from the evolution of the Furnas Formation added to the processes linked to the Ponta Grossa Arch, which promoted a strong structural control. Creating a unique landscape with several canyons aligned in the SE-NW direction, with abrupt cuesta slopes of the Devonian Escarpment, uniform relief, waterfalls, among other forms. A portion of these landscapes holds great geotourism and geoeducational potential, partly utilized. The research focused on identifying and quantifying geosites, developing suggestions for geological itineraries with focus on geotourism and geoeducational uses, which brings the possibility of illustrating the maximum aspects of the geodiversity of the place, that is, its geoheritage, thus contributing to its geoconservation. The methodology of Brilha (2016) was adapted, changing the criteria of touristic and educational values of accessibility, demographic density and economic level. Initially, the physical characterization of the area was carried out, where several aspects of the rich local geodiversity were found. There are several geological and geomorphological features at different scales (macro, meso and micro) that can be better studied and used for tourism and didactics. At this stage it was identified, during both the mapping and the field work, a great and worrying spread of pine forestry over the natural fields, thus modifying the originality of the landscape of the region. It was also noted during the field stage the need for investments in updating and/or installing signs or even other interpretive media. After consulting the literature and some specialists, eighteen geosites were analyzed, of which sixteen were selected according to their quantification and location, in order to facilitate logistics. Two itineraries were elaborated and named: "Piraí do Sul" and "RPPN Itáytyba". A description of the trails and stopping points of each route was carried out. To further facilitate its educational use, a geoeducational summary table was also prepared, containing the features that can be identified, the skills that can be addressed according to the BNCC and the content that can be worked according to the regional curriculum of the state of Paraná for Middle School and High School, for the geography course, in addition to an adapted field booklet. This research is expected to contribute to the geoscientific dissemination and heritage education, seeking a greater sensitization of the lay public, resulting in the valorization of the geoheritage, which is considered an important stage of geoconservation.