GEOPARQUES MUNDIAIS DA UNESCO NO BRASIL: NOVAS FORMAS DE GESTÃO INTEGRADA DOS TERRITÓRIOS

Geoparks can be considered "new" forms of Integrated Territory Management (ITM) and have been established in Brazil since 2006. The fundamental role of these territories is to protect the geological heritage, combined with the sustainability of the environment in which they are located. They therefore need a form of shared management that meets all the objectives set by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Geosciences and Geoparks Program, which certifies a territory as a Global Geopark. There are five certified Geoparks in Brazil, which have different forms of management, but some similarities. The aim of this text is to analyze the concept of geopark established in Brazil and its forms of territorial management based on GIT theory. To achieve these objectives, bibliographical and documentary research methods were used. A documentary survey was carried out based on the application dossiers for Geoparks with UNESCO. The research showed that although there are a variety of forms of management worldwide, Brazil is closer to the Intermunicipal Public Consortia model. There is also common ground among these territories in Brazil in the consolidation of general organizational bodies (general assembly or administrative councils) and a technical team working in these territories.