Caminho da Geodiversidade Gaúcha: uma trilha de longo curso integrando aspectos geo-bio-socioculturais

Long-distance trails are tools for recreation, preservation of the environment and generation of employment and sustainable income, in the form of paths followed in a sporting/tourist way, mainly on foot or bicycle, for at least one day of activity, connecting regions with notable environmental and landscape importance. In the context of the southern half of RS, some sustainable development initiatives have sought to stimulate the economy. One of the most recent was the recognition, by UNESCO, of the Caçapava Geopark, given the enormous and unique geodiversity of the region. This same characteristic motivated the preparation of this work, combining sport and tourism with geodiversity, making use of geosystemic concepts, which use bio-sociodiversity to provide an integration of the environment. The objective of this work is to propose the creation and implementation of the Gaúcha Geodiversity Path, which runs 500 km in 6 municipalities, whose vocation is the geodiversity of the region. Maps were created using remote sensing and field work was carried out, which improved the route, through joint construction with the community that lives along the route. A description of the geological, biological and social aspects is presented, which provided the distinction between 3 sectors of the path. 43 points were identified to provide logistical support and educational and environmental interest along the route. It is expected that the Gaúcha Geodiversity Path will join other sustainable development strategies in the region, bring better socioeconomic conditions and contribute to the preservation of the Pampa Biome.