Hydrological Heritage and Geoconservation in Plateau Areas of the Brazilian Northeastern Semiarid Region

Abstract The Martins-Portalegre Plateau, located in the semiarid region of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, harbors a hydrological heritage of significant regional importance. However, the lack of (re)cognition by both local populations and public administrators has contributed to the degradation of its Sites of Hydrological Interest (SHI). This study aims to classify twelve (12) Hydrologically Significant Sites based on ecological, aesthetic, sociocultural, and complementary criteria. Among the twelve sites assessed, two were classified as hydrosites and eight as potential hydrosites, with particular emphasis on the Umarizeira Waterfall and the Brejo Spring, due to their highest overall scores. Two sites were categorized as non-hydrosites, primarily due to their low ecological ratings. The findings suggest that, despite their intrinsic value and unique characteristics, some of these sites are neither adequately preserved nor sustainably managed, particularly in the context of tourism. Therefore, it is essential that public administrators implement geoconservation programs specifically targeting these areas in order to maintain the quality of existing attributes while improving the conditions of more vulnerable sites, potentially allowing their reclassification into categories of higher heritage value.