Inventory Review of the Geological Heritage of the Territory of the Serra Do Sincorá Geopark Project, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract This study presents an updated inventory of the geological heritage at the territory of the proposed Serra do Sincorá Geopark, located in Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. The area covers 6,313 km² across the municipalities of Andaraí, Lençóis, Mucugê, and Palmeiras. It includes much of the Chapada Diamantina National Park (PARNA-CD), a major tourist destination in Brazil. Situated within the Espinhaço Supergroup, the region is notable for its rich geodiversity, primarily composed of sedimentary rocks from the Proterozoic Eon, affected by low-grade metamorphism and of significant scientific, educational, and touristic relevance. The study involved literature review, fieldwork, and the evaluation of 45 geological sites: 22 from the original proposal, 9 identified by other authors (Fanha 2019; Parra forthcoming), and 14 newly proposed sites. These new inventoried sites emphasize geotourism, a key pillar of the Geopark concept. Field visits during 2024 enabled site descriptions, followed by inventory using the GEOSSIT application from the Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB/CPRM), which assessed scientific, educational, touristic value, and degradation risk. The results underscore the international significance of iconic sites at the territory, such as Cachoeira da Fumaça and Morro do Pai Inácio. New geosites like Cachoeira do Sossego, Cachoeira do Herculano, and Pedreira do Capão were classified with national relevance. The study strengthens the Serra do Sincorá Geopark proposal, contributing to its future application to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and promoting geoconservation, environmental education, and sustainable development through geotourism.