Geoheritage of the Brazilian Pampa where actions of Geoconserve, Geopreserve and Geoprotecting are the Challenges of the 21st Century

Abstract

The biome of the “Pampa” in Brazil is a restricted area located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, that extends for 153.254 Km2 and constitutes 1.79% of the national territory. Unfortunately, it has been severely impacted by agribusiness activities. The present study will show a strategic importance for the environmental preservation of the “Pampa” geoheritage. The goals are to reset the borders of the “Pampa”, to identify geosites of scientific value, and to evaluate the risks of environmental degradation with the aim to propose geoconservation actions. The material for this study came from Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, Geological Survey of Brazil and edited using the geographic information systems program ArcGIS - ESRI®. The evaluation methodology used consists of the systematic registration of geological sites using different scales and values, and by mathematical criteria showing the relevant value and the degrees of environment degradation risks. The results present three maps showing the borders (limits) of the “Pampa” biome, geodiversity, and geosites and in as well as frames and charts, which contain the scientific value and the degree of environmental degradation risk of the six geosites. This information will be useful in proposing a course of action for geoconservation such as: the creation of conservation units, geoparks and the updating of environment legislation. The proposed actions are fundamental for spatial planning, based on the best practices of sustainable development, as geoconservation, geopreservation and geoprotection still remain the major challenges of the 21st century.