Áreas Protegidas e Turismo na Serra do Espinhaço: Dez anos de atuação do Grupo Integrado de Pesquisas do Espinhaço - UFMG / UFVJM

Tourism activity in the Serra do Espinhaco Biosphere Reserve (RBSE), Minas Gerais, takes place in practically all its extension. In some areas, tourism has enabled the valorization and preservation of cultural and natural heritage through listing, records of intangible heritage, seal concessions and creation of Conservation Units, especially in the axis of the Estrada Real, which was the route for the gold and diamonds outflow from the mid-18th century. e aim of this article is to provide an overview of tourism in the Serra do Espinhaco Biosphere Reserve, exploring the possible effects of this activity in the enhancement and preservation of the historic-natural heritage. Tis study has as theoretical and practical support in researches already carried out in the area of the Reserve within the scope of the Espinhaco’s Integrated Research Group (GIPE). As natural and cultural heritage constitute a true amalgamation when we refer to the RBSE, the work carried out within the scope of GIPE seeks a constant dialogue with other areas of knowledge, adding references in the areas of geology, biology, physical and human geography, archeology, heritage and social sciences. The great tourist differential of the RBSE resides in this unique heritage amalgamation, and it remains to be seen to what extent the tourists who visit it, in increasing numbers, really know this characteristic/ wealth/potential in order to value it.