Author(s): Quintero Marín, Juan Esteban
Date: 2022
Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/83341
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Subject(s): Colombia; Geoconservation; Geodiversity; Geoparks; Paleontological heritage; Colômbia; Geoconservação; Geodiversidade; Geoparques; Património paleontológico; Geoconservación; Geodiversidad
The Alto Ricaurte region, located in north-eastern Colombia, 160 km from the capital, includes the municipalities of Sáchica, Santa Sofía, Sutamarchán and Villa de Leyva. This territory, a cradle of Colombia's archaeological, historical-architectural, cultural, natural and geological heritage, possesses the necessary components to become a UNESCO Global Geopark. In the region, for example, there are examples of appropriation of geoscientific knowledge by local institutions and social actors, geo-education initiatives, geo-products, examples of successful museum management, ecotourism activities, among others. The area is also an exceptional place to study the relationship between geology and society through the approach of geodiversity values, with remarkable cultural, spiritual and economic values. The work methodology included a literature review, the definition of a conceptual and philosophical model to structure the geoconservation strategy, conversations and interviews with social actors and experts, fieldwork, surveys through the use of geoconservation forms, and analysis of the information. After an assessment based on the recognition of the different services provided by geodiversity to society, as well as the value and usefulness of the local knowledge, it was possible to accomplish a diagnosis of the state of conservation of geodiversity, and to propose a geoconservation strategy. The analysis revealed that the main threats to geodiversity in the area are the private character of the land, territorial expansion, quarrying, tourism pressure and lack of awareness. The proposed geoconservation strategy consists of six key steps: 1. Defining the scope and purpose; 2. Understanding geodiversity and geoheritage; 3. Inventory, assessment and selection of sites; 4. Geoconservation diagnosis; 5. Strategic action plan on geoconservation; 6. Application and monitoring of the strategy. It is hoped that this master thesis will contribute to the comprehension of the geodiversity of the Alto Ricaurte, in addition to territorial planning and geoconservation policies and actions in the area, especially in the context of a possible UNESCO Global Geopark application.
