Reflexões sobre o geoturismo no município de Primeira Cruz-MA

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze and bring the main key concepts about Geotourism, in which it is an activity that values geological and natural resources, promoting their preservation and public awareness about the importance of geological heritage and geodiversity. Having as a base the municipality of Primeira Cruz, since it is part of the tourist segment of Lençóis Maranhenses, the current study brings the main complexities that are the impacts of modifications in tourist landscapes, lack of socio-environmental planning, lack of public policies that encourage the development of the region, lack of visibility for the exploration of geotourism, thus favoring the economy of this municipality. In addition, the article cites the main objectives of geotourism, which are the natural elements present in the points considered touristic. It also aims at geology, geomorphology, geographic landscapes among other natural elements. Since this municipality has a rich geodiversity, including sandbanks, dunes, mangroves and lagoons, which are important for ensuring the biodiversity of this region and for increasing and developing the potential of geotourism, it was necessary to provide in-depth information about these natural elements. In addition, the municipality faces challenges such as poor infrastructure and lack of investment that compromises the sustainable practice of tourism. In this regard, the need for strategies that integrate environmental preservation stands out, as the best way to take advantage of natural resources in order to aggregate local economic development. On the other hand, it is observed that Primeira Cruz has high geotourism potential, but it depends on tourism planning that reconciles environmental preservation, cultural appreciation and socioeconomic benefits for the local community, ensuring balanced and sustainable development