GEOTOURISM AS A STRATEGY FOR TERRITORIAL VALORIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: AN ANALYSIS IN LIGHT OF THE 2030 AGENDA

Abstract

This article analyzes the potential of geotourism as a strategy for enhancing geological heritage and promoting sustainable development, with emphasis on its relationships with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. The research is based on a literature review conducted primarily through Google Scholar, covering geotourism, geodiversity, geological heritage, geoconservation, socioeconomic development, and the SDGs. The discussion shows that geotourism goes beyond the aesthetic appreciation of landscapes by combining interpretation, education, geoconservation, and local community participation. Based on the literature used in the study, potential connections with eleven SDGs are discussed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16, and 17. The Caiuá Geopark Project, in northwestern Paraná, Brazil, is also highlighted as a regional example of the integration of geological heritage, education, tourism, and local development. However, the article argues that the contribution of geotourism to the 2030 Agenda is not automatic; rather, it depends on territorial planning, impact management, appropriate interpretation, and community participation. It is concluded that, when integrated into territorial management and conservation policies, geotourism can constitute a relevant instrument for enhancing geoheritage and promoting sustainable development.