Browsing by Author "Firmino, Gisela"
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- Abstract Book 15th Geoparks ConferencePublication . Castro, Emanuel; Firmino, Gisela; Gomes, Hugo; Cezar, Lucas; Sá, Artur; Silva, Elisabeth; Fernandes, Magda; Vieira, Gonçalo; Loureiro, Fábio; Patrocínio, Filipe; Castel-Branco, João; Azevedo, PatríciaThe UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) are territories of science, education and culture. These develop holistic approaches to sustainable development aiming to create new tools that can reinforce endogenous values and empower local communities. The Estrela Aspiring Geopark was created and implemented based on this reality and principles. Since the beginning, sustainable development of the territory was a priority, considering the uniqueness of the Estrela Mountain area and the importance of the protection and valorisation of its endogenous potential, with emphasis on the geological heritage.
- Aspiring Geopark Estrela: A Strategy for Sustainable DevelopmentPublication . Castro, Emanuel; Vieira, Goncalo; Loureiro, Fábio; Patrocínio, Filipe; Firmino, Gisela; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, Magda
- Communicate Science in UNESCO Global GeoparkPublication . Patrocínio, Filipe; Castro, Emanuel; Loureiro, Fábio; Firmino, Gisela; Vieira, Gonçalo; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, MagdaUNESCO territories are spaces of Education, Science and Culture, but also of Communication. Today, communication is an imperative of these territories, both as dissemination strategies and as a way of positioning in different development domains. In any case, knowing how to communicate its resources, differentiating elements or defining strategies, constitutes a competitive advantage that cannot be neglected at the present time. In other perspective, communication translates a strategy defined by the territories, visible in the way it communicates and in what is communicated. However, it’s not always easy to convey the values we want, much less when we speak about Science. The UNESCO Global Geoparks, as well-defined spaces where a community development strategy based on geology is built, are also areas of science. As such, communicating scientific knowledge, heritage resources, tangible and intangible values and culture itself are part of the daily life of a Geopark. Assuming the old maxim that we can only value what we know, the development of instruments, strategies and processes is fundamental, allowing the interpretation and dissemination of the geological heritage, but also of what is intended to be achieved with its valorisation, not only promoting greater attractiveness, but also a greater involvement of their communities, leading them to contribute in their own development. At Estrela Geopark, an aspirant to the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, communication plays a prominent role in its transverse development strategy. In each of its vital axes, tourism, science, education and sustainability, communication seeks to achieve three essential objectives: first, greater awareness of the Geopark brand and its own concept; secondly, greater dissemination of the territory; and thirdly, greater attractiveness, with more tourists, residents and investors. However, it`s not always easy to communicate science and scientific research. How to convey knowledge in an accessible, interesting and appealing way to the general public, whether visitors or residents? Aware of this difficulty, the Estrela Geopark betted early on interpretation as a central strategy for the whole communicative process. To interpret is the sine quo non condition for spreading knowledge, promoting geoconservation, achieving new forms of education and fostering our sense of belonging and pride. Throughout the last four years, several communication measures have been adopted, among which we highlight the "Portas do Geopark ", which are points of information and dissemination of heritage, and provide an entry into the territory. These "Portas" are the materialization of a dissemination strategy for the values of the Geopark throughout the 9 municipalities that compose this Aspiring with more than 2 thousand km2. Thus, 9 "Portas" and a tenth in the highest point of Continental Portugal, the Torre of Serra da Estrela, a place that receives approximately 2 million visitors per year, were created. In fact, communicating is much more than a simple way of transmitting knowledge, it`s a methodology that leverages the whole strategy of the Geopark, so that Estrela truly becomes a territory of Science, Education, Culture and Communication.
- Communicating Science In UNESCO Global GeoparksPublication . Patrocínio, Filipe; Castro, Emanuel; Loureiro, Fábio; Firmino, Gisela; Vieira, Goncalo; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, MagdaUNESCO territories are spaces of Education, Science and Culture, but also of Communication. Today, communication is an imperative of these territories, both as dissemination strategies and as a way of positioning in different development domains. In any case, knowing how to communicate its resources, differentiating elements or defining strategies, constitutes a competitive advantage that cannot be neglected at the present time. In other perspective, communication translates a strategy defined by the territories, visible in the way it communicates and in what is communicated. However, it’s not always easy to convey the values we want, much less when we speak about Science. The UNESCO Global Geoparks, as well-defined spaces where a community development strategy based on geology is built, are also areas of science. As such, communicating scientific knowledge, heritage resources, tangible and intangible values and culture itself are part of the daily life of a Geopark. Assuming the old maxim that we can only value what we know, the development of instruments, strategies and processes is fundamental, allowing the interpretation and dissemination of the geological heritage, but also of what is intended to be achieved with its valorisation, not only promoting greater attractiveness, but also a greater involvement of their communities, leading them to contribute in their own development. At Estrela Geopark, an aspirant to the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, communication plays a prominent role in its transverse development strategy. In each of its vital axes, tourism, science, education and sustainability, communication seeks to achieve three essential objectives: first, greater awareness of the Geopark brand and its own concept; secondly, greater dissemination of the territory; and thirdly, greater attractiveness, with more tourists, residents and investors. However, it`s not always easy to communicate science and scientific research. How to convey knowledge in an accessible, interesting and appealing way to the general public, whether visitors or residents? Aware of this difficulty, the Estrela Geopark betted early on interpretation as a central strategy for the whole communicative process. To interpret is the sine quo non condition for spreading knowledge, promoting geoconservation, achieving new forms of education and fostering our sense of belonging and pride. Throughout the last four years, several communication measures have been adopted, among which we highlight the "Portas do Geopark ", which are points of information and dissemination of heritage, and provide an entry into the territory. These "Portas" are the materialization of a dissemination strategy for the values of the Geopark throughout the 9 municipalities that compose this Aspiring with more than 2 thousand km2. Thus, 9 "Portas" and a tenth in the highest point of Continental Portugal, the Torre of Serra da Estrela, a place that receives approximately 2 million visitors per year, were created. In fact, communicating is much more than a simple way of transmitting knowledge, it`s a methodology that leverages the whole strategy of the Geopark, so that Estrela truly becomes a territory of Science, Education, Culture and Communication.
- A Geodiversidade do Aspiring Geopark Estrela, Portugal como Factor de Desenvolvimento TerritorialPublication . Gomes, Hugo; Castro, Emanuel; Fernandes, Magda; Firmino, Gisela; Patrocínio, Filipe; Vieira, Gonçalo; Fernandes, Gonçalo
- A Geodiversidade do Aspiring Geopark Estrela, Portugal como Factor de Desenvolvimento TerritorialPublication . Gomes, Hugo; Castro, Emanuel; Fernandes, Magda; Firmino, Gisela; Patrocínio, Filipe; Fernandes, Gonçalo; Vieira, GoncaloEste trabalho tem como enfoque a geodiversidade do Aspiring Geopark Estrela, assente num paradigma de desenvolvimento territorial, apoiado numa estratégia bottom-up, associando a geologia e as comunidades, num reforço da sua patrimonialização e do sentido de pertença a ela associado. Tal pressupõe uma visão holística do espaço, envolvendo os agentes locais e as estratégias de promoção do património geológico.
- Geodiversity and geo-education in the construction of tourist and leisure territories: the case of Estrela Aspiring Geopark (AGE)Publication . Fernandes, Magda; Castro, Emanuel; Loureiro, Fábio; Patrocínio, Filipe; Firmino, Gisela; Vieira, Gonçalo; Gomes, HugoGeodiversity has an intrinsic enormous scientific value in allowing us to understand the evolution of our Planet. In this sense, it is necessary to implement strategies to preserve geodiversity, through geoconservation. In order to disseminate and promote geological heritage, some territories seek to develop educational programs that promote direct contact with geoheritage, contributing to the recognition of its importance and consequently of the need for its conservation. In implementing educational promotion strategies, with the use of properly prepared guides and appropriate educational materials, teachers are encouraged to promote field lessons at different levels of education, contributing to increasing the interest in geosciences, as well as for a better understanding of other phenomena occurring on Earth. With the objective of promoting the development of value-added activities, based on geodiversity, we have seen a tourist appropriation of these resources, giving rise to geotourism strategies. We are thus faced with a potential form of sustainable tourism that can contribute to the economic development of many regions, while respecting sustainability criteria. In the Aspiring Geopark Estrela the geoconservation of geological heritage takes place through the implementation of key methods, such as inventories of geosites, with evaluation of its scientific, educational, cultural and touristic value; the implementation of signage, exhibitions, and interpretative panels accessible to all and the establishment of interpretative routes. Will be presented some examples of the different educative programs that are being currently promoted and directed to the disciplinary areas of the Geosciences. Our approach allows an interdisciplinary with other areas of knowledge, such as, Biology, Geography, History and Archaeology.
- Geodiversity and Geo-education in the constrution of tourist and leisure territories: the case of Estrela Aspiring Geopark (EAG).Publication . Fernandes, Magda; Firmino, Gisela; Castro, Emanuel; Loureiro, Fábio; Patrocínio, Filipe; Vieira, Goncalo; Gomes, HugoGeodiversity has an intrinsic enormous scientific value in allowing us to understand the evolution of our Planet. In this sense, it is necessary to implement strategies to preserve geodiversity, through geoconservation. In order to disseminate and promote geological heritage, some territories seek to develop educational programs that promote direct contact with geoheritage, contributing to the recognition of its importance and consequently of the need for its conservation. In implementing educational promotion strategies, with the use of properly prepared guides and appropriate educational materials, teachers are encouraged to promote field lessons at different levels of education, contributing to increasing the interest in geosciences, as well as for a better understanding of other phenomena occurying on Earth. With the objective of promoting the development of value-added activities, based on geodiversity, we have seen a tourist appropriation of these resources, giving rise to geotourism strategies. We are thus faced with a potential form of sustainable tourism that can contribute to the economic development of many regions, while respecting sustainability criteria. The conservation of geological heritage takes place through the implementation of key methods, such as inventories, with evaluation of its scientific, educational, cultural and tourist value; the implementation of signage, publications (articles, leaflets, guides and maps), audiovisual media (promotional videos), exhibitions, and interpretative panels accessible to all (in several languages, including Braille) and the establishment of interpretative routes. In this context, this presentation aims to identify different strategies of valorization, promotion and appropriation of courses, placing them at the service of the community and tourist development. Examples of the Aspiring Geopark Estrela, a privileged space for geotourism and geo-education will be used. The territory of Aspiring Geopark Estrela, comprising 9 municipalities, (Guarda, Seia, Gouveia, Celorico da Beira, Fornos de Algodres, Manteigas, Belmonte, Covilhã and Oliveira do Hospital), has its agglutinating element in Serra da Estrela, with geological heritage of national and international scientific relevance. The Estrela is part of the Iberian Central Cordillera and the first barrier to the moist air masses from the Atlantic that enter southwest Europe. The mountain with a summit plateau between 1,400 and 2,000 m ASL was extremely sensitive to the cold periods of the Pleistocene, having developed extensive glacial and periglacial features. These, interplay with the Cenozoic geomorphological heritage marked by large and medium scale morphotectonic elements afecting the dominant granite terrains, as well as the metasediments, as well as with the remnants of planation surfaces and deep weathering. The landscape is a complex and rich geological and geomorphological mosaic with major controls on climate, hydrology, ecosystems, culture and economy that extend far beyond the Aspiring Estrela Geopark region. We will show examples of the different educational programs that are being currently promoted and directed to the disciplinary areas of the Natural Sciences, Biology/Geology and Geography, of the basic and secondary education. Our approach allows for an interdisciplinarity with other areas of knowledge, such as, for example, History and Archeology.
- Managing the Estrela Aspiring Geopark: A framework for Promoting geoheritage conservationPublication . Castro, Emanuel; Vieira, Gonçalo; Loureiro, Fábio; Patrocínio, Filipe; Firmino, Gisela; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, MagdaThe serra da Estrela (1,993 m asl) is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal and is part of the Iberian Central Cordillera. Bounded by fault scarps, a granite massif occupies the central area forming a summit plateau between ci. 1,400 and 2,000 m, while surrounding the core area, there is an interplay with schists and greywackes. During the Last Glacial a plateau ice-field and five radiating valley glaciers occupied the highest parts of the mountain with an estimated equilibrium line altitude at 1,650 m asl. The plateau style of the glaciation and the ELA just below the plateau edge made the Estrela very sensitive to climate fluctuations, having resulted in several terminal moraine complexes that reveal several glacial stages. The central plateau area shows widespread glacial erosion features and an almost complete stripping of the Cenozoic weathering mantle. The non-glaciated plateaus show a rich landscape dominated by granite weathering landforms. The remarkable glacial landscape of the serra da Estrela when considering its setting in SW Europe, together with other relevant geoheritage such as periglacial, weathering and mass wasting phenomena, tectonic, petrological and hydrogeological features, are at the core of Estrela’s application to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.
- The Integration of the Communities in an Application ProcessPublication . Firmino, Gisela; Castro, Emanuel; Loureiro, Fábio; Patrocínio, Filipe; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, MagdaA UNESCO Global Geopark builds its strategy on the Communities and their development, contributing to the reinforcement of the sense of belonging and their active participation in the whole process, like it is expected from a Bottom-Up process. In this way, Estrela, as an aspirant to UNESCO Global Geopark, has defined its strategy based on this premise. With a 2216km2 territory, 9 municipalities and around 170,000 inhabitants, AGE has been working on the dissemination of both the concept of Geopark and the advantages that an application such as this offers territories with low density and high levels of depopulation. Thus, the year 2017 was marked by the start of several activities with the objective of improving the involvement of the Population in a process so structurant for the territory as this is, because a holistic vision of the territory has finally emerged, opposing the fragmented vision existing until then of the municipalities that compose this application. In this context, the Estrela Conferences advocate a new approach to integrate the people in this application process, giving them an active voice and bringing them to the stage, giving them the opportunity to discuss and participate in the decisions that are being made. The nine municipalities that have promoted this project have been travelled through for nine months, in which the main themes related to Serra da Estrela were discussed through public sessions open to the community, inspired by the concept of Community Forums. These focus groups, with the main objective of discussing and finding solutions to the main challenges that Estrela faces nowadays, were occurred, preferably outside the county headquarters with the clear objective of decentralizing and taking the Geopark to places which usually are removed from the calendar of the municipalities. Examples of this decentralization were the cases of Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis and Caria. These debate sessions made us travel through themes such as "Heritage, Culture and Tradition", "Communication and Territorial Identity", "Geology and Geodiversity", "Tourism: Challenges and Opportunities", "Education and Science: (re)interpreting natural spaces", "Environment and Biodiversity and Mountain Spaces", "Development and Territorial Cohesion", "Depopulation and Low Density" and "Geoparks: new strategies of the 21st Century". Thus, this communication intends to present the Conferências of Estrela as an example of good practices, since in addition to fostering the values of an UNESCO Global Geopark, it also places the Populations at the centre of the strategy of a Geopark, favouring the development of a critical spirit, active citizenship and a sense of belonging. It also helps the sharing of ancestral knowledge by the eldest population, which would otherwise be lost in time.