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- 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.
- Interpreting Late Pleistocene Paleoenvironments through the geosites of the Estrela Geopark, Central PortugalPublication . Gomes, Hugo; Loureiro, Fábio; Cezar, Lucas; Castro, Emanuel; Vieira, GonçaloThe UNESCO Global Geoparks are territories whose geological relevance is the starting point for a territorial development strategy. As territories of the 21st century, we want them to be places of science, culture and education, through a holistic vision, which intends to establish strong connections between the geological and cultural heritage. In this context, the geodiversity of Estrela, the richness of its geosite’s diversity and the scenic character of its landscapes make this territory a unique geography, whose structured approach allows for a solid interpretation of the paleoenvironmental evolution of the Estrela Mountain. The Estrela Geopark, with 2,216 km2, centered on the highest mountain in mainland Portugal (1993 m), is a reference for glacial geomorphology in the southwest European context. The territory shows the most significant glacial, fluvioglacial and periglacial landforms and deposits in Portugal, some of them of international relevance. The Geopark shows a diversity of granites and metasedimentary formations, with evidences of contact metamorphism. The geological history of the Estrela Geopark dates back to the Neoproterozoic, with ages older than 650 Ma, represented by an extensive sequence of metasediments dominated by schists and greywackes. These were deformed by the Variscan orogeny, during which, intrusions of granite batholiths occurred. At the end of the orogeny, the relief was razed by erosive processes that extended until the Miocene, when Variscan faults were reactivated leading to the uplift of the Estrela as a pop-up structure. The summit plateau, showing an elevation close to 2000 m, was key for the development of Estrela’s glaciers during the Pleistocene. These were responsible for a remarkable set of glacial landforms and deposits that drive the geological relevance of the Estrela Geopark. The interaction of the Pleistocene glaciers with the geoheritage reflecting the long geological history of the territory, together with the current geomorphological dynamics, long history of human settlement resulting in rich land use features and traditions, lead to the high international relevance of the territory of Estrela, a UNESCO Global Geopark candidate. The Estrela Geopark inventoried and classified 124 geosites, 40% of them related to glacial and fluvioglacial phenomena and periglacial processes. These include glacial valleys, cirques, glacial overdeepenings, several types of moraines and till outcrops, glacial erratics, glacial polished surfaces, and fluvioglacial deposits. The joint interpretation of landforms and sediments, including the palinological record has been crucial for a better understanding of the paleoenvironmental evolution and significance of the Estrela and of its high sensitivity to climate variability and change as a consequence of its high plateau-dominated morphology, bounded by steep marginal scarps and deeply carved valleys.
- 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.
- 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.
- Aspiring Geopark Estrela: A Strategy for Sustainable DevelopmentPublication . Castro, Emanuel; Vieira, Goncalo; Loureiro, Fábio; Patrocínio, Filipe; Firmino, Gisela; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, Magda
- Tourism as a Link between Estrela Geopark and Serra da Estrela Natural ParkPublication . Loureiro, Fábio; Castro, Emanuel; Patrocínio, Filipe; Firmino, Gisela; Vieira, Goncalo; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, MagdaTo look at the Estrela Geopark territory is to find a mosaic of huge natural and cultural values as well as a unique scenic beauty, factors that contribute to its tourist attractiveness. As such, a synchronous work by local agents is required, making best use of these values and actively contributing to the sustainable development of populations, a strategy that can be supported by the patrimonialisation of existing Estrela`s resources. Regarding tourism as an economic activity and social phenomenon, it functions as an agent for development, especially in regions where the economy is not very competitive, as is the case of rural areas in mainland Portugal. Based on this, it`s possible to identify two entities with a very important role in the future of the region of Serra da Estrela. The Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), which is responsible for the protected area corresponding to the Serra da Estrela Natural Park (SENP), and the Associação Geopark Estrela (AGE), responsible for the UNESCO Global Geopark application. As such, the existence of common objectives for heritage conservation and valorisation allow a complementary work by these entities. On the one hand, through its laws and directives, the existence of a protected area (SENP) in the territory of the Geopark allows the more effective conservation of this heritage. On the other hand, the Geopark can add to its greater valorisation and interpretation, contributing to the populations` involvement in the conservation process, something that has sometimes been difficult for the SENP. The focus on nature tourism has increasingly been one of the focuses of both entities, with the realization of interpreted routes, educational programs, as well as the installation of interpretive infrastructures being examples that intend to constructively raise the awareness of resident populations and tourists who visit this territory. In addition to these, during this year, this partnership will also result in the organization of the ObservaEstrela. Coordinated by the AGE, this event will be part of the “Observa” network promoted by ICNF, and will consist of a nature tourism fair, with lectures and workshops, shows, and field trips with observation and interpretation of biotic and abiotic heritage. The objective is to promote, in an integrated way, the relationship between science and tourism, further strengthening this partnership between these two entities and valuing a territory that has long deserved an event of this nature. Based on these experiences, the objective will be to demonstrate how tourism can strengthen this link between the Estrela Geopark and the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, working common vertices together that allow the implementation of a sustainable development strategy, and thus, helping the populations of this territory for which this future UNESCO Global Geopark classification is intended.
- 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.
- A Hydrometric Network for Estrela Geopark TerritoryPublication . Cezar, Lucas; Castro, Emanuel; Gomes, Hugo; Loureiro, FábioMountain habitats are usually unique and geographically confined, concentrating endemic and sensitive species. Therefore, these ecosystems are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate changes. However, mountain streams usually reveal slow climate velocities, playing an important role as refugia for cold-water biodiversity. Consistent climate change predictions show that the Mediterranean region will be highly affected by increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation. Severe droughts and associated natural hazards are the main concerns for the region, when regarding climate change scenarios. Recent works predict significant changes in water balance for the higher plateau of Serra da Estrela. As a result of the predicted increase of local mean temperature by 4˙C and the predicted decrease of the mean precipitation by 12%, mean streamflow is expected to decline by 15%, and streamflow during the snow-melting season is expected to drop by 40%. These effects will be even more severe, due to increasing water demands for economic activities under a dryer and hotter weather. Estrela Geopark is a high-value territory for Portuguese hydrography. The mountain range is the watershed for the three major basins of Portugal, and three important national rivers—the Alva, the Mondego and the Zêzere — spring in its higher plateau. The higher belt of Serra da Estrela also comprises a set of RAMSAR Wetlands of International Importance. Despite Estrela’s intrinsic hydrologic values, there are currently only 21 active hydrometric stations in the territory of 2.216km2, and only six of those are set above 1000m of elevation. Most of the active stations are set in artificial reservoirs, and are not suitable for evaluating climate change effects on natural highland water resources. In order to build a knowledge basis to understand climate change effects on Estrela Geopark habitats, and to guide local initiatives of adaptation to climate changes, we propose the foundation of a hydrometric network throughout the entire territory, but concentrating efforts on the most vulnerable and historically overlooked surface water ecosystems of the higher plateau of Serra da Estrela.
- 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.
- Estrela Geopark: Uma Estratégia de Desenvolvimento TerritorialPublication . Castro, Emanuel; Gomes, Hugo; Loureiro, Fábio; Fernandes, Magda; Patrocínio, FilipeO Estrela Geopark, com 2216 km2 é um território detentor de um notável património geológico, sendo a sua principal originalidade as evidências resultantes da última glaciação, com valores pedagógicos e cénicos elevados e com um notável valor científico, considerando a posição geográfica no limite SW da Europa. Os valores geológicos e geomorfológicos deste território fazem da Estrela um laboratório vivo de conhecimento e aprendizagem. Nesta ótica, a valorização do património é, porventura, uma das mais relevantes missões de um Geopark, através de estratégias que permitem a prossecução de diferentes objetivos para o desenvolvimento sustentável.