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An Emerging Paradigm for the UNESCO Global Geoparks: The Ecosystem’s Health Provision

Publication . Gabriel, Ronaldo; Moreira, Helena; Alencoão, Ana; Faria, Aurélio; Silva, Elizabeth; Sá, Artur

During the 38th General Conference of UNESCO, the Member States ratified the creation of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) expressing governmental recognition of the importance of managing outstanding geological sites and landscapes in a holistic manner. In this context, the importance of human interactions with the natural environment to promote healthy lifestyles was primarily a response to the need to preserve and enhance the value of the UNESCO Global Geoparks as well as highlighting their usefulness for the sustainable development of local populations. The aim of this paper is to suggest an interdisciplinary approach to be applied to UNESCO Global Geoparks for a standardized survey and grading methodology that can be used to assess the ability to provide and promote healthy lifestyles, which is called the Ecosystem’s Health Provision Spectrum (EHPS) on an ecological scale. The suggested EHPS is in line with UNESCO’s priorities, in particular with the IGGP and its motto of “Geosciences in the Service of Society”. Therefore, the EHPS on an ecological scale will be another important tool for the UNESCO Global Geoparks, facilitating efficient management and promoting economic development, wellbeing and health.

2018Journal article

Open access

Differences in foot contact times between obese and non-obese postmenopausal women when crossing obstacles

Publication . Silva, David; Gabriel, Ronaldo; Moreira, Maria; Abrantes, João; Faria, Aurélio

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the foot contact time differences between obese and nonobese subjects during walking when crossing obstacles. Methods: Ninety-eight postmenopausal women were assigned to four groups, and their plantar pressure temporal data were collected using a two-step protocol during walking when crossing an obstacle set at 30% height of lower limb length of each subject. The initial, final, and duration of contact of 10 foot areas were measured. Results: Leading limb: (1) the heel groups initiated foot contact using the heel, and the non-heel groups initiated contact using the metatarsals; (2) heel obese subjects showed an earlier initial contact and a longer contact duration of metatarsals 2–3; (3) non-heel obese subjects showed an earlier midfoot initial contact. Regarding the trailing limb: (4) heel obese subjects showed an earlier midfoot initial contact and a longer contact duration of metatarsal 5; (5) non-heel obese subjects showed an earlier initial contact and a longer contact duration of metatarsals 4–5. Conclusions: (1) The non-heel groups’ foot rollover pattern may result from an attempt of rapidly restoring stability; (2) the heel obese subjects seem to regulate their plantar foot muscles to overcome their overweight; (3) the overweight of the non-heel obese subjects leads to a quicker backward foot roll-over from the metatarsals to the heel; (4) the overweight of the heel obese subjects can distort their footprints and/or their higher inertia may precipitate an anticipation of the midfoot contact, which can also explain the result observed for 5.

2018Journal article

Restricted access