Geomorphosite evaluation and upland peat valorization in the Santa Catarina state’s Serra do Tabuleiro Park

Abstract

The evaluation of geomophosites enables attribution of value for specific landforms. Its application to Brazilian protected areas opens to Geomorphology a field of activity related with natural and geological heritages. However, as the concept of geomorphosite implies both the protection of natural environments and the optimization of landforms for different uses, their evaluation process transcends the classical notion of natural heritage, centered in the wilderness concept, also opening to Geomorphology application on territorial management. This paper adopt a method for geomorphosite evaluation in order to assess upland peat bogs in the Santa Catarina State’s “Serra do Tabuleiro” Park. Results show the applicability of the method to the problem of protected areas and introduce discussion about the backgrounds of geomorphological education and the ability of geomorphologists to contribute solving natural and social problems in Brazil.