Speleological zoning and tourist carrying capacity in areas of absolute fragility: the case of Lapa do Bezerra (Terra Ronca State Park-GO, Brazil)

Abstract

Responsible planning for tourist caves depends, among other things, on the development of a Speleological Management Plan. This technical document provides guidelines for cave use and conservation, outlining specific characteristics and management tools. This article aims to highlight the theoretical and methodological elements and main results for the speleological zoning and tourist carrying capacity of Lapa do Bezerra, located in Terra Ronca State Park (PETeR), Goiás, Brazil. The main results indicate the need to isolate the upper galleries due to the absolute fragility of the speleothems, due to their quantity, variety, exclusivity, and rarity. A reduced-scale visitation itinerary in the river gallery, with adventure characteristics, was proposed, as well as a protocol for implementing future scientific tourism in the upper galleries, provided that a prior detailed study of the environment is carried out and elements of the biotic, atmospheric, and geospeleological environments are monitored concurrently with the visit. The conclusions highlight the pioneering nature of this type of conditioning protocol, as well as the potential to meet the pillars of ecotourism through the defined visitation tour route.