Potential for the Development of Speleotourism in Sempre-Vivas National Park and Serra do Cabral State Park

Abstract

Speleological heritage includes caves, caverns, and other underground structures of scientific, cultural, aesthetic, educational, and touristic importance, whose preservation is fundamental for the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use. In this context, speleological tourism is configured as a segment capable of articulating the conservation of natural underground cavities, local economic development, and responsible tourist use. This undergraduate research project aimed to identify and evaluate the tourism potential of the speleological heritage of the Sempre-Vivas National Park (PNSV) and the Serra do Cabral State Park (PESC), and to propose the implementation of thematic tourism routes in each protected area. The methodology adopted included bibliographic and documentary research, fieldwork to visit the caves, filling out the forms from the Inventory of Tourist Offer, using of instruments such as a camera, GPS, and the Avenza application. In addition, it involved data tabulation and the creation of maps with the proposed routes. Three fieldwork trips were carried out, resulting in the inventory of twelve natural caves in the PESC and eleven in the PNSV. The results indicate that both protected areas have high potential for the development of speleotourism routes, integrating natural caves, tourist attractions, and archaeological sites, which contribute to educational and cultural experiences and the appreciation of the landscape. However, it is important to highlight the need for complementary studies on the impacts of public use and for the development of a speleological management plan, aiming to ensure the preservation of the heritage. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the management of cave tourism, the structuring of protected areas, and the socioeconomic development of local communities.