Natural Monument of Fossilized Trees of Tocantins – MONAF-TO: heritage potential and challenges for the development of local tourism

Abstract

Natural Monument (MONA) is the category of Conservation Unit (CU) that aims to preserve the integrity of an exceptional natural element, of extreme rarity or scenic beauty. In the state of Tocantins, in the city of Philadelphia, the only natural monument in the state and the largest in the country in terms of extension is located, the Natural Monument of Fossilized Trees of Tocantins (MONAF-TO), a State Conservation Unit that was created to protect a rare geological and paleontological heritage represented by a significant number of fossilized trees. In this article, we analyze the challenges and possibilities of developing tourist practices in this Natural Monument. The methodological procedures consisted of a bibliographical review where articles and academic works on MONAF-TO were selected, especially those that dealt with the tourism potential of the Conservation Unit. In the second part of the research, semi-structured questions were prepared and applied to three experts. These experts were chosen based on their professional activities directly or indirectly related to MONAF-TO. The possibilities of tourist use of the site, in this sense, add the development of practices in the natural environment, collaborating with the integrity of natural resources and local heritage, and can present the visitor with a unique experience, but the lack of local infrastructure still hinders this potential and proposes challenges for the development of tourism and heritage in the Conservation Unit as demonstrated in this text.