Segmentation and Classification of the Trail of the Site of Geological Interest ‘Portal Do Palmiro’ (Paleoburrow ‘Toca Do Tatu’), Caminhos Dos Cânions Do Sul UNESCO Global Geopark (Brazil)

Abstract

The Portal do Palmiro trail leads to the Paleotoca ‘Toca do Tatu’ in Timbé do Sul, Brazil, which is situated within the Caminhos dos Cânions do Sul UNESCO Global Geopark (CCSUGGp). As visitor numbers rise due to the Geopark's growing popularity, it becomes crucial to inform hikers about the route's attractions, environmental features, and potential challenges. The aim of this study is to delineate, describe, and categorize the 'Portal do Palmiro' trail in accordance with the standards set forth by ABNT NBR 15505-2: 2019. In pursuit of this objective, the trail was assessed based on four criteria, each rated on a scale from 1 to 5. The findings revealed the following: Environmental Severity Level (2 - moderately severe); Route Orientation (2 - marked with signage); Technical Difficulty (3 - featuring stepped paths or uneven surfaces); and Physical Demands (3 - considerable). Although certain segments exhibit medium to steep inclines, 63.5% of the trail maintains an incline of under 10%, categorizing it as having a low difficulty level. The preliminary classification addresses the absence of uniform criteria, enhancing the safety and structure of the activities conducted along the trail.

Keywords: Geoconservation, Environmental Sustainability, Geotourism, Sustainable Development