20 years of experiences in popularization of geology in brazil and germany: Considerations from the projects “geological paths’’ and “hundred masterpieces’’

Abstract

At the beginning of the 21st century, the themes associated with the protection and conservation of the environment, especially elements of geodiversity with exceptional values, achieved an important advance with regard to initiatives aimed at the popularization of scientific knowledge. In Brazil, the implementation of the Geological Paths Project, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is considered an important milestone in the dissemination and insertion of society in geological culture. In Germany, simultaneously, the “Hundred-Masterpieces-Bavarias most beautiful Geosites’’ Project, also based on the valorization of geosciences, was opened at the same time in the state of Bavaria. In both projects, the initiatives presented as a fundamental foundation the transmission of an enriching geological experience, in addition to integrating an educational and scientific tourism proposal on geodiversity. The appreciation of geological heritage can be attributed, in particular, through a permanent process of wide dissemination, involving the installation of interpretive panels, availability of information content through digital platforms and / or by physical means and, fundamentally, field trips at previously selected points within state limits. Close to completing 20 years since the installation of the first panels, the pioneering approach of both projects is still the most successful example of inserting the popularization of geology in their countries. However, after all this time, it is necessary to reassess the positive and negative aspects of these “geological experiences’’ in order to contribute to their continuity, elaborating reflections and possible improvements to the project proposal.