Geodiversity and geoconservation in territorial dynamics: the example of the chapada diamantina - Bahia – Brazil

The occupation process of The Chapada Diamantina - located in the central part of the state of Bahia, Brazil - is directly associated with its peculiar Geodiversity, where geological and geomorphological aspects stands out. The region's growth was associated with two economic cycles: firstly, mineral exploration, which promoted the emergence of important cities and towns; and then what tries to explore the tourist possibilities of the Plate. It is worth noting that this second cycle is based on the roughness left by the first cycle, as well as on the scenic beauty, wells and waterfalls. All of these attractions are geosites that must be conserved. Thus, there is a need for geo-conservation, carried out through the institution of Conservation Units (UC). This way, the territorial dynamics in Diamantine Plate had geodiversity as the driving force, but geo-conservation is essential to maintain this dynamic, because if the attractions are destroyed, this dynamics will collapse.