Refletindo o desenvolvimento sustentável de São Félix do Tocantins: um olhar sobre a RPPN catedral do Jalapão

Abstract

The Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) is a category of Conservation Units (UC) created by Decree 98,914 in 1990 and replaced by Decree No. 1,922/1996 with the aim of promoting the creation of protected areas through the initiative of private landowners. In RPPNs, it is essential that the owners are creative and have all the support and guidance necessary to enable, in the long term, the protection and maintenance of their reserves. Therefore, research aimed at recognizing the potential for sustainable use and exploitation of these areas becomes of great relevance for guiding environmental education projects in areas that are highly targeted for ecotourism, such as those around the Jalapão Park. RPPN Catedral do Jalapão is rocky in the shape of a cathedral, which is why it gave its name to the Private Natural Heritage Reserve – RPPN Catedral do Jalapão, located in the municipality of São Félix do Tocantins. With 325 ha of protected area, it offers structure for the development of scientific research, outdoor events and ecotourism, always looking for ecologically correct alternatives for the development of activities. This work aimed to show positive and negative impacts of the reception of visitors in the area of RPPN Catedral do Jalapão. For the development of the research, a field visit was carried out and materials were collected from the UC manager's personal collection. During a visit to the RPPN in September 2022, it was possible to apply an environment-centered observation table (TOCA). Answered promptly by the manager, through this, plausible data on the positive and negative points of tourism in the RPPN were collected, whether the tourist who enter the Cathedral as well as the one who is passing through. In this RPPN there is a presence of native flora and fauna, it has a preserved area of forest, and it is still part of the ecological corridor. Among the nine natural attributes investigated in the RPPN, seven were present in the preservation area, confirming the biological richness and local beauty. Regarding the recreational and leisure attributes for tourism, it was very satisfactory, highlighting among the requirements raised the presence of well-prepared trails for visitation and many indicative signs. It is concluded that the RPPN is structured to receive tourists and that there are no conflicts in the area. However, impacts such as garbage left by some visitors are verified.