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Coastal Geoheritage and Sustainability: A Study in the Low Coast of Costa Branca, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

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  • Fernando Eduardo Borges da Silva

    (Centre for Humanities, Literature and Arts, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil)

  • Matheus Dantas das Chagas

    (Centre for Humanities, Literature and Arts, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil)

  • Marco Túlio Mendonça Diniz

    (Department of Geography, Seridó Higher Education Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Caicó 59300-000, Brazil)

  • Paulo Pereira

    (Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

Abstract

This study assesses the risk of geoheritage degradation along a low-lying coastal stretch Okin the municipalities of Macau, Guamaré, and Galinhos, located in the central portion of Rio Grande do Norte’s northern coastline, Brazil. Twelve geosites, inventoried based on their scientific value, susceptibility to degradation, and representation of diverse coastal processes and landforms, were numerically assessed for their degradation risk. The methodology comprised 11 sub-criteria grouped into three main criteria: natural vulnerability, anthropogenic vulnerability, and public use. The results indicate that all 12 geosites in the study area are subject to moderate to high degradation risk, with the highest levels observed in those with the most evident signs of human use and intervention. To mitigate these impacts, the implementation of access restrictions or protective measures by local authorities is recommended. Furthermore, raising awareness among local communities about the environmental consequences of their activities and the geosites’ role in promoting sustainability is essential. Given the region’s heightened vulnerability to sea level oscillations, future assessments should incorporate climate change implications into the assessment criteria.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernando Eduardo Borges da Silva & Matheus Dantas das Chagas & Marco Túlio Mendonça Diniz & Paulo Pereira, 2025. "Coastal Geoheritage and Sustainability: A Study in the Low Coast of Costa Branca, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-29, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6709-:d:1708306
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Canan Cengiz & Şükran Şahin & Bülent Cengiz & Mükerrem Bahar Başkır & Pelin Keçecioğlu Dağlı, 2021. "Evaluation of the Visitor Understanding of Coastal Geotourism and Geoheritage Potential Based on Sustainable Regional Development in Western Black Sea Region, Turkey," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-31, October.
    2. Lidia Selmi & Thais S. Canesin & Ritienne Gauci & Paulo Pereira & Paola Coratza, 2022. "Degradation Risk Assessment: Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change on Geoheritage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-19, April.
    3. Vittoria Vandelli & Lidia Selmi & Francesco Faccini & Andrea Ferrando & Paola Coratza, 2024. "Geoheritage Degradation Risk Assessment: Methodologies and Insights," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-20, November.
    4. Henriques, M.H. & Castro, A.R.S.F. & Félix, Y.R. & Carvalho, I.S., 2020. "Promoting sustainability in a low density territory through geoheritage: Casa da Pedra case-study (Araripe Geopark, NE Brazil)," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    5. Alejandro Arias-Díaz & Hugo Murcia & Felipe Vallejo-Hincapié & Károly Németh, 2023. "Understanding Geodiversity for Sustainable Development in the Chinchiná River Basin, Caldas, Colombia," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-36, November.
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