VALORIZATION OF NATURAL SIGHTSEEINGS IN THE TOWN OF VESPASIANO CORRÊA, RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Abstract

The practice of tourism is increasing a lot due to the necessity of running away from the big caos in big city centers and also due to the recent growth of environmental awareness. Among many options there are the rural

places and the natural landscapes. The landscape of the municipality of Vespasiano Corrêa, Rio Grande do Sul offers potential to the turism practice. This study has the objective of indicating natural areas to practice tourism and define strategies for the sustainable exploration of these places. An interview with local inhabitants was done to define the better places. The areas mentioned by the locals were found in the municipality map and the three most indicated ones were tracked to have descriptions, such as vegetation, physical aspects and the present preservation conditions. Then, strategies for the sustainable exploration of the areas and its recovering from the environmental damages were defined. The most indicated areas were the complex of the Viaduto 13, Cascata Rasga Diabo and Cascata Camping. The main environmental problems observed were the invasion of exotic species of vegetation, the permanent occupation of the preservation areas by constructions and the presence of solid wastes. It’s suggested the elaboration of an environmental project to remove the exotic vegetal species, the construction in the preservation areas and the implementation of a touristic project based on environmental education.