Interpretative Panels About the Geological Heritage—a Case Study at the Iguassu Falls National Park (Brazil)

Abstract

The Iguassu Falls National Park, located in southern Brazil, has one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world and is one of the biggest natural attractions of Brazil. This region has the potential to join the Global Geoparks Network and to provide geotourism activities. Despite the great potential in terms of its geodiversity, the park lacks informative and interpretative material about the Geological Heritage. To reverse this situation, the Minerais do Parana (MINEROPAR, i.e., the Geological Survey of the State of Parana) has been placing interpretative panels on protected areas and sites that have geological interest. The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of three interpretative panels implemented by MINEROPAR in the park and, especially to ascertain whether or not they are meeting the expectations of visitors, 300 questionnaires were distributed to the park’s visitors. The methodology also encompassed field trips, consulting the available literature and contact with the managements of the park and the concessionaires. The paper addresses aspects of environmental interpretation, interpretative resources (specifically on interpretative panels), about the Iguassu Falls National Park and finally the results are presented, based on the questionnaires. It was found that most visitors did not read the panel, but these who did so appreciated its content. In conclusion, considerations were made to improve the interpretation of the environment made with the help of interpretative panels.