THE CURRENT SITUATION OF PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF THE COLÔNIA IMPACT CRATER, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Nature conservation, sustainable development and the consequences of environmental degradation are central themes in debates about the future of humanity. From a sustainability perspective, reconciling the tense relationship between economic growth, quality of life and ecosystem preservation is becoming increasingly difficult. This paper presents a holistic approach to the socio-environmental problems of the Colônia impact crater. The efficiency of environmental protection measures, the feasibility of management programs and the political platform for sustainable development are the main issues discussed. The data reveal a high risk of increasing environmental degradation and worsening regional disparities. The implementation of geotourism, mainly via educational trails, landscape photography and agro-tourism, is one of the most favourable alternatives for social and economic development in the region. Such a project should be developed with broad participation from the local community and with an active and permanent policy management.