Quantitative evaluation of the geosites and geodiversity sites of João Dourado Municipality (Bahia—Brazil)

Geological aspects of certain sites can help understand the history of a region and reveal discoveries in regard to the planet. Geodiversity in situ is expressed in geosites, with occurrences of geological features of scientific value, and geodiversity sites, places where other values prevail, such as education, culture, and tourism. In addition, such locations can generate socioeconomic benefits for the local population through management based on education and geotourism. João Dourado is a municipality located in the central north of the state of Bahia, in Chapada Diamantina. It is inserted in the Irecê Basin, coinciding with lithotypes of the Salitre Formation, which presents carbonate rocks of a shallow marine environment. The municipality is yet to be the subject of a detailed study carrying out inventory and assessment of its geodiversity. The objective of this study was to investigate the geodiversity of the municipality through quantitative evaluation and classification of the relevance of geosites and geodiversity sites. In this context, the inventory and quantification of sixteen sites of interest were carried out using the GEOSSIT application of the Geological Survey of Brazil (CPRM). Five geosites were found, one of international relevance and four of national relevance, as well as eleven geodiversity sites, whereby nine are of national relevance and two of regional/local relevance. Understanding and disseminating the geodiversity of João Dourado provides a basis for territorial management actions by public authorities and brings the population into closer contact with geosciences.