Tourism as a Link between Estrela Geopark and Serra da Estrela Natural Park

To look at the Estrela Geopark territory is to find a mosaic of huge natural and cultural values as well as a unique scenic beauty, factors that contribute to its tourist attractiveness. As such, a synchronous work by local agents is required, making best use of these values and actively contributing to the sustainable development of populations, a strategy that can be supported by the patrimonialisation of existing Estrela`s resources. Regarding tourism as an economic activity and social phenomenon, it functions as an agent for development, especially in regions where the economy is not very competitive, as is the case of rural areas in mainland Portugal. Based on this, it`s possible to identify two entities with a very important role in the future of the region of Serra da Estrela. The Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), which is responsible for the protected area corresponding to the Serra da Estrela Natural Park (SENP), and the Associação Geopark Estrela (AGE), responsible for the UNESCO Global Geopark application. As such, the existence of common objectives for heritage conservation and valorisation allow a complementary work by these entities. On the one hand, through its laws and directives, the existence of a protected area (SENP) in the territory of the Geopark allows the more effective conservation of this heritage. On the other hand, the Geopark can add to its greater valorisation and interpretation, contributing to the populations` involvement in the conservation process, something that has sometimes been difficult for the SENP. The focus on nature tourism has increasingly been one of the focuses of both entities, with the realization of interpreted routes, educational programs, as well as the installation of interpretive infrastructures being examples that intend to constructively raise the awareness of resident populations and tourists who visit this territory. In addition to these, during this year, this partnership will also result in the organization of the ObservaEstrela. Coordinated by the AGE, this event will be part of the “Observa” network promoted by ICNF, and will consist of a nature tourism fair, with lectures and workshops, shows, and field trips with observation and interpretation of biotic and abiotic heritage. The objective is to promote, in an integrated way, the relationship between science and tourism, further strengthening this partnership between these two entities and valuing a territory that has long deserved an event of this nature. Based on these experiences, the objective will be to demonstrate how tourism can strengthen this link between the Estrela Geopark and the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, working common vertices together that allow the implementation of a sustainable development strategy, and thus, helping the populations of this territory for which this future UNESCO Global Geopark classification is intended.