Contribuição do ecoturismo para o uso sustentável dos recursos hídricos do município de Rondonópolis-MT

Abstract

The Municipality of Rondonópolis possesses several touristic attractions such as a great diversity of waterfalls and little beaches located in the surroundings of the urban area, which attract tourists from various locations. Aiming to understand how ecotourism can contribute to the conservation of water resources in the leisure areas, as well as their potential development of touristic activities in those places. The procedures included the use of various techniques subsidized in remote sensing and geoprocessing tools that allowed the analysis and spatial distribution of tourism activities of the main leisure areas. The spatial distribution of the waterfalls and its surroundings, we observe the biophysical characters such as: the endemic vegetation, the cachoeiras, the waterfalls, the rocky outcrops, rivers, little beaches and espraiados. The results showed a correct perception of respondents on existing inter-relationships between ecotourism practices and the sustainable use of water resources. In conclusion though, a long way must be performed in order to prevent the economic benefits of ecotourism generate an inappropriate exploitation of natural resources, causing environmental problems, particularly to water resources in the surroundings.