ANÁLISE SWOT COMO FERRAMENTA DE GESTÃO PARA O PROJETO GEOPARQUE CARIRI PARAIBANO

Abstract

Aiming to promote knowledge, protect the geopatrimony and sustainably develop communities, the concept of geoparks as an innovative tool of preservation was introduced, which seeks to promote balanced actions between man and the environment in which he lives. Therefore, this research addresses the need of implementing actions in protecting and advertising the natural and cultural elements in the territory of the Cariri Paraibano Geopark Project (PGCP), which is composed by the cities of Cabaceiras, São João do Cariri, Boqueirão and Boa Vista, located in the state of Paraíba, northeast of Brazil. The research's goal is to identify the restrictive and propellent factors in the territory of the aforementioned geopark based on SWOT analysis, describing the main activities that create or can create conflict within the project's area, so that measures can be suggested in order to mitigate current and potential pressure, lessening the negative effects of the accomplished practices. To collect data, a semistructure questionnaire of 06 open questions was given to managers during the field visits or sent through email in some cases. The results obtained through data analysis point to a total of 34 external and internal factors that affect the territory, divided into 17 propellent factors and other 17 restrictive ones. With regards to the proposals based on SWOT, it was indicated as suggestions of increasing tourist activity and the socioeconomical development of the territory, for example, settling points of tourist information and elaborating investment policies for the diversification and development of the hotel and food sectors.