Brazilian environmental legislation and geoconservation: Comparative analysis of the legal framework in Brazil, Portugal and Spain

Abstract

The aim of geoconservation is the protection and management of geological heritage and other geodiversity elements of exceptional value. Statutory protection is one action that constitutes a geoconservation strategy, but there are still few countries having the legal means for adequate protection of geological heritage. In the European context, geoconservation has gained relevance in the legal system of such countries as the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. In Brazil, although environmental laws are mostly focused on the protection of biodiversity, there have been significant advances regarding the legal protection of some types of geological heritage. This paper analyzes the Brazilian legal framework that supports geoconservation and compares it to the legislative models of Portugal and Spain. Thus, although there is no specific Brazilian law regarding geological heritage, the results of the study show that in the legal system of Brazil the speleological and paleontological patrimonies are well contemplated within conservation plans and actions currently underway. This analysis is meant to raise awareness regarding the need to implement a geoconservation strategy adapted to Brazil for the protection of its geological heritage.