Geoconservation: Research and extension in the context of the Iron Quadrangle, Brazil

Brazil has a great geological potential, however there are only three geoparks recognized by UNESCO: Araripe, Seridó and Caminhos dos Cânions. Several studies show the potential of the Brazilian region, located at Minas Gerais state, named Iron Quadrangle to be incorporated in the Global Geopark Network,, where its conservation has importance in the geological, historical and social scene. The State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG), through its trajectory, has developed extension and research projects linked to the history of each region, with themes related to geodiversity, geoeducation, environmental preservation. This paper aims to demonstrate how the academy, especially the UEMG, can promote the conservation of the Iron Quadrangle. The city of João Monlevade has received special attention since this city integrates the Iron Quadrangle and it has important geological sites as Areão Park and Serra do Seara. João Monlevade city has an economy around the steel industry, metallurgy and mining, activities that interpose intensively in the landscape. . Research and extension works in these domains are essential, since they represent an important tool for its conservation. The institution can extend to the society the scientific knowledge about geological historical, economic heritage, space alteration and environment preservation as a whole creating an important way for local and regional sustainability.