Risk perception in coastal tourist destinations: a case study in Serrote da Pedra Furada, Jericoacoara, Ceará, Brazil

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47456/geo.v5i41.51013

Keywords:

risk perception, tourism, Jericoacoara

Abstract

High visitation coastal destinations, such as Jericoacoara, on the west coast of Ceará, Brazil, present natural risks that are often underestimated by visitors. This study analyzed risk perception at Serrote da Pedra Furada, in Jericoacoara National Park, through the application of questionnaires given to 107 tourists. The results revealed an important contradiction: although 58.9% claim to know the concept of cliffs, only 34.9% identify the spot as such. Risk perception proved to be predominantly sensory, based on immediate elements such as the slope of the land and the difficulty of access, rather than understanding of geomorphological instability processes. Factors such as first visit, age, and origin significantly influenced that perception. Furthermore, 74.8% of participants highlighted the lack of proper signage, indicating that communication about the risks is insufficient at the spot. The results indicate the necessity to implement risk communication strategies and educational signage as essential measures to mitigate visitors’ vulnerability.

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Author Biographies

  • Juliana Moreira dos Santos, Universidade Estadual do Ceará

    Currently pursuing a PhD in Geography at the Postgraduate Program in Geography (ProPGeo/UECE). Undergraduate student in the 8th semester of the Geography degree program at the Federal University of Ceará - UFC. Master's degree in Geography (2021) from the Postgraduate Program in Geography (ProPGeo/UECE) in the research area of ​​Geoenvironmental Analysis, Land Use Planning and Production. Affiliated with the Laboratory of Coastal and Oceanic Geology and Geomorphology (LGCO/UECE). Bachelor's degree in Geography (2017) from the State University of Ceará - UECE. Specialization in Geoprocessing Applied to Environmental Analysis and Water Resources at UECE (in progress).

  • Tais Amorim Lindoso, Universidade Estadual do Ceará

    PhD candidate in the Postgraduate Program in Geography at the State University of Ceará (UECE). Graduated in Geography (Bachelor's degree) from the State University of Ceará (2020) and holds a Master's degree (2023) from the Postgraduate Program in Geography (ProPGeo) at the State University of Ceará (UECE). She was a scholarship recipient of the Academic Monitoring Program (PROMAC) of the Pro-Rectorate for Undergraduate Studies (PROGRAD/UECE) between 2018-2019 in the subject of Surface Hydrology. She is a research member of the Coastal and Oceanic Systems Research Group, linked to the Laboratory of Coastal and Oceanic Geology and Geomorphology at the State University of Ceará. She completed an internship at the Biological Diversity Conservation Unit of the Ceará State Environment Secretariat in 2019. She has experience in the field of Geosciences, with an emphasis on Physical Geography, and conducts studies on topics such as Conservation Units, Public Use, Tourism, Environmental Management, and Environmental Impacts.

  • Davis Pereira de Paula, Universidade Estadual do Ceará

    PhD candidate in the Postgraduate Program in Geography at the State University of Ceará (UECE). Graduated in Geography (Bachelor's degree) from the State University of Ceará (2020) and holds a Master's degree (2023) from the Postgraduate Program in Geography (ProPGeo) at the State University of Ceará (UECE). She was a scholarship recipient of the Academic Monitoring Program (PROMAC) of the Pro-Rectorate for Undergraduate Studies (PROGRAD/UECE) between 2018-2019 in the subject of Surface Hydrology. She is a research member of the Coastal and Oceanic Systems Research Group, linked to the Laboratory of Coastal and Oceanic Geology and Geomorphology at the State University of Ceará. She completed an internship at the Biological Diversity Conservation Unit of the Ceará State Environment Secretariat in 2019. She has experience in the field of Geosciences, with an emphasis on Physical Geography, and conducts studies on topics such as Conservation Units, Public Use, Tourism, Environmental Management, and Environmental Impacts.

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Localização da área de estudo, no trecho do Serrote, um dos principais acessos à Pedra Furada

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Published

20-03-2026

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Vol. 6 No. 42 (2026): Revista Geografares

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How to Cite

Risk perception in coastal tourist destinations: a case study in Serrote da Pedra Furada, Jericoacoara, Ceará, Brazil. Geografares, Vitória, Brasil, v. 6, n. 42, p. e-51013, 2026. DOI: 10.47456/geo.v5i41.51013. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufes.br/geografares/article/view/51013. Acesso em: 24 mar. 2026.