Methodology for the classification of hydrosites: Selho River in Guimarães Council, District of Braga, Portugal

Abstract

Aiming to elaborate a specific methodology for the classification of Hydrosites, we propose that in the evaluation of the Sites of Hydrological Interest (SHI) the patrimonial value is defined by the criteria: ecological, aesthetic, sociocultural and complementary, and their respective indicators and classes. In order to facilitate the evaluation mechanism we elaborated a Hydrological Survey Sheet, validated in two SHI of Selho River in Guimarães Council, District of Braga, Portugal. As a result, the Proposal for the Classification of Hydrosites demonstrates theoretical-methodological coherence with the hydric condition verified in the field, which validates the criteria, indicators, classes with the respective percentage indexes. After weighting of the values attributed to the classes, the methodology demonstrates that the SHI of Selho River do not have enough valuation to be considered Hydrosites because they present some environmental problems, the potentialities even not having monumental attractions are worthy of protective measures and of recognition of their hydric value.

Keywords:
Geoheritage; Sites of hydrological interest; Ecological value