Proposing Geo-Products for Ly Son Geopark, Vietnam †
Faculty of Environment, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hochiminh City, Vietnam
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
Presented at the 1st International Electronic Conference on Geosciences, 15–30 June 2018; Available online: https://iecg_2018.sciforum.net/.
Proceedings 2018, 2(10), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/IECG_2018-05343
Published: 14 June 2018
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of IECG 2018)
Abstract
:Ly Son district includes two off-shore volcanic islands: Ly Son Island (Re Isle) and Little Island (Bo Bai Isle), located in the eastern part of Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam. It covers approximately 9.97 km2 of land. Ly Son and the surrounding area will be applying to become a UNESCO Global Geopark. The island district is a product of volcanic activity that creates a wide variety of geomorphology forms: modern marine deposition, marine sediment, basalt flow and volcanic eruptions, and other geo-features. As a result of the geosite inventory, together with the assessment of scientific value and additional values (ecology, culture/history, economics, aesthetics), this study was conducted to propose a wide range of geo-products for Ly Son Geopark. The suggested products include: tourist center; scientific interpretation services such as introduction, providing explanations of scientific values of Ly Son Geopark; geo-trails, geo-roads, and geo-adventures; as well as local products. Geo-products will definitely contribute to support local economic development, appealing to tourists and effectively enhancing Earth Sciences education and conservation.
1. Introduction
The term geo-tourism, defined more than 20 years ago, is a part of sustainable tourism, which plays an important role in the development and preservation of geological heritage. Today, geo-tourism is also considered a science of modern geology and is a subject taught in universities around the world. Geo-tourism is a new niche market [1]. Therefore, geo-tourism endeavors have had to introduce their attractions and targets to visitors. Such endeavors should set up strategies to attract more tourists to geoheritage sites. Geosites, along with their geo-products, are very important providers of pedagogical tools and educational activities for tourists. According to UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Guidelines, some geo-products such as museums, interpretive and educational centers, trails, guided tours, popular literature, and maps can provide supports, tools, and activities to communicate geoscientific knowledge and environmental and cultural concepts to the public [2].
Ly Son district consists of two off-shore islands: Ly Son Island (Re Isle) and Little Island (Bo Bai Isle), located in the eastern part of Quang Ngai Province. This small district is 15 nautical miles off the south-central coast of Vietnam, covering approximately 9.97 km2 of land. The island district is a product of volcanic activity that creates a wide variety of incredible landscapes. Ly Son geomorphology is based on basaltic characteristics: the erupting volcanoes on the island released prominent craters, while basaltic flow formed a low covering at the foot of the volcanoes. Marine sediments are mainly coral sandstone, and the coral reefs distributed around the island are often flooded with tides. Significant destruction causes by the waves crashing repeatedly into the volcanic slopes and basaltic cover forms has resulted in many splendid landscapes and historical sites along the island, such as sea-cliffs, caves, rocky coasts, and stone towers [3]. An inventory has identified 18 geosites on Re Isle and nine geosites on Bo Bai Isle in the following four categories: geomorphology, complexity (geology and geomorphology), hydrology, and landscape—geomorphology [4]. These geosites were evaluated for scientific and additional values based on prior studies and reports by geological scientists, such as field surveys that identified the morphology, structure, boundaries, stratigraphic features, and geomorphology at each site. The most attractive geo-spot of this island is the volcanic sea-cliff from Hang Cau to Chua Hang (the stunning caves on Ly Son Island), from which the volcano structures as well as the stratigraphic relationships between the volcanic rock and coral sandstone (calcarenite) layers are visible. This potential global geosite could be qualitatively evaluated with the criteria of rarity and uniqueness in Vietnam [4].
2. Methods
In this study, potential geo-products were proposed according to fieldwork and, after that, the basic classification and assessment of scientific and additional values for geosites. After identifying all values that confirmed the development of geo-products, the research proposed specific types of products and services based on the classification systems of Reynard (2008) [6] and Diana Dryglas and Krzysztof Miśkiewicz (2014) [5]
Frey et al. (2006) emphasized that geo-tourism products should involve pedagogical approaches in environmental education, geological multidisciplinary guidance and research, economic issues, and sustainable development [7]. The core products, which are abiotic components of nature, should be presented to show a wide range of geo-information in the research area [5]. Therefore, the most basic category (objects) would be developed first.
Table 1.
Proposed geo-products in Ly Son Geopark.
| Level | Type | Geo-Products |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Objects |
|
| Entity |
| |
| Event |
| |
| Service |
| |
| Complex | Tourism package |
|
| Geo-trail |
| |
| Place |
|
3. Result and Discussion
In this section, the proposed geo-products to promote tourism growth are detailed below: tourist geo-center, interpretation system of scientific and additional values, and geo-trail. In addition, the development of local products for geo-tourism is suggested.
3.1. Geo-Center
Position: The geo-center should be located in the An Hai communal house and the monument of “Hoang Sa Bac Hai Fleet”, a symbolic assertion of Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago.
Name: Ly Son Geo-Center.
It consists of:
- (1)
- Hoang Sa—Bac Hai Fleet Exhibition Hall
- (2)
- Geo-tourism center: providing information on the Geopark, such as its geosites, geological services, and geo-tour services
- (3)
- Geo-museum featuring two rooms:
- (3a)
- the Ly Son Room displaying geological features
- (3b)
- a gallery featuring other art products
- (4)
- Geo-souvenir area: introducing local products such as geo-handicrafts, geo-ornaments, local foods.
3.2. The Geo-Interpretation System
3.2.1. Logo for Ly Son Geopark
Designing a logo will accelerate the promotion of Ly Son Geopark to visitors. Products with the logo such as t-shirts, cups, hats, badges, and other local products that are sold to visitors as souvenirs will also serve to promote the image of Ly Son Geopark.
The proposed logo is based on the shape of Thoi Loi volcano on Re Isle. On the way to the island, the volcano looks like a ship riding the waves to the east. This very simple yet significant image is suggested for the logo of Ly Son Geopark (Figure 1).
3.2.2. Geo-Interpretation System
The geo-interpretation system in Ly Son Geopark would consist of panels and several printed products, including geo-touristic maps, brochures, and geological guides.
The geo-interpretation panels would provide precise scientific information and convey the additional values of the sites. They should be located at every geosite, so that tourists can be informed without instruction. Their contents would conclude: (1) the geosite location on the map; (2) a description of the geosite; (3) scientific and additional values (Table 2); (4) images for illustration.
3.3. Geo-Trail
A geo-trail links geologically significant sites and creates an educational journey for people to follow. Typically, trail information is contained in a field guide brochure and includes an introduction to the geological history, maps and diagrams, details and photographs, self-guided tours, and safety guidance. The provided information is usually scientific in nature [9].
One of the important goals of the geopark is to preserve the geosites’ integrity. In addition, as the geopark is made up of two isles with a small surface area, this study proposed geo-trails accessible by two modes of transport: traveling by road (cycling and walking are encouraged) and traveling by waterway (by ship). The suggested geo-trails are listed in Table 3 and illustrated in the geo-trail map in Figure 2. Moreover, some images of the geosites are provided in Figure 3.
3.4. Local Products for Geo-Tourism
3.4.1. Cuisine
Local cuisine is one of the important geo-products with high additional value that contributes to the brand of Ly Son Geopark. Ly Son is the kingdom of garlic, which has a strong-smelling and distinctive delicious taste, to which other products of this kind cannot compare. In addition, fresh seafood such as crab, oyster, fish, sea-urchin, and seaweed are also attractive. For culinary enthusiasts, Ly Son is an ideal place to enjoy fresh seafood combined with spices in traditional recipes. Developing cuisine is an irreplaceable geo-product for Ly Son Geopark.
Moreover, activities such as planting, caring, and harvesting garlic; picking seaweed; fishing; and other activities with local people also offer new experiences and attractions to tourists.
3.4.2. Cultural Heritage and Local Special Festivals
The cultural and historical values of Ly Son Geopark are highly appreciated by scientists.
Ly Son is a lively museum of legends, stories, folk songs, spiritual festivals, etc., especially the Feast and Commemoration Festival for Hoang Sa Soldiers. The cultural and historical value of this area should be developed into plays, cultural shows, and other kinds of art to enrich the available tourism products.
4. Conclusions
Geo-tourism creates opportunities for the development of the local economy and the conservation of geo-heritage sites. Therefore, the creation of more geo-products is a strategy to identify a particular geosite as a new tourist attraction. This study proposed basic to complex geo-products for Ly Son Geopark, such as a geo-center, an interpretation System, geo-trails, and other potential local products. Ly Son Geopark has been researched and is proposed to become a Global Geopark. Thus, geo-tourism development, especially geo-products, will definitely contribute to support local economic development, appealing to tourists as well as effectively enhancing Earth Sciences education and conservation.
References
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- Hai, H.Q.; Tu, T.T.; Viet, P.H.; Thu, T.T.K. Volcanic Island Ly Son Tourism. Geo-Environment Information Gateway. 2015. Available online: https://diamoitruong.com/2015/10/20/du-lich-dao-nui-lua-ly-son-cu-lao-re-cu-lao-bo-bai/ (accessed on 9 May 2018). (In Vietnamese).
- Hai, H.Q.; Nhi, N.T.H. Preliminary Inventory and Valorization Geosites in Ly Son Islands, Quang Ngai Province. Geo-Environment Information Gateway. 2018. Available online: https://diamoitruong.com/2018/03/18/kiem-ke-phan-loai-va-danh-gia-so-bo-geosite-dao-ly-son-tinh-quang-ngai/ (accessed on 9 May 2018). (In Vietnamese).
- Dryglas, D.; Krzysztof, M. Construction of the geotourism product structure on the example of Poland. In Proceedings of the 14th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference SGEM 2014, Albena, Bulgaria, 17–26 June 2014. [Google Scholar]
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Figure 1.
(a) Thoi Loi volcano on Ly Son island [8]. (b) Ly Son Geopark logo.
Figure 1.
(a) Thoi Loi volcano on Ly Son island [8]. (b) Ly Son Geopark logo.
Figure 2.
Route of the geo-trails on Ly Son Island (Re Isle) Map.
Figure 3.
Illustrated pictures for Geo-trail 4.
Table 2.
Some information included in the geo-interpretation panels.
| Location | Content |
|---|---|
| Scientific Information | |
| Entrance of Ly Son Geopark | Ly Son Island is a product of volcanic activity with a very young age (Holocene age). The island holds an important strategic position in the East Sea of Vietnam and contains diversified tourism potential and valuable geo-heritage sites on Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago. This geopark includes 18 geosites on Re Isle and nine geosites on Bo Bai Isle, which are classified into four categories: geomorphology—stratigraphy geosites, geomorphology geosites, hydrology geosites, and landscape—geomorphology geosites. Significant destruction caused by the waves crashing repeatedly into the volcanic slopes and basaltic cover forms has resulted in the creation of many splendid landscapes and historical sites along the island, such as sea walls, caves, rocky coasts, and stone towers. Some popular attractions in Ly Son are: Hang Cau and Chua Hang (stunning sea caves), Thoi Loi volcano, To Vo Gate (natural stone arches) on Re Isle, and Fairy Beach on Bo Bai Isle. |
Table 3.
Proposed geo-trail on Re Isle.
| No. | Geo-Trail Name | Distance | Means of Transport | Total Traveling Time | Description Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Following the lava flow (from Hang Cau to To Vo Natural Gate) | 9.5 km | Cycling | 4 h | Sightseeing and learning about the formation of Hang Cau sea-cliff, sea caves, Chua Hang (Pagoda in cave), Duc Pagoda, Gieng Tien Volcano, and To Vo Natural Gate. |
| 2 | The route to a two-tiered volcano (from Ly Son Flagpole to Thoi Loi Reservoir on the crater) | 1.3 km | Walking | 4 h | • Observing a two-tiered volcanic structure, stone towers, and stone mushrooms. • Enjoying the scenery of Ly Son from above. |
| 3 | Following the Sun (from Mu Cu Islet to To Vo Natural Gate) | 8.8 km | Cycling | 12 h | • Enjoying the dawn at Mu Cu Islet • Visiting An Hai Temple, Hoang Sa Bac Hai Exhibition Hall (Geo-Center), King Well, Am Linh Tu Temple, and Hoang Sa Soldier Graves • Joining in the planting, caring, and harvesting of garlic with local people |
| 4 | Hang Cau—Chua Hang coastal geo-trail | 1.2 km | Walking | 12 h | • Walking along to the modern sea-cliff from Chua Hang (Pagoda in cave) to Hang Cau • Night camping on Hang Cau beach. |
| 5 | Gieng Tien geo-trail (from Duc Pagoda to To Vo Natural Gate) | 1 km | Walking | 3 h | • Visiting Duc Pagoda • Climbing up the Gieng Tien crater • Watching the sunset at To Vo Natural Gate |
| 6 | Duc Pagoda—Chua Hang (Pagoda in cave) | 2.8 km | Boating | 3 h | • Enjoying the sights of Gieng Tien Volcano, Dong Ho Beach, and Hang Pagoda from the sea. |
| 7 | Hang Pagoda—Mu Cu Islet | 3.4 km | Boating | 4 h | • Observing the two-tiered volcanic landscape. • Watching An Hai lighthouse and Mu Cu fishing port from the sea. |
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Chi, H.T.P.; Hai, H.Q.; Nam, N.T.Q. Proposing Geo-Products for Ly Son Geopark, Vietnam. Proceedings 2018, 2, 568. https://doi.org/10.3390/IECG_2018-05343
AMA Style
Chi HTP, Hai HQ, Nam NTQ. Proposing Geo-Products for Ly Son Geopark, Vietnam. Proceedings. 2018; 2(10):568. https://doi.org/10.3390/IECG_2018-05343
Chicago/Turabian StyleChi, Hoang Thi Phuong, Ha Quang Hai, and Nguyen Thi Que Nam. 2018. "Proposing Geo-Products for Ly Son Geopark, Vietnam" Proceedings 2, no. 10: 568. https://doi.org/10.3390/IECG_2018-05343
