Evaluation of a Paleontological Museum as Geosite and Base for Geotourism. A Case Study

: The Santa Elena province in Ecuador has outstanding geological potential in petroleum, mining and geosite resources. All the wealth of palaeontological samples and their inherent link to the history of this territory require a recognised museum with educational and scientiﬁc material to support the potential and promotion of geotourism development. The Megatherium Palaeontological Museum is located in this province and was the ﬁrst Palaeontological Museum in Ecuador. It exhibits samples corresponding to the Late Pleistocene Megafauna that inhabited the area. This study aims to evaluate the museum (a geoheritage element) as a possible (palaeontological) geosite by analysing its contributions to the geoheritage of the Santa Elena province. Thus, we also aim to enhance the geotourism of the area and promote its collections as a geotouristic attraction. The methodological process was based on: (i) information processing and systematisation in the museum and its environment; (ii) assessment of the museum’s geological interest through the method of the Geological Survey of Spain, the Brilha method and the Geosites Assessment Model; and (iii) a qualitative evaluation using the Delphi and the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats methodologies to deﬁne strategies and proposals for museum development. Based on the results of the applied quantitative assessment, the museum has a “very high” (277/400) degree of geological interest, due to the high values of scientiﬁc (310/400), academic (310/400) and touristic (210/400) interest. In this same way, the results obtained through the Brilha method reﬂect a high scientiﬁc (290/400), educational (280/400), and tourist (315/400) interest and a low degradation risk (190/400) value in the museum. Furthermore, the applied Geosites Assessment Model shows the museum as a geosite with high main and additional values, placing it between the Z 23 and Z 33 ﬁelds of the global valuation matrix. The evaluation approached through Delphi analysis and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats matrix allowed us to propose improvement strategies to take advantage of the museum resources as an alternative that strengthens the geotouristic development of the area. development in the MPM.


Introduction
Natural diversity is a concept that integrates biodiversity and geodiversity [1]. According to [2][3][4], geodiversity is the variability of Earth's surface materials, landforms and physical processes (abiotic elements). According to Rojas [5], geodiversity is the number Maritime Museum) (England), the Marsala Regional Archaeological Museum (Italy), the Museum of the World Oceans/Icebreaker Krassin (Russia) and the Geomining Museum (Instituto Geológico y Minero de España in Madrid) (Spain). There are also museums in Latin America with collections of mineralogical and palaeontological interest [38,40,41], such as the Archaeological Museum of Campeche (Mexico), the Mineralogical School of Mineral Science and Technology Museum in Ouro Preto (Brazil) and the Geology Museum (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM) (Mexico).
Museums in Ecuador exhibit cultural and natural heritage. For example, the Museo Nacional del Ecuador has an archaeological collection with 40,000 elements that reflect the evolution of ancient Ecuadorian cultures. These museums mainly contribute to the knowledge of the historical and cultural riches of the past [42,43]. In addition, some museums (e.g., palaeontological, mineralogical) in Ecuador are recognised in geopark projects as having a high scientific value of natural elements.
The creation of the Ecuadorian Geoparks Committee and the official declaration of Imbabura Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019 [44] helped in the creation of new projects for geoparks ( Figure 1a) such as the Tungurahua Volcano Geopark project, Napo-Sumaco Geopark project [45], the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark project [46], the Galapagos Geopark project, the Puyango Petrified Forest Geopark project [47], the Jama Pedernales Geopark project, the Quito Geopark Project and the "Ruta del Oro" (Gold Route) Geopark project [25].
Although there has long been a remarkable appreciation of places of outstanding natural beauty or geographical phenomena by the population, it was not until the 1990s that geotourism appeared [48,49]. According to Dowling [50], geotourism is sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing the Earth's geologic features in a way that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation and is locally beneficial. Furthermore, according to [6], geotourism development has relationships with the geodiversity values and characteristics and degrees of protection.
In the case of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark project (Figure 1a), an initiative that addresses the characterisation of a territory located in western Ecuador [46], sites of geological, mining and industrial interest with the potential to be used in tourism activities have been inventoried and evaluated [51]. In addition, the studies carried out have taken into account sites of cultural and architectural interest specific to the region. Among the inventoried and evaluated sites, the most important ones are: the Megatherium Palaeontological Museum of the UPSE University, the Amantes de Sumpa museum, the Real Alto cultural complex (located in Chanduy) and the Chocolatera cliff in the Puntilla de Santa Elena reserve. In general, Santa Elena province has remarkable cultural, natural, intangible, and geological characteristics with the potential to be officially recognised as natural or cultural heritage [51]. The main economic activities in the area are agriculture, livestock breeding, mining and handicrafts. Tourist activity is also noteworthy, although it is focused on traditional tourism (beach) where geotourism (cultural and natural) has not reached its full potential [52,53].
The present study focuses on the characterisation of the Megatherium Palaeontological Museum as a geoheritage element. In concrete terms, this study aims to evaluate the MPM as a geosite of geotourism palaeontological potential through semiquantitative (IELIG, Brilha and GAM) and qualitative (DELPHI and SWOT) methods for the knowledge of geotourism development.
The creation of the Ecuadorian Geoparks Committee and the official declaration of Imbabura Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019 [44] helped in the creation of new projects for geoparks (Figure 1a) such as the Tungurahua Volcano Geopark project, Napo-Sumaco Geopark project [45], the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark project [46], the Galapagos Geopark project, the Puyango Petrified Forest Geopark project [47], the Jama Pedernales Geopark project, the Quito Geopark Project and the "Ruta del Oro" (Gold Route) Geopark project [25].

Megatherium Palaeontological Museum
The Megatherium Palaeontological Museum (MPM) belongs to the UPSE University and is located in the canton of La Libertad, Santa Elena, Ecuador (Figure 1a,b). This museum (Figure 1c,d) is considered the first palaeontological museum in Ecuador [54] and was founded on 2 February 2008. The museum's significant collections correspond to the Late Pleistocene Megafauna (50,000 to 8000 years). These remains were extracted from the Tanque Loma sector (located in one of the largest and most important fossil deposits in South America) [55]. In addition, this palaeontological exhibition centre has palaeontological findings, where professionals in the area share scientific information on the existing elements (524 bones and 2,969 fragments such as tibiae, ribs, pelvises, femurs and jaws) [56,57].
The MPM has 11 different sections (Figure 2a). Inside the MPM are the reception room, the administrative room, the laboratory and the storage room (cellar). In addition, the fossil remains are preserved in five display boards (large bones) and four showcase areas (fragments). It has a parking area suitable for cars and buses, and the main entrance suitable for receiving visiting groups.
Heritage 2021, 4 FOR PEER REVIEW 5 Weight: 400 kg) and the Deer (Species: virginaunus; Weight: one tonne) [59]. Figure S1 presents images of these fossils. The MPM has 11 different sections (Figure 2a). Inside the MPM are the reception room, the administrative room, the laboratory and the storage room (cellar). In addition, the fossil remains are preserved in five display boards (large bones) and four showcase areas (fragments). It has a parking area suitable for cars and buses, and the main entrance suitable for receiving visiting groups.

Materials and Methods
This research was carried out in three phases ( Figure 3): i) processing and systemizing information from the MPM and its environment; ii) semiquantitative assessment of the MPM using evaluative matrices of the IELIG, Brilha and GAM methods; and iii) qualitative analysis using the DELPHI method and SWOT analysis.

Materials and Methods
This research was carried out in three phases ( Figure 3): (i) processing and systemizing information from the MPM and its environment; (ii) semiquantitative assessment of the MPM using evaluative matrices of the IELIG, Brilha and GAM methods; and (iii) qualitative analysis using the DELPHI method and SWOT analysis.

Phase I: Processing and Systematisation of Information
This first phase carried out an analysis of the annual and monthly tourist inflow, data that were compiled in the reports presented on the official website of the Megatherium Palaeontological Museum (MPM) (e.g., [54,[60][61][62][63]). In addition, the museum provided photographs of some of the bones and fragments on exhibit inside the museum (Supplementary Materials Figure S1). This work presents a compilation of information from projects and scientific articles related to MPM (e.g., [35,[64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73]). Finally, this study generated general content on the history, culture, interest and representativeness of the MPM.

Phase II: Semiquantitative Assessment. IELIG, Brilha and GAM
In this phase, the MPM evaluated using the IELIG [29], Brilha [1] and GAM [33] methods. The evaluation of each method was carried out with the support of four experts on geosite analysis and assessment. Their professional opinion was based on the unanimous value of each criterion. Subsequently, the obtained information was classified into digital matrices for more straightforward data processing.

Materials and Methods
This research was carried out in three phases ( Figure 3): i) processing and systemizing information from the MPM and its environment; ii) semiquantitative assessment of the MPM using evaluative matrices of the IELIG, Brilha and GAM methods; and iii) qualitative analysis using the DELPHI method and SWOT analysis.

Assessment with IELIG Method
The applied IELIG method [29] is an evaluation procedure of different parameters, with scores of 0, 1, 2 and 4, where 0 is the lowest value and four the highest [29]. These parameters are grouped under three headings: (i) value class (intrinsic value, the value linked to the potential for use and protection), (ii) criteria (evaluation variables) and (iii) interest to be assessed (scientific (Sc), academic (Ac) and touristic (To)).
The total value is the weighted sum of the results obtained for each interest. This value allows classifying the site geological interest as low (<50), medium (50-134), high (134-266) and very high (>267).
The Degradation Susceptibility (DS) and the Protection Priority (PP) values are based on the results obtained in Fragility (F) and Vulnerability (V). Table 1 shows the variables, the evaluation and the weight for obtaining the necessary data in the DS equation. Table 1. Overview of the main indicators of the IELIG, Brilha and GAM approaches.

Representativeness
The MPM presents unique elements at the local and national levels, symbolising the megafauna that lived thousands of years ago in the Santa Elena province. Furthermore, it increases interest in finding discoveries new that strengthen the site's scientific value. Expeditions have therefore been carried out in different parts of the province such as Atahualpa, Montañita-Olón, San Vicente and Aguadita. In addition, palaeontological work that has been carried out in other provinces, such as Guayas (Playas) and Manabí, is displayed in the museum.

Geological diversity
Fossil collection (Santa Elena basin) containing some of the largest and best-preserved Pleistocene megafauna remains, contributing significantly to the knowledge about the extinction event of the Late Quaternary in the region.

Key locality
The stratigraphic record includes 12 formations from the Early Cretaceous to the Pleistocene and it comprises a sedimentary sequence developed on oceanic crust. The formation of interest is the Pleistocene.

Conservation status
In general, all geological elements are observed to be in good condition. However, there is a possibility of the deterioration of these geological elements.

Scientific knowledge
There are projects and research work aimed at promoting the geotourism and scientific development of the museum.

Rarity
The MPM is the first and only museum of a palaeontological kind, with unique integrity on a national level. This museum presents fossil remains such as the skeleton of a Megatherium, Mastodon, American Horse, Megalodon tooth, dolphin fragment, primitive whale, turtle plate, remains of prehistoric mice, opossum and prehistoric pig.

Integrity
The excellent state of conservation of the site makes it possible to display the fossil elements to visitors that arrive at the museum.

Vulnerability
The site is located less than 100 m from a busy road and less than 5 km from an industrial area.

Accessibility
The site is located in an urban area on paved roads. In addition, the museum provides access facilities for wheelchairs.

Use limitations
The museum allows entry visitors as students and tourists (opening hours: 08H00 to 17H00).

Safety
The site has safety facilities like steps, handicapped ramp, mobile coverage and emergency services 3 km away.

Logistics
Accommodation and restaurants are within 3 km of the museum.
Density of population Density population of the area is approximately 900-1000 inhabitants/km 2 .

Association with other values
An illustrative example is the Amantes de Sumpa Museum; the site features a preceramic settlement with evidence of dwellings and a cemetery. The museum is named after two skeletons found hugging each other, belonging to the Las Vegas Culture (catalogued among the oldest ones in the American continent).

Uniqueness
The site presents a unique feature at the regional level because the museum is an example of palaeontological findings of an ancient fauna located in the Santa Elena province.
Observation conditions All fossil elements are found to be in good condition.

Didactic potential
The guides take visitors on a tour of each museum sector, from the fragments to the Megatherium skeleton. They provide information about the history and culture of the megafauna found in the palaeontological work. In addition, they show didactic material about the information found in the museum.

Geological diversity
The site has only one type of elements, belonging to the megafauna and microfauna of approximately 50,000 to 8000 years in age.

Interpretative potential
The site presents fossil elements transparently and expressively to every visitor.

Proximity of recreational areas
The site is located less than 5 km from a recreational area and tourist attractions, such as the Amantes de Sumpa Museum, La Libertad Central Park, Santa Elena Central Park and Cautivo Beach.

Deterioration of geological elements
There is the possibility of secondary manipulation of fossil elements.
Proximity to areas/activities with potential to cause degradation Industrial areas such as slaughterhouses, warehouses and oil refineries are less than 5 km away.

Legal protection
The museum has the legal protection of the UPSE University, municipality and ministry of tourism.

Surface
The museum has an approximate area of 334 m 2 (including exhibition areas, rooms and toilets).
Surrounding landscape and nature Tourists can enjoy an exhibition content and simulated mural of the landscape depicting the Megafauna.
Environmental fitting of sites The site fits perfectly in its logistical location.
Once the F and V are known, the Degradation Susceptibility (DS) is given by the following Equation (1): The total Degradation Susceptibility (DS) value has a determined weight: low (<13), medium , hight , very hight (200-399) and maximum (400).
With the value of the Degradation Susceptibility (DS) and the scientific (Sc), academic (Ac) and tourist (To) values, the results are ordered according to the Equations (2)-(5) of the scientific (PpSc), academic (PpAc), tourist (PpTo) and global (Pp) aspects as follows:

Assessment with Brilha Method
The Brilha method [1] was applied to the MPM to determine its value as a geosite. This quantitative assessment procedure mainly considers geosite geoconservation events [1]. In general, this procedure establishes: (i) Scientific Value (SV), (ii) Potential Educational Use (PEU), (iii) Potential Tourism Use (PTU) and (iv) Degradation Risk (DR). The criteria represented by indicators score from 1 to 4 points, with different weights.
In the Degradation Risk (DR) variable, there is a classification based on the total value obtained from the assessment, established in a range (low <200, medium 201-300 and high 301-400) [1].

Assessment with Geosites Assessment Model (GAM) Method
The application of the GAM method [33] focused on defining the site's potential from two groups of indicators: main values (Scientific/Educational, Scenic/Aesthetic and Protection) and additional values (Functional and Touristic). The process considers scores ranging from 0 to 1 [33]. Subsequently, the values obtained for each indicator are reflected in a matrix (main value on the X-axis and additional value on the Y-axis), which will allow the evaluators to obtain a panoramic image of the current state of the site.

Phase III: Qualitative Evaluation. DELPHI and SWOT Analysis
This phase carried out a qualitative analysis by UPSE University experts using the DELPHI methodology [74]. The methodology allowed the researchers to understand the current state of the MPM.
In addition, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis has been carried out [75], considering the characteristics of the MPM and its environment. The analysis made it possible to determine the site's geotourism potential and propose initiatives for the efficient and effective use of the museum.

MPM Processing and Systematisation
The visitor register reports that the MPM reached 14,400 visits in the period from 2018 to 2020. The year 2019 has the highest register (7253 visits) (Figure 4a). However, in the year 2020, there is a decrease in tourist influence mainly associated with the sanitary situation caused by COVID-19. This problem led to the temporary closure of the MPM, which interrupted visits from March until the end of 2020. The development of virtual activities and visits to the museum have been addressed as alternatives during the pandemic closure. However, it has not been possible to obtain these data in this study. In general, the available data indicate that the months with the highest number of visits are July (2019: 2113 visits) and October (2018: 963 visits) (Figure 4b).
2018 to 2020. The year 2019 has the highest register (7253 visits) (Figure 4a). However, in the year 2020, there is a decrease in tourist influence mainly associated with the sanitary situation caused by COVID-19. This problem led to the temporary closure of the MPM, which interrupted visits from March until the end of 2020. The development of virtual activities and visits to the museum have been addressed as alternatives during the pandemic closure. However, it has not been possible to obtain these data in this study. In general, the available data indicate that the months with the highest number of visits are July (2019: 2113 visits) and October (2018: 963 visits) (Figure 4b).
Regarding the visit of foreign tourists, the collected data indicate that the highest number of visits (46.6%) corresponds to tourists from Peru and Argentina (Figure 4c).  Regarding the visit of foreign tourists, the collected data indicate that the highest number of visits (46.6%) corresponds to tourists from Peru and Argentina (Figure 4c). Table 2 shows the projects, and scientific articles carried out by researchers from the UPSE University with the collaboration of other authors from other institutions (national and international). Two projects were carried out related to the museum's tourism activities and development: "Megatherium-UPSE Museum: From Exhibition Hall to Natural History Museum" [64] and "Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project" [67]. These projects aim to strengthen the concept and geological assessment of the MPM through the development of scientific research. Finally, table presents a summary of the articles resulting from the research on the scientific content of the museum. These articles generally deal with geological assessment and palaeontological studies.
Analysis of the museum's documentation and collection yielded relevant data on the representativeness of the available collection, the preservation degree of megafauna fossil remains, the heritage and geotourism potential of the museum and, above all, the uniqueness of the available collections. In detail: (i) concerning history, the museum's name is shaped by discovering the sloth "Megatherium" and other finds of fossil remains; (ii) considering the culture, it presents a collection of 524 bones and 2969 fragments belonging to the Late Pleistocene megafauna that inhabited the Santa Elena province; (iii) from the point of view of tourist interest, analyses carried out by other authors indicate that the museum is of high interest; and (iv) regarding representativeness, the MPM has fossil elements of a particular national character and is considered the first palaeontological museum in Ecuador. Updating the museum's scientific content through a research protocol associated with museum tasks (new fossil finds).

Approved (2017)
Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project [67,76] Developing sustainable strategies in the Santa Elena province through the use of georesources (geosites) and the expansion of the tourism offer.

Semiquantitative Assessment with IELIG, Brilha and GAM Methods
This section presents the description of the main criteria (Table 1) used in the assessment of MPM using the Brilha [1], GAM [33] and IELIG [29] methods.

Assessment with IELIG Method
The museum evaluation with the IELIG method indicates a very high rating in terms of scientific interest (310/400) and academic interest (310/400). On the other hand, the touristic interest shows a high value (210/400). In general, based on the results of Sc, Ac and To, the degree of geological interest is "very high" (Figure 5). The value of fragility (160/400) and vulnerability (130/400), with intermediate results.
The value of the susceptibility to degradation (SD) ( Table 3) indicates a medium score (52/400). The estimated value refers to the existing fossil collection. The potential damage mainly conditions the estimated value of 52/400 during the museum visit and the collections vulnerability. An SD reduction requires the improvement of the infrastructures that hold the collections on display to the public. Table 3. Degradation susceptibility (DS) value.

SD: (F*V)/400 52
Finally, Table 4 shows a moderate protection priority for the site. However, its tourism protection priority is an issue that needs to be improved. In the Brilha method, the evaluation shows moderate values of the variables in the Scientific Value (SV) (290/400) and Potential Educational Use (PEU) (280/400). However, the Potential Tourism Use (PTU) score is higher (315/400) ( Figure 6). Degradation Risk (DR) is low (190/400) due to the good logistics and legal protection of the museum.  Table 3) indicates a medium score (52/400). The estimated value refers to the existing fossil collection. The potential damage mainly conditions the estimated value of 52/400 during the museum visit and the collections vulnerability. An SD reduction requires the improvement of the infrastructures that hold the collections on display to the public. Table 3. Degradation susceptibility (DS) value.

Degradation Susceptibility (DS) TOTAL
SD: (F*V)/400 52 Finally, Table 4 shows a moderate protection priority for the site. However, its tourism protection priority is an issue that needs to be improved.

Evaluation with the Brilha Method
In the Brilha method, the evaluation shows moderate values of the variables in the Scientific Value (SV) (290/400) and Potential Educational Use (PEU) (280/400). However, the Potential Tourism Use (PTU) score is higher (315/400) ( Figure 6). Degradation Risk (DR) is low (190/400) due to the good logistics and legal protection of the museum.

Assessment with the GAM method
The GAM assessment shows high values ranging primarily between 0.5 and 1, with an average score of 0.75. The core variables, such as the Scientific Educational Value (VSE), Scenic/Aesthetic (VSA) and Protection (VPr), add up to a total score of 8/12. On the other hand, additional values such as Functional (VFn) and Touristic Values (VTr) show a higher value (11.5 points) (Figure 7). The results place the MPM assessment between the Z23 and Z33 fields (Figure 8), which means it has a high geotourism potential.

Assessment with the GAM Method
The GAM assessment shows high values ranging primarily between 0.5 and 1, with an average score of 0.75. The core variables, such as the Scientific Educational Value (VSE), Scenic/Aesthetic (VSA) and Protection (VPr), add up to a total score of 8/12. On the other hand, additional values such as Functional (VFn) and Touristic Values (VTr) show a higher value (11.5 points) (Figure 7). The results place the MPM assessment between the Z 23 and Z 33 fields (Figure 8), which means it has a high geotourism potential.

Assessment with the GAM method
The GAM assessment shows high values ranging primarily between 0.5 and 1, with an average score of 0.75. The core variables, such as the Scientific Educational Value (VSE), Scenic/Aesthetic (VSA) and Protection (VPr), add up to a total score of 8/12. On the other hand, additional values such as Functional (VFn) and Touristic Values (VTr) show a higher value (11.5 points) (Figure 7). The results place the MPM assessment between the Z23 and Z33 fields (Figure 8), which means it has a high geotourism potential.

DELPHI Method
The results obtained in the semiquantitative assessment indicate that the MPM is a site with geotourist potential oriented towards ex situ geoconservation. Therefore, the scientific content, service, logistics and state of infrastructure are critical variables in the MPM valuation process. However, it is necessary to consider actions caused by internal and external sources that negatively influence the museum's content, such as the constant vehicular traffic (less than 100 m), visitors who do not respect the signage and the lack of constant maintenance of the museum's infrastructure. In addition, it is essential to promote the implementation of geotourism development strategies of the MPM at the national and international levels.

DELPHI Method
The results obtained in the semiquantitative assessment indicate that the MPM is a site with geotourist potential oriented towards ex situ geoconservation. Therefore, the scientific content, service, logistics and state of infrastructure are critical variables in the MPM valuation process. However, it is necessary to consider actions caused by internal and external sources that negatively influence the museum's content, such as the constant vehicular traffic (less than 100 m), visitors who do not respect the signage and the lack of constant maintenance of the museum's infrastructure. In addition, it is essential to promote the implementation of geotourism development strategies of the MPM at the national and international levels.

SWOT Analysis
The SWOT matrix analysis was generated based on the criteria used in the DELPHI method (Table 5). This analysis shows an overview of the current conditions and strategies that affect geotourism development in the MPM.

SWOT Analysis
The SWOT matrix analysis was generated based on the criteria used in the DELPHI method (Table 5). This analysis shows an overview of the current conditions and strategies that affect geotourism development in the MPM.

Discussion
The present study allowed us to characterise the scientific, academic and tourist interest of the Megatherium Palaeontological Museum (MPM) as a geosite using qualitative and semiquantitative methods and thus broaden the knowledge about its geotourism potential. The obtained results indicate that the museum can be considered an excellent place for the generation of geotourism, corroborating the information provided in previous studies [51,57]. In concrete terms, the study carried out by Herrera et al. [51], applying the "Criteria of Geological relevance, Representativeness, Geotouristically prominent Site, Interpretation, and Conservation (GREGSIC)" method, indicates that the MPM has a "very high" interest due to its scientific, educational and touristic value. Furthermore, in this study, when applying the IELIG, Brilha and GAM methods, the MPM presented a "high" interest of global interest in all three evaluations. Therefore, the MPM can be considered to reach the level of heritage recognition as it has a specific content and a suitable environment for preserving fossil elements [77]. However, we also found that it is essential to monitor the obtained values (scientific, educational, touristic) in terms of the conservation of its collections and its limited geotouristic progress. The inclusion of strategies and programmes for the conservation and promotion of the museum are pending tasks that must be addressed in further studies (e.g., [56,78]).
There are museums worldwide that have been evaluated using the three methods (IELIG, Brilha and GAM) for their enhancement. In the evaluations, these museums score "high" and "very high" [79][80][81][82] due to their scientific and geotourism potential regarding indicators such as representativeness, rarity, logistical infrastructure, accessibility and uniqueness. However, some museums are affected by anthropogenic threats (mainly open-air museums, e.g., [83,84]). In contrast, the MPM was found to have high values in indicators such as representativeness, knowledge of the site, rarity, informational and didactic content, level of interpretation, vulnerability, use limitations, the proximity of recreational areas and tourism infrastructure. In addition, the museum collections are well protected against anthropogenic manipulation, as vulnerability and protection criteria conditions are appropriate.
In more detail, the results obtained in the MPM evaluation show that: 1.
According to the IELIG method [29], the museum can become a cultural model on a national level. In addition, its degree of knowledge, rarity, the spectacular nature of the museum and its tourism potential make it a destination for research and geotourism [46].

2.
According to the Brilha method [1], the museum has an adequate study area to illustrate elements related to palaeontology. In addition, the scientific progress (integrity and geological occurrence) and its historical, cultural and heritage value make the museum a place of educational and touristic interest. The risk of degradation is low, as the museum's fossil elements are protected.

3.
According to the GAM method [33], the MPM has a unique scientific value, with high values of didactic and exemplary characteristics ( Figure 8). However, its scenic/aesthetic value is intermediate, as the logistics of the museum do not present a natural environment and industrial activities are less than 5 km away.
Despite the scientific potential of the MPM, the DELPHI and SWOT methods show some weaknesses and threats that negatively affect the geotourism development of the museum. For example, the lack of publicity methods, lack of links and limited funding, low ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) index, lack of relationship with national and international museums and limited local interest in the museum. According to Álvarez & Cedeño [56], implementing a promotion plan would allow the museum to obtain optimal solutions to the threat of social and academic disinterest. The present study includes strategic content that could help improve the geotourism performance of the MPM (Table 5). This proposed plan would encourage the development of the museum and the whole Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project. In concrete terms, through alliances with private and governmental entities, the generation of public events through online technological resources [85] and, mainly, the incorporation of society in the initiatives to exploit geoheritage.

Conclusions
The evaluation carried out using the IELIG, Brilha and GAM methods shows a high scientific, educational and touristic interest of the MPM, qualifying it as an ex situ geoheritage element of palaeontological character with applications in geoturism. Due to the discovered fossil remains that form part of the museum's collection, it can be considered a place with unique characteristics at local and national levels. The MPM can be part of the geotourism potential sites of the Santa Elena province to validate its importance in the context of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project.
Despite outstanding studies showing a high scientific interest in the MPM, annual visitor trends show an intermediate interest from national and foreign tourists, with approximately 14400 visits in the last three years. Therefore, the implementation of strategies is fundamental to enhance geotourism in the MPM. Financial and publicity support by entities interested in making strategic links related to geotourism in the context of geoconservation is essential.
The DELPHI and SWOT analyses were fundamental to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of the museum. These methodologies proved that the MPM is a site of geotourism potential and, can be a base for social and economic development. In addition, these analyses revealed some weaknesses of the museum, such as its limited links with private and governmental entities, low ICTs index, limited funding, and lack of relationship with national and international museums. Based on the criteria mentioned above, we propose strategies focused on solving these weaknesses, for example, the search for external funding, the promotion of the MPM within the framework of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark project, the generation of alliances with academic and governmental entities, the implementation of interdisciplinary programmes (academic and tourism) and, finally, the development of tourism strategies.  their help in obtaining the digital material (photos of bones and fragments) despite the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also grateful for the support of Victor Coronel Ortiz M.Sc. for his help in processing the digital material. This work is based on previous initiatives sponsored by the Red Minería XXI (CYTED: 407310RT0402, IGME). Furthermore, we thank the reviewers and editorial committee for their observations and suggestions for improving the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest:
The authors declare that there are no publication conflicts about the digital material exhibited by the museum.