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Geosciences
Special Issues
Earth System–Society Nexus: Geoheritage and Geopark Practices
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Earth System–Society Nexus: Geoheritage and Geopark Practices

A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263). This special issue belongs to the section "Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 1238

Editors

Prof. Dr. Koji Wakita

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Community Future Center, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8512, Japan
Interests: geopark; tectonics
Dr. Marie-Luise Frey

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Global Geoparks Network Executive Board and Terra Outreach, Gerolstein, Germany
Interests: geoheritage protection; assessment; geoscience popularization; communication; education
Dr. Xiaochi Jin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: biostratigraphy; sedimentology; paleogeography research

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Geoscience has long been dedicated to uncovering the Earth’s fundamental mechanisms through rigorous observation and analysis. However, as the Earth is the very foundation of human existence, the insights gained from this science are inseparable from our daily lives. We live amidst the Earth’s blessings while simultaneously facing the threats of natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Understanding this complex "Earth–Society Nexus" has become one of the most pressing themes in modern science.

Since the establishment of the UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2015, Geoparks have served as a vital frontier where science meets society.

This Special Issue aims to gather diverse perspectives on how geoscience can contribute to social well-being. We invite researchers and practitioners to share their empirical findings, practical insights, and the critical challenges encountered in their field activities. This issue seeks to foster a global dialogue that deepens the integration of geoscience into the fabric of human society.

This Special Issue will welcome manuscripts that link the following themes:

  • The international significance and assessment of geoheritage.
  • Best practices in conservation, geo-education, and sustainable tourism.
  • Philosophical and ethical frameworks that guide Geopark activities.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Prof. Dr. Koji Wakita
Dr. Marie-Luise Frey
Dr. Xiaochi Jin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Geosciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • geopark
  • geoheritage
  • conservation
  • geo-education
  • geotourism
  • geopoetry
  • philosophy
  • ethics

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 6229 KB  
Article
Living with the Active Earth: Perspectives from Japanese Geoparks
by Koji Wakita
Geosciences 2026, 16(7), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16070283 - 9 Jul 2026
Abstract
This study examines all 48 members of the Japanese Geoparks Network to explore how human societies live with the Active Earth in one of the world’s most tectonically active regions. Rather than treating geoparks as separate sites, the study analyzes them collectively in [...] Read more.
This study examines all 48 members of the Japanese Geoparks Network to explore how human societies live with the Active Earth in one of the world’s most tectonically active regions. Rather than treating geoparks as separate sites, the study analyzes them collectively in terms of geoheritage, geohazards, hydrological environments, and community-based activities. The study is organized around four interconnected perspectives: (1) local geoheritage and Deep Time, (2) geohazards linking Human Time and Deep Time, (3) human life within Earth-system circulation, and (4) people and local communities connected through geopark participation. The results show that Japanese geoparks collectively preserve records of plate subduction, magmatism, accretion, crustal deformation, uplift, erosion, and hydrological processes that have shaped the Japanese active margin over hundreds of millions of years. These same processes continue to influence contemporary society through earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, water resources, ecosystems, agriculture, fisheries, and regional livelihoods. This nationwide analysis suggests that Japanese geoparks can be understood not only as sites for geoheritage conservation or tourism, but also as places where people recognize and sustain relationships among Earth-system processes, everyday life, and local communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Earth System–Society Nexus: Geoheritage and Geopark Practices)
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23 pages, 25568 KB  
Article
Integrating Geological Evolution and Spatial Connectivity in Geotrail Design: A Framework from the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark, East Java, Indonesia
by Abdillah, Mirzam Abdurrachman, Yan Rizal, Nia Kurniasih and Firman Sauqi Nur Sabila
Geosciences 2026, 16(6), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16060222 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 333
Abstract
The Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark exhibits high geological diversity, recording a transition from Tertiary volcanism to active Quaternary volcanic systems and associated carbonate–karst development; however, geotourism remains predominantly site-based, limiting spatial integration and thematic continuity. This study aims to identify and structure geotrail [...] Read more.
The Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark exhibits high geological diversity, recording a transition from Tertiary volcanism to active Quaternary volcanic systems and associated carbonate–karst development; however, geotourism remains predominantly site-based, limiting spatial integration and thematic continuity. This study aims to identify and structure geotrail routes by integrating geological setting, site diversity, and spatial relationships. The methodology applies a sequential framework comprising geological review, site inventory (geosites, biosites, and cultural sites), site characterization, accessibility and clustering analysis, route delineation, and SWOT-based evaluation. The results define five geotrail routes reflecting the geological evolution of the region, with spatial distribution characterized by older volcanic systems in the southern sector, Quaternary volcanism in the northern sector, and carbonate units in the eastern sector. Despite coherent geological relationships among sites, connectivity remains limited due to accessibility constraints and lack of integrated management. SWOT analysis indicates near-balanced internal factors (−0.0047) and externally constrained conditions (−0.5584), placing development in a defensive position. These findings indicate that the main limitation is the lack of spatial and interpretative integration rather than geological diversity. The study provides a systematic framework linking geological evolution to geotrail design to support integrated geotourism development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Earth System–Society Nexus: Geoheritage and Geopark Practices)
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21 pages, 13523 KB  
Article
The Paleogeographic Mapping of the Middle Liassic in the Western Edge of the Central High Atlas (Morocco): A Contextualized Educational Approach Within the M’Goun Geopark
by Hafid Chafiki, Brahim NaitOuacha, Badya Lage, Paulo Pereira, Fatima El Bchari and Abdellatif Souhel
Geosciences 2026, 16(6), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16060217 - 31 May 2026
Viewed by 443
Abstract
This study analyzes the educational and scientific potential of paleogeographic reconstruction as a contextualized geoscience teaching tool within the UNESCO Global Geopark of M’Goun (Central High Atlas, Morocco). It addresses a major limitation of Moroccan geology curricula, which mainly rely on generalized paleogeographic [...] Read more.
This study analyzes the educational and scientific potential of paleogeographic reconstruction as a contextualized geoscience teaching tool within the UNESCO Global Geopark of M’Goun (Central High Atlas, Morocco). It addresses a major limitation of Moroccan geology curricula, which mainly rely on generalized paleogeographic models disconnected from local geological realities and field evidence. The Ouaouizaght sector, characterized by a continuous Jurassic–Cretaceous sedimentary succession and well-preserved Middle Liassic facies, was selected as a representative case study for developing an integrated field-based educational framework. The methodological approach combines cartographic analysis, geological field observations, structural interpretation, and GIS-based spatial synthesis. Field investigations conducted along a northwest–southeast transect enabled the characterization of carbonate platform, slope, and distal hemipelagic environments. Meanwhile, they identified tectonic controls influencing facies organization and basin geometry. The integration of lithostratigraphic, paleoenvironmental, and structural data led to the reconstruction of a coherent paleogeographic model for the western edge of the Central High Atlas during the Middle Liassic. The main target audience of this research is Life and Earth Sciences (LES) teachers, both in initial training and continuing professional development, and indirectly secondary school students. This study highlighted the pedagogical value of combining fieldwork, spatial reasoning, and geological interpretation to support inquiry-based and contextualized geoscience education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Earth System–Society Nexus: Geoheritage and Geopark Practices)
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