Geoheritage and Sustainable Development of Geotourism
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 5093
Special Issue Editor
Interests: geotourism; sustainable geotourism; geoconservation; geoethics; visitor motivation; geosite interpretation; geosite education; geosite management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Geoheritage refers to geological features, sites, and landscapes of significant scientific, educational, aesthetic, or cultural value. It represents the Earth's natural heritage and provides a window into the planet's geological history. The concept of sustainable development in the context of geotourism involves the responsible and balanced use of geoheritage resources to foster economic growth, while conserving and preserving the natural environment for future generations.
Geotourism, as a form of sustainable tourism, focuses on promoting and experiencing the geological wonders of a region. It involves activities such as visiting geological sites, participating in educational programs, and engaging in outdoor recreational pursuits. By combining the principles of sustainable development with geotourism, it becomes possible to create a harmonious relationship between tourism, conservation, and local communities.
The sustainable development of geotourism involves various key aspects. Firstly, it requires the identification, protection, and management of geoheritage sites to prevent their degradation or destruction. This includes establishing protected areas, implementing conservation strategies, and monitoring visitor impacts. Secondly, it emphasizes the promotion of environmentally friendly practices in tourism operations, such as minimizing waste generation, conserving energy and water resources, and supporting local sustainable initiatives.
Additionally, geotourism should contribute to the socioeconomic development of local communities. This can be achieved by involving residents in tourism planning and decision making processes, providing them with opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, and supporting the preservation of local traditions and cultural heritage.
By integrating sustainable development principles into geotourism, we can ensure the long-term viability and resilience of geoheritage sites, while simultaneously fostering economic growth, community empowerment, and environmental conservation. It offers a unique way to appreciate and protect the Earth's geological wonders, promoting a deeper understanding of our planet's history and inspiring a sense of stewardship towards its natural resources.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: geoheritage and sustainable geotourism development and management as well as all aspects of geosite interpretation and education, the economic impacts of geotourism, geoethics, geoconservation, geotourism policies and planning, visitor motivation, and local community stakeholder engagement in geotourism activities.
I look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Nemanja Tomić
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- geotourism
- sustainable geotourism
- geoconservation
- geoethics
- visitor motivation
- geosite interpretation
- geosite education
- geosite management
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