Search Results (196)

Chelmos Vouraikos UNESCO Global Geopark is located in North Peloponnesus, Greece. As a member of the Global Geoparks Network, it is valued for its rich geoheritage in combination with its natural and cultural wealth. Several different landforms of international value are located in the area. The scope of this work is to present an overview of its geomorphological features, link them with biodiversity and highlight their value for geotourism. Its geology is complicated due to intense tectonism. Three geotectonic units of the Alpine Orogeny can be found along with post-Alpine sediments related to the Corinth Gulf rifting. The area is highly covered by limestone creating important karst landforms. High peaks surround river valleys and deep gorges create breathtaking landscapes. Some of them cut through high and steep conglomerate slopes. Remnants of past glaciation have been preserved on Mt Chelmos. The exceptional geodiversity of the area is linked with rich vegetation and high endemism. The many identified geomorphological sites highlight the Geopark’s strong commitment to geomorphology and its importance as a key geomorphological destination. Highly visible geomorphological sites with ecological value can also promote environmental awareness and contribute to the protection of biodiversity. Full article

This study investigates how cultural and natural heritage can inform surface design for fashion, focusing on the development of a capsule collection of geoproducts in the UNESCO Global Geopark of Caçapava do Sul, Brazil. The purpose is to expand the scope of existing geoproducts, often limited to food and souvenirs, by introducing textile-based items that reflect local identity and contribute to sustainability. The research employed an applied, qualitative, and descriptive approach, including bibliographic review, questionnaires with local artisans, and the mapping of existing geoproducts. Data were analyzed through content analysis, and the creative process followed the method of cross-fertilization, which stimulates innovation by combining knowledge from design, geology, and craftsmanship. The design process was organized into four phases—preparation, generation of alternatives, selection, and realization—culminating in the capsule collection Aflora. The collection comprised two thematic lines: Cactaceae, inspired by endemic flora, and Geo, based on local geomonuments. The results demonstrate that surface design can mediate the relationship between fashion and heritage, producing identity-driven and innovative textile products. Three surface-design modules were produced, six product mockups, and two geoproduct prototypes, developed with materials such as wool, felt, sarja, and cotton fabrics. The study contributes theoretically by linking apparel design with heritage valorization, and practically by proposing a replicable model for geoproduct development. Limitations relate to the single case study and qualitative scope, suggesting future research on replication, eco-friendly printing, and market feasibility. Full article

The Shunku Rumi Geosite, located within the Napo Sumaco UNESCO Global Geopark in Ecuador, offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the igneous geodiversity of the Abitagua Batholith. This study employs an integrative approach combining petrographic, geochemical, and structural analyses to characterize the site’s lithological diversity, mineral assemblages, and emplacement mechanisms. Detailed fieldwork at a 1:3000 scale included geological mapping, 23 intrusive rock samples, and over 100 structural measurements. Laboratory techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thin-section petrography, revealed a wide range of mineral phases, with dominant minerals including quartz, plagioclase, biotite, and amphibole. The petrographic and geochemical dataset is consistent with a calc-alkaline affinity, reflecting subduction-related magmatism. Alteration zones, predominantly propylitic, were identified through secondary minerals like epidote, chlorite, and sericite, signaling late-stage hydrothermal processes. Structural analysis shows NE–SW dyke emplacement was controlled by pre-existing fault systems. The study emphasizes the educational and geotourism potential of Shunku Rumi, with its accessible exposures offering a unique platform for geoeducation. These results also underpin the development of field-based learning materials and practitioner guides within the geopark, linking geological processes to local cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development. The findings contribute to the growing efforts to integrate scientific research with community engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems within the context of the Amazonian landscape. Full article

This study presents an assessment of hydrological diversity (hydrodiversity) in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, aiming to identify potential correlations between hydrodiversity and hydrological features of geoheritage. The methodology applied a quantitative approach based on mean annual precipitation, river discharge, reservoir distribution, and stream order. These variables were analyzed within a 5.5 km grid using GIS tools. The four resulting sub-indices were normalized through the Maximum Possible Value method to ensure equal weighting in the final Hydrodiversity Index, which classifies areas into four levels: low, medium, high, and very high. Results show the highest hydrodiversity values in the eastern region and along the Apodi–Mossoró River, where rainfall and drainage density are greatest. The Hydrodiversity Index map was examined alongside land use data and the distribution of 22 previously identified hydrological sites (hydrosites). A greater concentration of anthropogenic land use was noted in areas with medium to high hydrodiversity, especially in the east and along the northern coast, emphasizing the role of water resources in territorial dynamics. The findings indicate that no hydrosites are located within areas of Very High Hydrodiversity; however, more than 50% of the hydrosites correspond to areas classified as High Hydrodiversity. While further research is required to better elucidate the relationship between geodiversity and geoheritage, these results underscore both the complexity of the link between hydrodiversity and water-related geoheritage, as well as the importance of employing an index to inform conservation and management strategies. Full article

The Príncipe Island is in the Gulf of Guinea, along the Cameroon Volcanic Line (West Africa). It is known worldwide for its biodiversity for whose conservation there is strong national and international consensus. But its geodiversity has played and continues to play a very important role in creating this unique habitat in sub-Saharan Africa, and represents an important asset in promoting local tourism, with a focus on the geological history of this remote island. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive synthesis that is both up-to-date and inclusive, incorporating all the fundamental information and references on the geodiversity and the geological heritage of the Príncipe Island. The geological heritage of Príncipe Island is represented by ten geological heritage sites of different types (volcanological, geomorphological, sedimentological, and stratigraphical), and five viewpoints, whose geoheritage contents make it possible to support a narrative about the geological history of the Cameroon Volcanic Line that is of major relevance for the development of geoeducational resources and potentially appealing to fostering regional geotourism. Príncipe geological heritage sites were inventoried and assessed using the same qualitative methodology previously applied to the geological heritage of São Tomé Island, therefore making it possible to complete the country’s national inventory of geological sites, as well as to enrich the representation of African geoheritage among the world’s list of geological heritage sites. Full article

The Lunayyir Volcanic Field (Harrat Lunayyir), located on the western boundary of the Arabian Microplate, comprises a Quaternary volcanic region featuring approximately 150 volcanoes formed from around 700 vents. In 2009, a significant volcano-seismic event occurred, resulting in the formation of a nearly 20 km long fissure. Geophysical modeling has demonstrated that this area lies above an eruptible magma system, unequivocally confirming ongoing volcanic activity. Recent geological mapping and age determinations have further established the field as a young Quaternary volcanic landscape. Notably, the 2009 event provided critical evidence of the region’s volcanic activity and underscored the potential to connect its volcanic geoheritage with hazard mitigation strategies. The volcanic field displays diverse features, including effusive eruptions—primarily pāhoehoe and ‘a‘ā lava flows—and explosive structures such as spatter ramparts and multi-crater scoria cones. While effusive eruptions are most common and exert long-term impacts, explosive eruptions tend to be less intense; however, some events have reached a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4, distributing ash up to 250 km. Recognizing the geoheritage and geodiversity of the area may enhance resilience to volcanic hazards through geoconservation, educational initiatives, managed visitation, and establishment of a geoheritage reserve to preserve site conditions. Hazards associated with this dispersed monogenetic volcanic field manifest with recurrence intervals ranging from centuries to millennia, presenting challenges for effective communication. Although eruptions are infrequent, they have the potential to impact regional infrastructure. Documentation of volcanic geoheritage supports hazard communication efforts. Within the northern development sector, 26 geosites have been identified, 22 of which pertain to the Quaternary basaltic volcanic field, each representing a specific hazard and contributing vital information for resilience planning. Full article

Geodiversity mapping is a key topic in the field of geoconservation. Although most methodological proposals are based on quantitative assessments, recent studies on qualitative mapping have shown strong potential for various applications, including relationships with biodiversity, territorial management, and nature conservation. This article presents a qualitative geodiversity map of the Costões e Lagunas Aspiring Geopark, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The map was also used to identify geodiversity-related ecosystem services in the territory. The method for generating the map was divided into two steps: first, thematic maps representing geodiversity components were integrated to identify areas where components interact to form specific environments; second, based on these interactions, geodiversity units were defined. Ecosystem services provided by each unit were identified through the analysis of human activities occurring within them. The results show that the geodiversity units provide multiple ecosystem services across different categories and are essential to the well-being of local inhabitants. These findings reinforce the relevance of the qualitative approach and demonstrate that geodiversity mapping can support broader landscape analyses. Thus, qualitative geodiversity maps are effective tools for identifying ecosystem services across extensive areas. Full article

Soils are critical natural resources, yet their abiotic contributions to ecosystem services remain largely unexplored in valuation studies. This pilot study represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first attempt to assess the perceived value of geosystem services (GSs) from a consumer perspective. Using a discrete choice experiment with 200 respondents, we evaluated preferences for Rotella apples and Moscatello wine through mixed multinomial logit and latent class models. Results show that attributes related to soil use and soil control were consistently significant drivers of consumer utility (e.g., odds ratios of 9.38 and 5.78 for Moscatello wine and 8.46 and 5.56 for Rotella apples, respectively; p < 0.01). These attributes align more closely with the concept of a “geological fingerprint” than with existing geographical labeling schemes such as the Protected Designation of Origin. Price effects were statistically insignificant, indicating virtually no influence on choices. Both estimated models revealed preference heterogeneity and a substantial number of no-buy responses. This suggests both limited consumer familiarity with GS concepts and a limitation of our attribute descriptions, which likely failed to convey information needed for effective purchasing decisions. This study is exploratory and limited by its convenience sample, imperfect price specification, and inability to estimate willingness-to-pay measures. Nevertheless, it provides empirical support for introducing geological footprint labeling and highlights the need for improved consumer information, policy tools, and public campaigns to promote recognition and sustainable management of geodiversity in agriculture. Full article

The lithological record of past climates and climate changes reveals significant potential in enhancing education and understanding of global climate changes and their impacts on contemporary societies. A relatively young geological record of Pleistocene cooling and glaciations serves as one of the most useful geo-educational tools. The present study encompasses a comprehensive review of ongoing efforts to assess and communicate the glacial geoheritage of the Pleistocene, with a detailed case study of Poland. A literature review is conducted to evaluate the extent of scientific work on inventorying and communicating the geodiversity of Pleistocene glacial and periglacial environments globally. The study demonstrates a steady increase in the number of scientific contributions focused on the evaluation and promotion of Pleistocene geoheritage, with a notable transition from the description of geosites to the establishment of geoconservation practices and educational strategies. The relative complexity of the palaeoclimatic record and the presence of glacial geodiversity features across extensive areas indicate that effective scientific communication of climate changes requires careful selection of a limited number of geodiversity elements and sediment types. In this context, the use of glacial erratic boulders and rock gardens for promotion of Pleistocene glacial geoheritage is advocated, and the significance of educational initiatives for local communities and the preservation of geocultural heritage is outlined in detail. Full article

Exploring the evolution of ecosystem services value (ESV) and its drivers is pivotal for optimizing the land-use structure and improving the value of ecosystem services. Using the 1980–2020 land-use/land-cover (LULC) dataset of the Mu Us Sandy Land, this study quantitatively evaluated ESV through LULC change, analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of ESV and its driving forces. The results showed that (1) the LULC changes were stable from 1980 to 2020, and the ESV showed a slight downward trend in general. Grassland and water ecosystem services predominantly influenced ecosystem service function value fluctuations across the study area. (2) ESV demonstrated strong positive spatial autocorrelation, with high-value areas concentrated primarily in Red Alkali Nur, Dawa Nur, Batu Bay, and Ulanmulun Lake and low-value areas mainly distributed in unused land and certain agricultural zones. (3) The land-use degree and human activity intensity index were the main factors leading to the differentiation of ESV. The synergistic effects of human activities, landscape pattern changes, and natural factors led to the spatial differentiation of ESV in the study area. Beyond artificial ecological restoration projects, policies for ecosystem service management should pay more attention to the role of geodiversity in service provision. Full article

The Sierra Minera de Cartagena-La Unión, located in southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, has been significantly impacted by historical mining activities, which resulted in environmental degradation, including acid mine drainage (AMD) and heavy metal contamination. This study evaluates the potential of PRISMA hyperspectral imagery for multi-temporal mapping of AMD-related minerals in two mining-affected drainage basins: Beal and Gorguel. Key minerals indicative of AMD—iron oxides and hydroxides (hematite, jarosite, goethite), gypsum, and aluminium-bearing clays—were identified and mapped using band ratios applied to PRISMA data acquired over five dates between 2020 and 2024. Additionally, Sentinel-2 data were incorporated in the analysis due to their higher temporal resolution to complement iron oxide and hydroxide evolution from PRISMA. Results reveal distinct temporal and spatial patterns in mineral distribution, influenced by seasonal precipitation and climatic factors. Jarosite was predominant after torrential precipitation events, reflecting recent AMD deposition, while gypsum exhibited seasonal variability linked to evaporation cycles. Goethite and hematite increased in drier conditions, indicating transitions in oxidation states. Validation using X-ray diffraction (XRD), laboratory spectral curves, and a larger time-series of Sentinel-2 imagery demonstrated strong correlations, confirming PRISMA’s effectiveness for iron oxides and hydroxides and gypsum identification and monitoring. However, challenges such as noise, striping effects, and limited image availability affected the accuracy of aluminium-bearing clay mapping and limited long-term trend analysis. Full article

With the growing impact of environmental challenges, the need for well-planned and effectively executed actions to support progress and sustainable social development has become increasingly evident. Geoparks play a vital role in this endeavor by fostering the development of products that celebrate local heritage and promote its conservation, utilizing the natural and cultural resources unique to each region in sustainable ways. Geoproducts, in particular, aim to enrich cultural identity and elevate the value of the landscape and geodiversity by integrating communities into innovative approaches and technologies, engaging them in commercialization, and ensuring sustainability alongside social inclusion. Within the framework of the Safi Geopark Project, this article delves into the concept of geoproducts, their definitions, and their potential to bolster local identity and social and economic development. Leveraging the abundant geological and cultural resources of Safi province, the study presents both tangible and intangible geoproducts that merge traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices. Notable examples include ammonite-inspired ceramics, educational materials, and eco-friendly cosmetics, each carefully designed to reflect and celebrate the region’s geoheritage. This article underscores the crucial role of community involvement in the creation of geoproducts, highlighting their impact on conservation, education, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. By proposing actionable strategies, this study not only broadens the understanding of geoproducts within geoparks but also reinforces their importance as instruments for regional development, heritage conservation, and sustainable economic growth. Full article

This study reviewed the benefits of outdoor activities and educational programs that take place in nature in terms of the cognitive and mental development of children. Research has highlighted the benefits offered to children by their participation in experiential activities that take place outdoors and are related to natural phenomena. These activities help children realize how important it is to conserve nature and protect sites of world heritage, thus becoming active citizens in the future. In this study, the uniqueness of Syros Island is presented, emphasizing the need for the world-renowned geological heritage of Syros to be preserved and promoted, both for the scientific community and for the public, with the aim of establishing a geopark in Apano Meria, as proposed by local authorities, along with a local museum. In this context, a working methodology was developed involving the design and implementation of a pilot educational program combining field-based activities, guided interpretation, and interactive learning tools. An indicative educational program was piloted with primary and secondary school students, as well as postgraduate students from the University of Athens. Recognizing the important role of geoparks in school education, the program focused on the rare geological phenomena on the northern side of Syros and was adapted to the characteristics of each participant age group. Full article

Scandinavian erratic boulders in central Poland represent a significant element of the region’s geodiversity, fulfilling important natural, scientific, and cultural functions. As objects of high perceptual value, they integrate into the landscape and provide a wide range of geosystem services. The main objectives of research conducted in two areas of the Małopolska Upland are to determine the concentration of these boulders and identify the geosystem benefits they offer, with particular emphasis on lichen species inhabiting their surfaces. Research has confirmed the currently limited use of geosystem services provided by the 25 erratic boulders studied. However, this may change with growing ecological awareness among local communities, enabling a deeper appreciation of inanimate nature. Erratic boulders have the potential to attract geotourists and thus support economic development (by improving the residents’ quality of life), but this potential requires broader promotion. Although the Central Register of Geosites of Poland is an appropriate platform for their registration, none of the analysed boulders have yet been included. The research findings are also partly directed at local government units to help them recognise the value of erratic boulders for sustainable development, in line with existing legal frameworks and development strategies. The detailed characterisation of 25 boulders may inspire broader initiatives and foster knowledge transfer to support regional development through geotourism. The ability to identify the ecosystem benefits provided by erratic boulders is essential for maintaining ecological balance and sustaining natural processes. However, there is growing evidence of the systematic disappearance of erratic boulders from the landscape, which disrupts geosystem balance and leads to further environmental degradation, negatively affecting human well-being. In light of the lack of effective nature protection measures in the study area, it is proposed that some of these boulders be designated as geological protected features. Such a conservation approach could help maintain ecological balance in the designated area. Full article

Geosystem services are increasingly recognized as critical for the sustainable development of rapidly growing cities in the Global South, because of their association with improved public health, reduction in environmental pollution, microclimate effects, and the ecological goods and services that provide benefits to local people. However, maintaining urban green spaces is a particular issue in cities in the Global South, such as São Paulo (Brazil) and Johannesburg (South Africa), where rapid inward migration and poor urban planning result in low environmental quality and the deterioration of geosystem services. This study explores the geosystem (including environmental and ecosystem) services provided in protected green spaces in these two cities, using the specific examples of Parque Estadual da Cantareira (São Paulo) and Melville Koppies (Johannesburg). This study uses an inventory-based approach to list and critically explore the availability and properties of different geosystem services found in these sites, and their wider implications for environmental planning and sustainable urban development. The results show that, although superficially similar, these sites have very different geosystem services, and that a simple inventorizing approach for geodiversity and geosystem service provision as used in many previous studies is highly problematic and over-simplifies site-scale geological and environmental properties, and how these are used and valued by local people. A more integrated approach dealing with the interplay of geosystem, environmental, and ecosystem services can provide a much firmer basis for urban planning and management in the Global South, suitable for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article