Search Results (242)

Geoheritage assessment supports inventory design, geoconservation, geoeducation, public interpretation, and geotourism, yet many methods still merge intrinsic site significance with present-day conditions of access, interpretation, and management. This paper introduces the Geoheritage Evaluation and Classification Alphanumeric System (GECAS), a modular, non-compensatory framework for classifying geosites and geomorphosites through autonomous profiles rather than through a single total score. The revised framework distinguishes a minimum deployable core from standard and full applications, separates descriptive metadata from evaluative axes, and produces purpose-specific outputs for scientific significance, geoeducational suitability, public-facing visit readiness, geotourism use potential, and conservation priority. GECAS also formalises evidence quality, expert- and user-derived channels, degradation-risk gates, and the Geo-Pass communication profile. A structured comparison with established assessment approaches, a step-by-step workflow, time–effort guidance, and a secondary-data demonstrator is provided. The framework is proposed as a scalable methodological grammar that improves transparency, avoids hidden compensation among non-equivalent criteria, and supports future calibration through field trials, inter-rater testing, and comparative applications. Full article

The Ranah Minang Silokek Geopark (RMSG) in West Sumatra is a designated Indonesian National Geopark aspiring for UNESCO Global Geopark status. This study provides a preliminary qualitative inventory of its geodiversity to evaluate its international significance, scientific value, and educational value. Based on literature synthesis and field investigations at 14 representative geosites, we characterize the lithological, stratigraphic, and geomorphological diversity. The results reveal an exceptional geological record spanning nearly 300 million years, from the Carboniferous–Permian to the Neogene. The geodiversity comprises a complete rock spectrum (sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic), including Paleozoic limestones, Triassic granitoid intrusions, and Cenozoic sedimentary basin deposits. Geomorphological features are equally varied, encompassing extensive karst landscapes, structurally controlled fluvial systems, and tectonic landforms. This remarkable assemblage of geological features provides a coherent narrative of West Sumatra’s evolution, from its origins as part of the Gondwana, through Mesozoic tectonic amalgamation and magmatism, to Cenozoic basin development associated with the Sunda Arc subduction system. The high geodiversity of RMSG not only underscores its potential for international recognition but also offers significant opportunities for geotourism and geo-education, presenting a natural laboratory for understanding the complex geological history of Southeast Asia. Full article

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

Geosites in the Safi Province in Morocco are increasingly exposed to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors (landslides, karstification, pollution, improper visitor behavior, etc.) that threaten their integrity and accelerate their degradation. Assessing geoheritage degradation risks is therefore a fundamental step in any geoconservation strategy, particularly given the growing impacts of climate change on Morocco’s Atlantic coastline. This study proposes a quantitative methodology for evaluating degradation risk by integrating extrinsic factors that can damage geosites. The methodology was applied to the Safi Province, an area characterized by exceptional geological diversity—ranging from coastal cliffs and marine terraces to karst systems, Quaternary deposits, and paleontological and archaeological sites of international significance such as Jbel Irhoud. Three main criteria were used to assess degradation risk: anthropogenic vulnerability, public use, and natural vulnerability, each supported by a set of detailed parameters enabling precise numerical evaluation. The results show that degradation risk in Safi’s geosites is primarily driven by a lack of awareness of and recognition of their geological importance, leading to public misuse, inadequate management, uncontrolled access, and unregulated extraction. Moreover, the region’s strong coastal dynamics amplify natural vulnerability, especially at geosites along exposed cliffs, beaches, and estuarine environments. Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive assessment of the condition of Safi’s geosites and constitute a valuable tool for the planning, prioritization, and implementation of effective protection and management measures, particularly in the face of increasing pressures associated with climate and environmental change. Full article

As the tourism sector increasingly integrates data-driven planning, the potential of geoheritage for regional development remains underrealised due to the persistent absence of standardised visitor statistics and metrics. This paper presents a scalable framework that utilises open-access digital indicators, such as user reviews, ratings, and geotagged photographs, to develop a Geosite Digital Popularity Index (GDPI) for assessing visibility and appeal. Implemented across 19 sites in the Košice region of eastern Slovakia, the methodology shows that user ratings are the most significant predictor of perceived geotourism value and that digital presence can effectively counteract physical remoteness, providing practical insights for heritage professionals and planners operating in environments with limited data. The approach is cost-effective, transferable, and adaptable for other regions seeking to valorise underrecognized geoheritage assets. Consequently, this research proposes a methodological framework utilising open digital traces, such as reviews, photographs, and ratings, to transform raw digital traces into actionable, scalable indicators. Its applicability in data-scarce contexts underscores its potential to serve as a cost-effective, globally replicable tool for researchers and planners. Full article

Geoheritage is commonly regarded as an important natural resource for tourism, but the latter can be a factor of risk to the former. A case study in the Western Caucasus, where the rural area of Mountainous Adygeya hosts many geosites (including those that are globally and nationally ranked), sheds light on a novel dimension of the aforementioned nexus, namely benefits to geoheritage from expansion of tourism infrastructure. The latter has grown remarkably in the study area during the past fifteen years. A comparison of 25 geosites as they were in 2010 and 2025 indicates their changes, which can be treated as positive and negative effects of the expansion of tourism infrastructure. Particularly, it is established that this expansion was responsible for the creation of one geosite, the extension of three previously existing geosites, the specialists’ awareness of an additional object, as well as for the improved accessibility of 12 geosites. Several negative effects are also documented, but they are neither major nor widespread due to the superb local environmental management. This example demonstrates that the rapid expansion of tourism infrastructure in rural, geoheritage-rich areas can contribute to their sustainability and not only challenges it. Full article

The conservation of geosites is essential for geoconservation. It requires systematic management, particularly for severely degraded and threatened geosites, along with consistent monitoring to ensure the long-term preservation of geoheritage. This study reviews the main concepts, principles, and frameworks for geosite monitoring and proposes a systematized model applicable across diverse geological frameworks. Management is the planned and sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and protection of geosites to maintain their value (scientific, educative, cultural and touristic) and the benefits they provide to society. Monitoring is highlighted as a critical tool for evaluating conservation status, guiding decision-making, and establishing cause–effect relationships between processes and degradation of the most threatened sites. Although international initiatives have advanced geoheritage sites recognition, the lack of standardized monitoring indicators for geoconservation remains a significant challenge. To address this gap, we propose a framework comprising two phases and twelve stages, integrating geoconservation strategies and monitoring phases: threat identification, indicator selection, parameter definition, and measurement techniques. The model emphasizes the interdependence of conservation status, potential use, and conservation needs in prioritizing actions. Future challenges include adapting the methodology to varied legal and administrative contexts, developing multidisciplinary management teams, and applying the framework in other study cases. By systematizing monitoring procedures, this study contributes to establishing clearer cause–effect relationships in geoconservation threats, enhancing scientific communication, and supporting sustainable site use. The proposed framework provides a flexible yet robust tool to strengthen geoconservation through monitoring and promote the long-term safeguarding of geoheritage. Full article

The aspiring United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark of Chefchaouen includes part of the Talassemtane National Park (TNP), classified by UNESCO as an exceptional natural heritage site within the Intercontinental Mediterranean Biosphere Reserve (RBIM). The other section corresponds to the Ghomara Coast (GC), characterized by an outstanding succession of metamorphic rocks. This study identifies and highlights the most significant sites of geological interest (geosites and geodiversity sites) in the territory. Forty-two sites are proposed as geological heritage sites, thirty of which are organized into four accessible georoutes (Oued Laou Valley, Ghomara Coast, Talambote–Akchour, and Chaouen–Ametrasse), while the other twelve are located along trails and forest tracks inside or near the TNP. These sites cover a wide range of geological typologies, including structural geology, stratigraphy–sedimentology, paleontology, geomaterials, petrology, geomorphology, and hydrogeology. To classify and rank the sites objectively, a numerical methodology based on the recent literature was applied. Scientific value (SV), Potential Educational Use (PEU), and Potential Touristic Use (PTU) were quantified using multiple criteria, facilitating route selection according to user needs. Degradation Risk (DR) was also measured, providing managers with essential guidance for an appropriate geoconservation plan. Actions consistent with UNESCO Global Geoparks Network criteria are proposed to improve conservation, support education, and promote sustainable tourism, thereby enhancing economic activity in the region. The initiative aims to promote the region’s exceptional geological, cultural, and natural heritage. The Chefchaouen Geopark was designated a deferred candidate during the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council meeting of 8–9 September 2024. According to Section 5.5 of its guidelines, the Council may defer an application for up to two years to allow improvements without requiring a second field evaluation. To consolidate the Chefchaouen candidacy, we developed a strategy to strengthen compliance with UNESCO requirements, reduce the risk of final rejection, and maintain the territory’s credibility with international networks and partners. This work presents an operational, costed, and scheduled roadmap enabling stakeholders at all levels to converge toward a complete and coherent application. Full article

The 2023 Al Haouz earthquake (Mw 6.7–6.9) is the strongest quake ever recorded in modern Morocco and ranks among North Africa’s most significant seismic events of the century. It struck the High Atlas region, causing widespread land changes, thousands of landslides, destruction in remote mountain villages, and heavy losses of life and cultural heritage. The earthquake not only had immediate humanitarian and economic effects but also dramatically transformed the landscape, uncovered new geological features, and reshaped the region—providing a unique opportunity to study seismic activity as geoheritage. Researchers have begun systematically documenting how this earthquake affected perceptions of seismic hazards in the High Atlas area. Although often considered a dark geoheritage, the event holds valuable lessons that can inform programs to strengthen resilience to geohazards. This research places the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake in a geoheritage context, underscoring its scientific, educational, and cultural importance. By analyzing how the earthquake altered the terrain, exposed tectonic activity, and left lasting geological marks, this work aims to bridge the gap between the high scientific interest in seismic events and their limited roles in geoheritage, conservation, tourism, and education. Full article

China has made significant progress in paleontological heritage conservation. However, research and conservation efforts have predominantly focused on exquisitely preserved, movable specimens of high scientific value, leading to the relative neglect of in situ paleontological geosites which are critical for understanding fossil distribution patterns. To address this gap, this study employs a GIS approach to conduct a multifaceted spatial analysis of paleontological geosites in the BTH region as a representative case study. Our results reveal a pronounced spatiotemporal imbalance in the distribution of these geosites. Furthermore, their spatial configuration exhibits significant correlations with key physiographic factors—including elevation, stratigraphic distribution, and slope—as well as socioeconomic indicators such as population density, GDP density, and fiscal self-reliance ratio. This uneven distribution creates substantial conservation challenges, resulting in fragmented governance, a mismatch between local conservation capacities and needs, and potential biases in protection priorities toward specific regions or geological periods. In the BTH region, the distribution patterns of paleontological geosites are jointly shaped by physiographic, socioeconomic, and anthropogenic process factors. Elucidating the relationships between these drivers and the spatial distribution of geosites constitutes a critical foundation for advancing their scientific conservation and sustainable management. Drawing on broader interdisciplinary insights, currently peripheral paleontological heritage can be further transformed into strategic and sustainable resources. Full article

Geodiversity assessment has become an important tool for understanding the spatial heterogeneity of abiotic elements and supporting conservation and land-use planning in protected areas. This study presents a comprehensive geodiversity assessment of the Mount Cangshan Global Geopark in Dali, Yunnan Province, China. The primary objective was to develop a quantitative geodiversity evaluation model based on spatial density metrics, addressing existing gaps in subjective and non-reproducible assessment methods. The study integrates four key dimensions of geodiversity: geological units, structural geomorphology, hydrogeology, and soils and land cover. By employing a hybrid AHP-CRITIC method to assign both subjective and objective weights to indicators, the study computes the Geodiversity Index (GDI) to quantify and map geodiversity across the geopark. Results show significant spatial heterogeneity, with high-geodiversity areas concentrated in the central and northern regions, primarily driven by tectonic and geological complexity and glacial, fluvial, and hydrological processes. The results indicate that the GDI can be used as a reliable tool for geosite delineation, heritage management, and sustainable tourism development. The findings provide a framework for geodiversity assessment and support landscape-level land-use zoning, conservation prioritization and sustainable land management in mountain geoparks. Full article

Skyros Island, the largest island of the Sporades Complex (NW Aegean Sea, Greece), preserves a geologically diverse record spanning from the Upper Permian to the Quaternary, including crystalline and non-metamorphosed carbonate rocks, ophiolitic rocks and mélanges, medium-grade metamorphic units, rare Miocene volcanic rocks, and impressive fossil-bearing sediments and tufa deposits, together with historically significant quarry and mining landscapes. Through a comprehensive evaluation of the geological heritage of Skyros, this study proposes a transferable, results-based framework for geoconservation, geoeducation, and tourism space management within a geopark context. A systematic inventory of twenty (20) geosites, including six (6) flagship case studies, was established based on scientific value, dominant geodiversity type, risk of degradation, accessibility, educational and tourism potential. The assessment integrates the Scientific Value and Risk of Degradation criteria with complementary management and sustainability indicators. The results demonstrate consistently high scientific value across the selected geosites, with several reaching maximum or near-maximum scores due to their rarity, integrity, and reference character at a regional to international scale. Although some geosites exhibit elevated degradation risk, overall vulnerability is considered manageable through targeted conservation measures and spatially explicit visitor management. Based on the assessment results, a network of thematic georoutes was developed and evaluated using route-level indicators, including number of geosites, route length, educational potential, tourism suitability, accessibility, and contribution to responsible geotourism. The study demonstrates how integrated geosite and georoute assessment can support sustainable land management and confirms that Skyros Island meets key criteria for inclusion in the Hellenic Geoparks Network, providing a robust scientific basis for future UNESCO Global Geopark designation. Full article

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

The Chiuchiu Pond (CCP) is an inland brackish water body in a pre-Andean scenery in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile. Presently unprotected, the CCP is attractive for tourism and a notable geosite for wildlife characterized by maintaining a fixed water level and chemical composition without surface inlets/outlets. This paper aims to characterize factors accounting for its perennial character by gathering climatic, hydrogeochemical, and morphometric information and microbiological and functional characterization. The CCP is an isolated U-shaped doline with a maximum depth of 17.5 m and vertical walls with more than 80% of soluble salts (halite and calcite) under arid conditions characterized by constant seasonal variation patterns. This is a unique case in that no similar conditions among reported wetlands or ponds have been found in the world. From our studies, it was characterized as an oligotrophic, lentic oligomictic, well-mixed water body, without thermal stratification, stable water level and hydrochemical composition, with water balance conditions from underground flows. Analysis of the microbial community revealed a core composition dominated by Proteobacteria (43.1%), Bacteroidetes (23.5%), and Cyanobacteria (10%). We provide a multidisciplinary contribution to justify urgent actions for the CCP’s conservation, representing a model for other unprotected coastal and inland wetlands in northern Chile and drylands elsewhere. 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