Search Results (99)

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

This study assesses the risk of geoheritage degradation along a low-lying coastal stretch Okin the municipalities of Macau, Guamaré, and Galinhos, located in the central portion of Rio Grande do Norte’s northern coastline, Brazil. Twelve geosites, inventoried based on their scientific value, susceptibility to degradation, and representation of diverse coastal processes and landforms, were numerically assessed for their degradation risk. The methodology comprised 11 sub-criteria grouped into three main criteria: natural vulnerability, anthropogenic vulnerability, and public use. The results indicate that all 12 geosites in the study area are subject to moderate to high degradation risk, with the highest levels observed in those with the most evident signs of human use and intervention. To mitigate these impacts, the implementation of access restrictions or protective measures by local authorities is recommended. Furthermore, raising awareness among local communities about the environmental consequences of their activities and the geosites’ role in promoting sustainability is essential. Given the region’s heightened vulnerability to sea level oscillations, future assessments should incorporate climate change implications into the assessment criteria. Full article

Tinos Island, part of the Cyclades Complex in the central Aegean Sea, represents a distinctive case of geocultural heritage where geological formations and cultural identity intersect. This study evaluates the geoeducational and geotouristic potential of Tinos’ geosites using GEOAM methodology, which assesses their scientific, educational, and conservation value. Six geosites are examined to explore their geoeducational potential, including prominent locations such as the Tafoni formations and the Exombourgo granite massif. The findings highlight the significance of these sites, while also identifying challenges related to infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable management. By integrating geoethics into geotourism practices, Tinos can adopt a balanced approach that enhances environmental conservation alongside community-driven economic benefits. The study underscores the need for collaborative initiatives to optimize the island’s geoheritage for education and tourism, ensuring its long-term preservation. Geotourism, when responsibly implemented, has the potential to strengthen local identity while advancing sustainable tourism development. Full article

This study focuses on Țara Hațegului, a region with significant geological, ecological, and cultural resources, and examines how geosites can inform development strategies that promote geotourism while supporting landscape conservation. The research addresses the need to better integrate geosites into spatial planning by conducting geosite assessment and mapping, overlay analysis with settlement typologies, geosite density analysis, and delineation of priority landscape conservation areas. A methodological framework was developed, combining geospatial analysis, site-specific evaluation, and strategic zoning to support planning and decision-making. In the results, 48 geosites were identified and assessed, out of which 7 were classified as having high Potential Touristic Use (PTU), 13 as moderate, and 28 as low. Spatial analysis revealed that most high-PTU geosites are located in rural or adjacent uninhabited areas, indicating both development opportunities and infrastructural constraints. A geosite density map highlighted clusters suitable for coordinated management, while a prioritization model delineated three landscape conservation zones based on geosite value and distribution. The SWOT analysis further contextualized these findings, outlining strengths such as the region’s rich geoheritage and multi-layered protection, as well as limitations linked to infrastructure and management capacity. By positioning geosites as territorial assets, the research highlights their potential to support sustainable, place-based strategies in regions where geological heritage is a defining element of the local landscape. Full article

The presented article is focused on a spatial analysis and identification of high and medium risk areas and their impact on potential for geotourism development in the Central Spiš region in Slovakia. To achieve this goal, we used a combination of two methods: the multi-hazard assessment method and the quantitative Geosite Assessment Model. The research results show that the geosites with the highest potential for the development of geotourism are also located in the low treat zone. These are mainly GS₉ adit Pavol (overall point value 16.25), GS₁ adit Rochus (15.25) and GS₈ adit Peter (14.00). On the other hand, geosites with a low point value for the development of geotourism, such as GS₁₀ sinkhole Baniská (7.75) and GS₅ tailings impoundment Markušovce (10.50), are located in the high treat zone. The obtained results show that even in the significantly anthropogenically burdened and economically underdeveloped post-mining landscape of the studied area, it is possible to identify positive impulses for further development. This concerns in particular the use of evaluated geosites in geotourism, with the aim of simultaneously supporting the protection of local cultural heritage, the natural environment and the socioeconomic development of the local community. Full article

The geoheritage present on the “Tindari Cape and Marinello Lakes” site (TCML, Messina Province, NE Sicily, Italy) drew our attention due to the acquired contrasting information. Indeed, the TCML geoheritage was classified in the geosite national catalogue as a geosite (albeit under a non-evaluated status and with regional scientific interest), whereas it was classified in the geosite regional catalogue as a site of attention. The coastal geoheritage included in this site was analyzed by means of a literature review, field work, and a sedimentological and petrographic investigation. Moreover, the reconstruction of the historical to modern evolution of the lagoon and spit’s shapes was carried out across a time span of 85 years. The investigation results were used for the inventorying and quantitative assessment of the TCML geoheritage with the Brilha method. The primary and preeminent scientific interest was geomorphological, the lagoon and spit being an active geomorphosite. This system showed elements of rarity, representativeness, and exemplariness. Secondary-type geomorphological, structural, and palaeontological aspects were also evidenced in geological elements found on the cliffs of the Tindari Cape. For the quantitative assessment of the geodiversity, the scientific value (SV), potential educational use (PEU), potential touristic use (PTU), and degradation risk (DR) were evaluated. The obtained weighted scores were 320 (SV), 250 (PEU), 290 (PTU), and 285 (DR). The high SV suggested that the TCML, due to its geodiversity, could be classified as a geosite. Notwithstanding, the moderate PEU, PTU, and DR (fragility and vulnerability depending on natural climate and anthropogenic factors) values indicated that it was not fully compatible with educational and touristic purposes. The results of the inventorying and quantitative assessment of the TCML site provide scientific data that are useful in establishing the TCML as a global geosite, placing it in the national catalog of geosites. Full article

The “Gutâi-Maramureș” UNESCO Global Geopark project is to be realized in the Gutâi Volcanic Zone in the northwestern part of the East Carpathians (Romania), an area with long-lasting and complex Miocene volcanic activity and a centuries-long mining history. In order to identify the volcanism and mining-related patrimonial values, in combination with other natural and cultural assets able to support the establishment of a UNESCO geopark, and to develop a sustainable tourism in the area, this paper presents the main objectives of the adopted research methodology, namely to realize (1) a geological synthesis of the area, (2) an inventory and assessment of geological and mining heritage sites, (3) a synthesis of local biodiversity, and (4) documentation of the cultural, historical and archaeological values. Furthermore, we conducted a SWOT analysis to help define the optimal territory for the geopark, to establish the core values for a strong brand identity, and to develop educational and sustainable tourism activities. This paper presents all the significant heritage values located within the future geopark area: geosites of international scientific significance, sites related to centuries-long mining of precious metals, natural protected areas, including European Natura 2000 sites, important cultural heritage sites such as old wooden churches (five of them included in the UNESCO World Heritage List) and museums. The promotion of sustainable tourism in the area by harnessing all these patrimonial values could be realized by the implementation of the geoeducation and geotourism concepts during the project development based on previous experiences/activities in the area involving local people, NGOs and institutions. Full article

An analysis of different geosites as territories of high geo-biodiverse value located within the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ) in Ecuador is performed based on the geoscientific inventory of thirty-six territorial zones and their geological history, cultural, and biological wealth. This is based on years of research and was complemented with the Geosites Assessment Model (GAM) methodology, the application of the criteria of which results in an impartial quantitative evaluation of each of these geosites, resulting in the determination of geographic areas with high tourist, archeological, and social potential. It also establishes a baseline to generate conservation strategies, scientific dissemination, and the determination of priorities in the management of the conservation of the geological heritage of the DMQ in Ecuador. The geological and geomorphological evolution of the DMQ grants this region a variety of sites formed by mainly cretaceous and quaternary volcanic and sedimentary deposits, geological faults, and other remarkable formations or sequences, which, together with the geoarchaeological sites, give a unique geohistorical value to the DMQ. In this context, the protection of each of the regionally important study sites for their scientific, educational, and cultural value in the geological area, as well as their scenic beauty and biodiversity, is essential. All of these attributes will be input to the future sustainable development approaches of the proposed UNESCO-DMQ Global Geopark by academic experts and researchers working in this territory. Additionally, this study also defines the need for the protection of each study area. The results of the evaluation will help to plan the effective management of the geosites based on their strengths and weaknesses and thus promote the Global Geopark. In this context, the value of the geodiversity of the DMQ has been recognized in this research, specifically for each of the geosites proposed as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark; the DMQ project, highlighting this geological and biodiverse heritage, contributes to direct benefits for the community and at an international level. Full article

The integration of geodiversity elements and contexts into fire management frameworks remains limited due to a lack of actionable tools for assessing geosite sensitivity. This study addresses this gap by developing and testing a mechanistic model to evaluate soil and lithological fire sensitivity, using a geodiversity database of Tasmanian geosites at various temperature thresholds. Initial results indicate the utility of the approach to distinguish between sensitive and robust geosites, providing a simple delineation between the relative sensitivities of in situ elements. A subsequent iterative approach applied modelled outputs to an existing geosite database, giving coarse indicators of sites with a propensity to be modified by fire. With static inventory, this approach allows decision-makers to develop new risk parameters for the management of burns and wildfires. Geographically complex environments have led to misalignments between geosite boundaries and broader processes, data inaccessibility for remote or offshore sites, and fire as both a destructive and formative agent; these must all be resolved. Future work should consider the necessity of incorporating values, recovery trajectories, and hydrological processes into fire sensitivity assessments. The study concludes with recommendations for refining the model to enhance its utility for fire managers, ultimately contributing to the integration of geodiversity into fire management strategies and geoconservation planning. Full article

The Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (NSAUGG) in Ecuador represents a genuine variety of geological, cultural, and natural heritage, which aims to promote sustainable development through geotourism. This study describes the significance of NSAUGG, emphasizing its geological diversity which includes a variety of geosites, and focusing on three recently annexed geosites: the Wawa Sumaco Quarry, Puka Urku, and the Pucuno River, where geological analyses, including petrographic and mineralogical assessments, were conducted. To enhance community engagement and educational outreach, a multi-platform mobile application, “SumAppGeo”, was developed using ArcGIS and Flutterflow. This application serves as an interactive tool for visitors and local communities, providing detailed geological information, interactive maps, and educational content. The findings reveal the presence of significant geological features, such as haüyne-bearing alkaline rocks, which indicate specific volcanic activity in this region and are an element of geodiversity, validating the Wawa Sumaco Quarry, Puka Urku, and the Pucuno River as geosites. The implementation of SumAppGeo aims to foster a deeper understanding of the region’s geodiversity while promoting responsible tourism practices. This initiative not only supports the recognition of NSAUGG as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network but also contributes to the socio-economic development of local communities through sustainable tourism practices. Full article

The promotion of geological heritage can significantly contribute to geoeducation. As geosites are areas that can be visited by everyone and not just experts on the field, a good comprehension of the processes under which they were formed can improve their understanding of the Earth in general. In this work, we have selected two Greek regions, namely Samaria Gorge (Crete) and Mount Pentelicus (Attica), and their sites of geological interest were mapped. Subsequently, some georoutes are proposed, covering both these sites and other locations of cultural, historical, archaeological, and/or religious interest. Through a detailed description of each site and its georoutes, we intend to promote the two areas’ geological heritage on the one hand, and contribute to the development of geoeducation on the other hand. For this purpose, we have also created an online story map and a Virtual Reality (VR) application for each one of them, both addressed to the general public. Full article

In recent years, multiple efforts to promote geoscience and geoenvironmental awareness have highlighted the need for geoeducation. This article explores the importance of integrating geoeducation into the Greek curriculum for promoting a deeper understanding of geosciences. The method used is primarily based on a mixed-methods approach, covering both qualitative and quantitative data. A preliminary assessment revealed a lack of information on the conceptual framework of geosites and geoparks. Following this, a geoeducation tool was developed to introduce the basic principles of geoeducation. The evaluation showed a significant increase in understanding and a heightened desire for further knowledge on geoeducational topics. To address current deficiencies, effective integration of this geoeducational tool requires comprehensive teacher training and curriculum reform. Promoting geoeducation through school programs is critical for creating a more informed, responsible, and sustainable society. This paper advocates policy changes and educational initiatives to firmly integrate geoeducation into the Greek educational system. Full article

Over the past 25 years, geoconservation studies and interest in geoheritage have grown significantly. However, the assessment of degradation risks associated with geosites remains less explored. This aspect is crucial for the effective management and conservation of geosites, which face pressure from natural and human factors. In many countries, geosites are at risk of degradation or loss due to the lack of a systematic inventory and inadequate management. Therefore, evaluating and monitoring degradation risks is a priority for the scientific community. Common investigation schemes and approaches for recognizing and preventing threats to geosites are still lacking. This paper presents the first systematic literature review on degradation risk and related terms. Through an extensive search of widely used literature databases, 130 papers were selected and analyzed. The findings highlight a growing focus on quantitative approaches for the assessment of geoheritage degradation risk, with most research conducted at local scales, while identifying climate change as an underexplored yet critical factor. Future priorities include refining spatial and temporal scales, understanding degradation processes, and fostering global collaboration to improve conservation strategies. Full article

Geodiversity and geoheritage represent an important resource for geotourism and subsequent economic development both in remote natural areas and in traditional, frequently visited recreational areas. Identification, assessment, and suitable management of particular geosites may contribute to the development of sustainable forms of tourism and attract more people to the topics of geodiversity and geoheritage. However, if there is only one aim represented by geotourism development, there can be a danger of overexploitation of geoheritage, especially if the sites are promoted less adequately and not provided suitable protection. This paper is focused on the assessment of particular sites, in terms of their Earth science interest, regarding their geotourist and geoeducational potential; it is also focused on an assessment of possible risks and threats which may be related to the higher promotion and more intensive use of these sites. Based on this, proposals for sustainable management, both for geotourism and geoeducational development and nature conservation, are presented and discussed. Full article

The island of Malta, despite its small size, boasts a great variety of landscapes and landforms, offering a wide range of geological and geomorphological features of great interest. The identification and assessment of geosites can contribute to the preservation, protection, and promotion of this rich geodiversity. In addition, geosites have a high potential of attracting geotourists, thus also contributing to the development of the local economy. Tourism plays a key role for the Maltese Islands, with Malta’s tourism direct contribution to GDP being among the highest in Europe. Thus, geotourism could represent a significant resource for Malta, though it has yet to receive the attention and recognition it deserves. Within this framework, this work aims to highlight the role of geoheritage and geotourism as potential resources for the enhancement of sustainable tourism and geoconservation in the southern sector of Malta. This region of Malta receives less visitors compared with the northern sector of the island, which is popular for its sandy beaches. To this end, potential geosites were inventoried and quantitatively assessed using a commonly applied methodology tailored to the local setting. The results of this evaluation let to identify 18 potential geosites that can be recognized as both parts of the Maltese natural heritage and tourist resources. Among these 18 sites, we identified four priority geosites which could be incorporated into a potential geotourism route to also highlight the valuable elements of the cultural heritage located in the vicinity. Moreover, the assessment methodology, applied for the first time in the investigated area, has proven to be a valuable support for geosite identification and can be extended to other Maltese regions. Full article