Search Results (18)

The need to promote proximity tourism in natural areas has made the destinations in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula a benchmark in the development of tourism in traditionally rural and depressed areas. In Ciudad Real province, a sustainable territorial management project was developed based on the uniqueness of its volcanic geoheritage, leading to its designation as the UNESCO Global Geopark “Volcanes de Calatrava, Ciudad Real”. Geoparks promote sustainable activities such as geotourism; thus, an urban geotourism itinerary was proposed in Piedrabuena (Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha) in order to make the natural and cultural geoheritage of a part of the geopark known, which is also a part of the Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region. For this purpose, 12 natural and cultural resources of the geoheritage of the Piedrabuena volcano, on which the urban centre is located, were identified, inventoried, characterized, and valorised as sites of geotouristic interest, and they were connected along a geotourism itinerary. This itinerary has a 4 km route and up to eight interpretive stops, which allows visitors and tourists to enjoy a geotourism experience based on the volcanic landscape of the geopark, laying the foundations for the creation of other similar experiences. 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

This paper explores several geotourist destinations in the mountainous area of SW Poland, either recently created or being developed right now, where the unifying theme is the emergence of a new site of interest in a place formerly inaccessible due to mining operations. We focus on five sites, including three in the territory of Land of the Extinct Volcanoes UNESCO Global Geopark, connected with the legacy of mining (coal, ores) and quarrying (solid rock, aggregates). For each locality, the history of mining is briefly outlined, followed by the presentation of its conversion into a tourist object and current use. The localities illustrate, at the same time, (a) various aspects of geoheritage and its connection with human activities, thus in line with the ABC concept promoted for geoparks and similar initiatives; (b) attempts to alleviate problems of abandoned mining grounds and their management; (c) different ways towards conversion of formerly inaccessible localities into tourist destinations; (d) ideas to increase the portfolio of (geo)tourist products at the regional scale, striving to achieve greater balance in the geographical distribution of sites of potential interest; and (e) a variety of current management challenges. Overall, it is argued that in each case, the emergence of a new site of interest is beneficial for the local community, as the visibility of the place is increasing, tourist visits grow, local identity is strengthened, and new employment opportunities arise, both directly and indirectly. Full article

UNESCO-designated geoparks, intended for conservation, seek to drive economic development via geological heritage education and tourism. Since 2018, within the framework of the European project Atlantic Geoparks (Interreg Atlantic area program), the Valleys of Cantabria project has been promoted to declare a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in the Cantabria region (northern Spain). The Valles de Cantabria proposal, aligning with UNESCO objectives, evaluates the region’s geopark potential, emphasizing sustainable development and societal education. Covering 600 km² in eastern Cantabria, the territory involves 19 municipalities and has a population of 60,600. The geological context, ranging from the Triassic to the Quaternary periods, reflects the complex evolution of this territory, which has been influenced by tectonic forces, geomorphological processes, and sea-level changes. Detailed reviews and fieldwork performed by experts, including university researchers, have identified 66 sites of geological interest (SGI). The geosites, which have different geological–geomorphological significances, have been assessed according to their scientific value (including educational importance), potential of use (mainly geotouristic use), and vulnerability or risk of degradation. The geological heritage is directly related to the high biodiversity of the area. The challenges of this territory, such as depopulation and the low income of the inhabitants, can be improved with the declaration of a geopark, which would help to create new job opportunities related to geotourism and sustainable development. UNESCO recognition could catalyse scientific research, address socioeconomic challenges, and foster rural revitalization, strengthening the symbiotic relationship between geoconservation and local economic growth. Collaboration with other Atlantic geoparks has enabled the exchange of experiences that will hopefully deepen in the future. Consequently, the aim of this work is to explore the potential of this territory in terms of high-quality geological features and biological and cultural heritage, as well as to evaluate the socioeconomic context that makes the territory potentially suitable for promoting a UGGp. Full article

The soil is a component of geodiversity, a geoheritage element providing knowledge of how the geosphere works and interacts with other Earth subsystems. To promote soil as a geoheritage element, we aim to create a geotouristic trail focused on soil, geomorphology, and geoarcheology in the area of Mt. Cusna (Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, Northern Italy), where there is a 20-years long-lasting history of research on geopedology, geoarcheology, and geomorphology. Along existing hiking paths, five soil profiles are identified as sites of potential pedological interest, whereas three more sites are selected to show the geomorphological context of the area and one the geoarcheological evidence. The soil evidence allows for the reconstruction of paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions, and/or retraction of the human impact that has affected the area over time. In order to communicate the information about the geotouristic trail, illustrative panels were prepared for each trail site and underwent a formative evaluation by students attending academic courses in Natural Sciences to improve the offer. Through the trail, it will be possible to enable the visitor to discover the soil concept, which is often poorly known or even underestimated in its scientific and cultural value. Moreover, the cultural opportunities of the Mt. Cusna geosite will be enhanced. Full article

A detailed analysis of the Viñales National Park (VNP) was carried out to evaluate the main geosites of geomorphological interest inside the park. This allowed the selection of areas (AIG) and localities (LIG) with 20 geosites of geological interest (PIG) suitable to evaluate their importance as geoheritage. Moreover, three field trips and one virtual itinerary encompassing the park aimed to improve the geological–geomorphological knowledge to be used in geotouristic and preservation issues. The methodology included preparing five maps: relief, drainage pattern, slopes, lithology and geomorphology (forms and structures) and representing them on a digital terrain model (DTM) for a better visualisation and selecting the geosites (poljes, valleys and mountain fronts). The evaluation of the selected PIG is based on the criteria proposed by Spanish Institute of Geology and Mining, grouping them in places and areas of interest. The virtual itinerary favour real-time usage of web sites and geoportals. As a result, this paper presents map layers and geomorphological descriptions of the AIG and LIG with the most relevant aspects and valuations of the PIG, AIG and LIG. The PIG reached values between 1050 (Viñales Valley) and 365 (La Jutia Valley). The AIG and LIG ranged between 2190 (Santo Tomás Polje) and 675 (La Cuevita Polje). Full article

As part of an international project, national parks and nature parks established in karst regions are examined, with a primary focus on how local residents, visitors and influential figures (i.e., park managers, mayors) perceive the advantages and disadvantages of a specific park. The study area in this paper is the Apuseni Nature Park (Romania). The main natural resources of this park are: the karst (morphology and hydrology), the forests and the landscape. In order to explore the perception and motivation of tourists visiting the park, a field survey using a convenience sampling strategy was conducted in 2019 and 2021 at eleven sites in the park. The results show that among the motivations, the “search for relaxation” option is the most frequently selected (43%), but “interest in caves” (34%) and “interest in karst terrains” (29%) were also relatively popular. In terms of public support for potential developments, one positive result of the questionnaire is that developments involving sustainability and nature conservation (visitor centre, education trails and viewpoints) enjoy significantly more support than developments that put a strain on the environment (adventure parks and expansion of entertainment facilities). The awareness of geotourism should be improved, but even at the current level it can be said that geotourists are an important segment of the park’s visitors. A careful development of tourism can be recommended for the park, but it must ensure that the principles of sustainability are taken into account during the developments. Given the environmental and economic challenges, strengthening the organization of the park is suggested in order to better protect the threatened natural resources. Full article

The purpose of this research was to compare the geotouristic potential of the Sub-Tatra Region, expressed in the values of expert assessment of geosites, against the preferences of tourists coming to the area. Tourist preferences were evaluated by a survey in which tourists assessed the attractiveness of the types of geosites that can be admired in the area. The expert valorizations showed high and very high indices for most of the analyzed geosites. The highest of these assessment values show particularly high geotourism values for three geosites: the travertine hill with Spiš castle, the limestone hill with Orava castle and the travertine dome in Gánovce. A comparison of these results against average tourist preferences shows a moderate correlation (r = 0.4). Geosites of low and medium value according to expert assessments are rarely selected as the destination for equipment-intensive tourism. The sites with the highest combined valorization coefficients, i.e., hills with castle ruins, are of moderate interest to the surveyed group of respondents. The largest difference is in the assessment of the cave, waterfall and viewpoint geosites, where there is a great interest among tourist respondents, but the expert assessment index is low or moderate. Full article

In the Canary Islands, sixteen historical eruptions have been documented in Lanzarote, Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Palma. The latest eruption, the Tajogaite eruption, occurred in 2021 in La Palma and the richness and diversity of the natural and cultural heritage associated with this eruption can be a valuable resource for attracting visitors and tourists. The main aim of this work is to select sites of geotourist interest (SGIs) in order to create geo-itineraries. The methodology used is based on fieldwork and drone flight videos and photos taken during and after the eruption. Sixteen SGIs have been selected and studied. Eleven sites represent the geo-heritage of the Tajogaite eruption and seven sites are related to the surrounding natural and rural landscapes. In the near future, geo-itineraries (for in-person and virtual visits) will be created for visitors to La Palma and for the interested online audience. Full article

In recent decades, geotourism has been presented as an alternative for the sustainable socioeconomic development of the community. In addition, it shows significant growth. Portovelo canton, located in the south of Ecuador, is characterised by a significant geological importance complemented by the mining culture and history interest, turning into the first mining centre. Mining is the main economic activity in the area. However, the development of illegal mining without technical considerations affects the canton and its surroundings. Faced with this problem, the need arises for alternatives to improve the inhabitants’ quality of life and protect their geological heritage. This work aims to propose a geotouristic route (GR) in the course of the Amarillo River through the characterisation and quantitative assessment of 10 interest sites (four geosites and six touristic sites), which enhance the geotourism development of the canton, including geoconservation strategies. The methodological process includes (i) characterisation of sites and GR proposal, (ii) sites and GR assessment using the Geotouristic Route Assessment Matrix method (GtRAM, acronym in Spanish) and Brilha method for geosites, and (iii) proposal of geotourism development and geoconservation strategies in a sustainability framework through the analysis of strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (SWOT). The results obtained from the proposed GR reflect that 60% of the proposed sites have a tourist interest classified as high, of which the Museo Mineralógico Magner Turner was the best-rated geoheritage element. Similarly, the high scientific, educational, and tourist values of the proposed geoheritage sites are highlighted. Strategies have been established to enhance the GR value: (i) Promoting geotourism through different activities and (ii) proposals for geoconservation and conditioning of geoheritage sites and tourist interest sites considering the geological and environmental impact. The methodology used in the study made it possible to establish geo-guidelines focused on local development, which are coupled with the knowledge of two main groups: Geo-experts and the community. Full article

Geological heritage or geoheritage refers to the total of geosites, i.e., areas of high geological interest in a given area. Geosites have a high potential of attracting geotourists, thus contributing to the development of the local economy. Assessing sites of geological interest can contribute to their promotion, as well as their preservation and protection. Greece’s geotectonic position in the convergent zone between the African and Eurasian plates has contributed to the existence of a considerable wealth of geosites, with the particularly active geotectonic region of the Ionian Sea characterized as a geoheritage hotspot. The purpose of this study is the selection of several such sites from the islands of Lefkas, Meganisi, Kefalonia and Ithaki and their assessment regarding their scientific, environmental, cultural, economic and aesthetic value. The most representative sites for the individual disciplines of geology (e.g., geomorphology, tectonics, stratigraphy and palaeontology) have been chosen, mapped and assessed, while indicative georoutes are proposed, which could aid the island’s geotouristic promotion to geologist and non-geologist future visitors. Full article

There are numerous traces of mining activity in the Miedzianka Mountain (Świętokrzyskie Mountains, Poland), because copper and silver ores have been mined in this region since at least the 13th century. The history of scientific research on the Miedzianka Mountain ore deposit spans almost 200 years. Almost 40 minerals have been found: ore minerals of Cu and Fe, and also secondary minerals, including carbonates, sulphates and even very rare arsenates, phosphates and vanadates. Three new minerals have been found, staszicite, lubeckite and miedziankite, but their chemical composition has not been precisely determined and therefore their names have not been approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). The Miedzianka Mountain deposit is an important area on the map of educational activities. It is included in the “Świętokrzyskie Archaeological and Geological Trail” as a site of historical (mining and metallurgy) and natural (geological sciences) heritage. Despite the large potential, none of the underground workings (adits and shafts) are currently available to the public. Our research and exploration of the Teresa adit, which is one of the historical underground complexes of the Miedzianka Mountain, show that this adit displays a wide spectrum of topics in the field of mineralogy, geology and mining history. The Teresa adit, which is a 523 m system of underground corridors, contains 270 m of natural karst caves altered by mining works and is constituted of Upper Devonian limestones, locally cut by cherry shales. In several sites of the adit unique features can be observed, such as: (1) old mining works—galleries carved in the rock back in the 19th century; (2) interesting vein mineralization with secondary-colored copper carbonates and multi-colored calcite veins; (3) mineralization with azurite domination; and (4) karst phenomena (coatings, flowstone, dripstones and stalactites) in a cave part of the adit. The sites with unique features suggest that the Teresa adit is highly suitable to be presented to tourists. That is why we propose seven sites on the underground route that could be the basis for further projects to create a “geotouristic trail” in the Teresa adit. The proposal to make the Teresa adit available to tourists is in line with the tendency to protect the post-industrial landscape associated with former mining activities. Full article

Travel itineraries are fundamental in the development of tourism of a given area. Traditional thematic routes (e.g., architectural, archaeological) can be significantly improved and optimized by including geological and mining interest sites. The present study offers an analysis of the influence that inclusion of geosites or mining sites could have on the existing routes of the Zaruma-Portovelo region (Ecuador), together with a global assessment of these itineraries as the basis of fostering local development in communities of the region. The methodology consists of the following stages: (i) compilation of existing travel itineraries; (ii) analysis and assessment of those geosites and mining sites that are included in two geotouristic routes through the Spanish Inventory of Places of Geological Interest method (IELIG, acronym in Spanish), but have not been assessed previously; (iii) assessment of existing routes (two geotouristic routes and one geomining route) from a global perspective through the Geotouristic Route Assessment Matrix method (GtRAM, acronym in Spanish); and (iv) definition of strategies for the development and promotion of travel itineraries within the context of geotourism. According to the results of quantitative assessment, three new sites (both geosites and mining sites) were studied and their obtained score of interest was “High” (164/400). The existing routes achieved good results both from the geological-mining perspective “High” score of (189/400) and within a global context “Very High” score of (3.5/5). The quantitative assessment allowed us to propose improvement strategies to disseminate and use these itineraries to unfold sustainable development based on geotourism. Full article

“Geotourism” is a particular type of “sustainable tourism” that is still in an embryonic stage, especially in Italy. The main goal is the transmission of geological knowledge to increase the awareness about geoheritage, geo-resources and geo-hazards. The geoparks represent ideal sites, with a strong educational significance for students, teachers, geo-tourists, and guides interested in geological and environmental sciences, though at different levels. With this in mind, we propose a geoitinerary through some of the most geologically interesting coastal areas in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni Geopark. The aim of the geoitinerary is to provide a good example of how geosites could be promoted through geotourism and used as means of divulgation of geological and environmental knowledge. The selected sites are the San Marco coast, the Licosa Cape and the Elea-Velia archaeological area. They are included in the official list of geosites and geomorphosites of the Geopark and have a relevant stratigraphic and geoarcheological value. The San Marco coast and the Licosa Cape are the “best sites” in the Geopark where Quaternary coastal deposits and morphologies are represented. The Elea-Velia site is one of the most famous archeological sites in the Geopark, which is also representative of complex human-environment interactions. Despite their high scientific significance, the sites that we have selected are not included in a specific promoting program. We have so tried to fill this gap by providing the scientific background for their geotouristic promotion that could also serve as an instrument for the increase of the local economy. Full article