EXPERIENCES AND STRATEGIES OF EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION WITHIN GEOPARKS: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW

Abstract

UNESCO Global Geoparks are characterized by their contribution to the conservation of natural, geological, and cultural resources of the regions where they are located. Geoparks also represent an important figure within the sustainable development of the regions, so strategies around economic growth, conservation, and promotion of education are a fundamental part of their raison d'être. This study aims to identify the main trends in educational and conservation processes in geoparks worldwide. The methodological approach is based on the review of 114 articles from a search equation in the Scopus database, analyzing the results through a series of quantity, quality, and structure indicators. The search period is between 2005 and 2023, so there are recent advances in implementing educational aspects in geoparks. Other results point to the participation of several Asian and European countries as the most predominant, as well as a trend in the implementation of educational processes focused on earth sciences, environmental sciences, and social sciences. Sustainable development and conservation education programs are major players in the findings of this study. In this way, geoparks work as centers for developing conservation dynamics, developing economic and social aspects driven by educational initiatives, and disseminating knowledge to the communities and visitors. The geoheritage tourism sector integrates educational practices into developing experiences to raise awareness among the community and visitors.