International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks最新文献

The Sidi Bouzid escarpment is one of the geosites that present high educational and tourism values in the Safi Province, extending for several kilometers along the Atlantic coast southwest of the city of Safi, Safi Province, Marrakech-Safi region, Morocco. It offers panoramic views over the town and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a beautiful beach much frequented by holidaymakers. The sedimentary and paleontological information preserved in the rocks that form the escarpment makes a valuable contribution to paleobiogeographic and paleoclimatic interpretations and stratigraphic correlations on a regional and global scale. This paper focused on promoting and popularizing earth sciences among students at universities, research centers, colleges, schools, and the general public by developing an educational program adapted to the Sidi Bouzid geosite. Survey was employed to collect the data, the results of which was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational program. The results showed that the program had a significant impact on all visitor categories since it offered visitors a holistic view of how geological processes shaped the Earth, revealing the interconnections between the many components of the Earth system (the geosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere).

The present study examined the extent and pattern of households' dependency on forest for fuelwood and livestock grazing and identifies, analyzed the key factors that determined the level of households' dependency and access to forest resources, and explored the role of ecotourism development in reducing the same. The study used primary data collected randomly from 300 households residing in the Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR). The study found that the majority of households (88%) engaged in fuelwood collection, and the annual average fuelwood collection was estimated to be 1,502.8 kg. About 56.67% of households were found to be engaged in grazing activities, and on average, 2.57 adult cattle units were brought inside the forest for grazing. The regression results suggested that the education of the household head, household income, liquefied petroleum gas availability, participation in ecotourism, livestock availability, social background (caste), and the number of household labour were the key determinants of household dependency on fuelwood, while the age of the household head, family size, land holding size, participation in ecotourism, and social background (caste) significantly influenced the level of household grazing dependency on the BTR. Most households were affected due to restrictions levied on access to forest resources. Income from forest, fuelwood collection, agricultural landholding size, household dependency ratio, and forest department awareness levels were the key determinants of households affected by protected area (PA) restrictions. Household participation in ecotourism was found to be effective in reducing household dependency on BTR, but it did not adequately alleviate the impact of PA restrictions on their livelihoods. Hence, sustainable ecotourism, along with the provision of smokeless stoves and renewable energy, such as solar, could go a long way in reducing pressure on the BTR and sustainable management of the reserve.

Dong Van Karst Plateau (DVKP) is a deep and remote area in the north of Vietnam which has numerous notable geoheritage characteristics. Karst coverage in the DVKP is among the largest compared to other regions in the country: up to 60% of the DVKP. However, to now, the relevant geoheritage information remains incomplete. The terrigenous rock cover of the remaining part is also underlaid by limestone. The aim of this paper is to identify territorial geoheritage with palaeontological, geomorphologic, structural-tectonic, stratigraphical, and lithology characteristics. Our research results have enabled the DVKP to be recognized as UNESCO Global Geopark. Studying geology to identify unique natural features and transform impoverished and underdeveloped areas into a tourism destinations, like DVKP, is a common aspiration among people. Before 2000, DVKP was an underdeveloped economic region. With the efforts of geologists, the unique geoheritage of the DVKP have been discovered. Currently, DVKP has become a famous destination, known as the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, which was recognized in 2010. In this paper, the author introduces new geomorphosites of the DVKP. At the same time, it shows how Vietnam seeks to increase the quality of geotourism to draw more tourists and encourage socioeconomic growth by adding geomorphosites and creating awareness in the society.

This paper aims to identify the geological properties of Sentono Gentong and provide a quantitative assessment of its geodiversity site in Pacitan Regency, Indonesia.This area is an integral part of the vast Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark. Rock samples and site conditions are compiled on field study. The study area consists mainly of Neogene limestone and older igneous rock. Microscopic analysis has revealed that the limestone is composed of bioclastic wackestone, boundstone, and fossiliferous wackestone. The igneous rock in the area is a grey-black hornblende andesite. Bangunsari fault, which cuts through the study area, disturbs the coastal terraces to its south. The results of the quantitative assessment show that the site's potential educational use, potential touristic use, and degradation risk scores are 92.5, 80, and 56.25, respectively. The assessment scores describe the site as having potential for education and tourism uses, with a medium risk of degradation. Quite prominent cultural elements, which form the local community's identity, are included as a complement to the identification of the site. In order to preserve and maintain the sustainability of this potential geodiversity site, a high commitment related to geoconservation is required.

Geopark has three main components: geological, biological, and cultural diversity. Cultural and biological diversity in geoparks does not stand alone but must be related to geological diversity. This study aims to determine the relationship between seven geological criteria (lithology, mining materials, elevation, slope, landscape, river distance, and groundwater/geohydrology) on the formation of culture in the Megalithic, Hindu-Buddhist, Islamic, and Colonial eras in the Karangsambung-Karangbolong Geopark and surrounding area. The analytical method used is a scoring and weighting process using Analytical Hierarchy Processes (AHP). Based on AHP analysis, many relationships exist between culture formation and geological conditions. In the early stages of cultural formation during the Megalithic and Hindu-Buddhist eras, the influence of geological criteria was more dominant than that in the Islamic and Colonial eras. In the Megalithic era, groundwater had an effect of 32.38%, with the main sub-criteria being wide productive aquifers, while river distance had an impact of 28.31%, especially at river distances less than 50 m. The very well-suited area correlated with the geological condition and had the highest percentage (29.03%). In the Hindu-Buddhist era, groundwater conditions influenced 36.05%, mainly due to the wide productive aquifer as a sub-criterion, while the distance of the river had an effect of 25.78%, especially when the river's length was less than 50 m. The percentage of the very well-suited area was 27.47%. The elevation criteria had a 34.68% influence in the Islamic era, especially at elevations <5 m. Mining material criteria influenced 24.34%. The level of very well-suited areas was 14.45%. The geomorphology had the most significant influence (37.17%) in the Colonial era, especially in the fluvial and marine landscapes. Mining materials had the second influence (24.18%). The very good suitability area accounted for 25.54%.

Parks design relies on understanding user preferences, which are determined through interviews, surveys, and observations. However, previous methods are limited in their capacity to explore user preferences, which necessitates the development of new approaches. Virtual reality (VR) is an effective tool for modeling perceptions and simulating the real world, yet its impact on overcoming previous limitations remains unexplored. This study aims to assess VR's role in addressing challenges and limitations related to people's uses and preferences regarding neighborhood parks. Using an experimental approach, we test factors that influence park visits, using both traditional methods and VR to analyze the extent to which VR can mitigate these challenges. The study reveals that, among individuals in various age groups, perception significantly influences responses. In addition, VR helps overcome issues with traditional research methods, ensuring result validity and interpretation of differences. Ultimately, compared to traditional methods, using VR improves the sense of certainty among individuals regarding their preferences.

Volcanic environments offer a unique combination for life development. UNESCO recognized the Galapagos Islands as Natural World Heritage site due to the uniqueness of flora and fauna. In addition, they have relevant geological value because of their volcanic origin associated with a “hotspot” and still evolving geological dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the geological heritage of Santa Cruz Island by identifying and valuing geosites, considering the scientific, academic, and tourist fields, and the risk of degradation to establish geoheritage management strategies. This study applied four semi-quantitative assessment methodologies and SWOT analysis to identify 15 geosites related to volcanic hotspots, particularly volcanic craters, cracks, beaches, lava tunnels, lagoons, and volcanic depositional landforms. Due to the uniqueness of their geological characteristics, the valuations applied reflect “very high” and “high-medium” qualifications in the geosites. Their identification and valuation allowed for establishing protection, geo-education, and sustainable use strategies (geotourism). In addition, the study identified a research opportunity associated with the cultural value of geosites of volcanic environments within protected areas with singular ecological value.