International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks最新文献

Geological heritage sites (geosites) have various properties such as accessibility, geometry, and vulnerability, as well as age. It is reasonable to distinguish the geological ages related to the content of geosites (e.g., Early Ordovician or Valanginian) from the technical ages related to the physical appearance (forms) of geosites (e.g., Late Pleistocene, Prehistoric, or 21st century). This study examines 17 geosites known from the Western Caucasus—a geologically-rich area of the Greater Caucasus orogen. The revision and the update of the stratigraphical information allow to establish their geological ages. The technical ages are defined as old (before the 19th century), historical (19th–20th centuries), or young (the beginning of the 21st century). The results show that the analyzed geosites shed light on the lengthy time span (from the late Proterozoic to the Quaternary), and the Cisuralian–Early Cretaceous sedimentary succession of the study area is represented with significant completeness. Technically, the geosites are chiefly old, although the historical and young features are also common. The outcomes of this study do not only systematize the knowledge of the ages of the geosites from the Western Caucasus, but also have several practical implications (for instance, the conservation of the technically young geosites is the priority, and the geological ages are important to arrange the geosites logically for educational and touristic excursions).

The development of tourism activities in the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark has brought many tourists to visit the area. Along with increasing tourism activities, the risk of disasters in the geopark area has also increased. One thing that can be done to reduce disaster risk in the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark area is to utilize geoheritage as a learning medium for disaster risk reduction. In this study, we quantitatively described geoheritage by looking at its relationship with the priority actions of the Sendai framework. The results of the assessment of geological heritage values that have been carried out in 21 geosites of the geopark area show an interrelated relationship. Scientific, educational, tourism and degradation values of geoheritage sites have an important role in conveying information and messages related to disaster mitigation, which is in line with the objectives of Sendai's priority actions. Geological heritage sites can later be developed as an educational medium because it not only has accessibility capital, supporting facilities, good geological conditions, geological diversity, but also contains geological informationthat can be used for education and research. Developing geological disaster information within geoheritage sites in geopark areas, may be in the form of geotrails and geotourism activities with the theme of disaster mitigation and earth heritage, picture books for children based on site geoheritage information, especially those related to the introduction of geological disasters, ares also ideal to develop. A geological information center at the Batur Volcano Museum and other educational acivities that can be made within the geopark area.

The coexistence of mining, geoparks, and conservation is an ongoing discussion for the implementation and development of UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps). The Seridó UGGp provides a classic example where mining plays a fundamental role in unveiling geological heritage, showcasing positive relationships between mining and the establishment of sustainable territories based on geoconservation. The aim of this paper is to investigate, within two geosites of the Seridó UGGp—Mina Brejuí and Açude Boqueirão—how geological heritage has been showcased in active mines, correlated with cultural mining heritage, and utilized in geotourism and geoeducation. The paper utilizes adapted geological heritage inventories and valuing techniques, integrating cultural aspects of the mining landscape to provide detailed insights into the complex areas of the geosites. Both geosites have been the sites of regionally significant Ediacaran-Cambrian magmatic-hydrothermal deposits since the early 20th Century, yielding metallic and non-metallic raw materials during the World Wars up to the present days. The Mina Brejuí geosite boasts one of the best exposures of W–Mo skarn mineralization in South America within its underground galleries. Açude Boqueirão is a mining district with several types of quarries and mines, and its geoheritage is linked to the initial descriptions of the Borborema regional pegmatitic province with Cambrian Ta–Nb, Li–Be, gemstones, and ornamental deposits, and also for the rare deposit of blue tourmaline gemstone. Particularly, the Boqueirão site requires valorization interventions, as its rich mining heritage is threatened by the expansion of the energy sector and illegal artisanal mining. Active mining operations could present a plethora of opportunities that encompass the geopark's concepts of conservation, tourism, and education. Inventories of mining heritage in geoparks serve as alternative sources for geotouristic routes.

In this study, we thoroughly explore the complexities of land resource management in Western Kenya's Nyanza Province, focusing on the evolution of land use patterns in Kajulu location, which was formerly a native reserve. Spanning pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras, our investigation aims to decipher the deep-seated impact of historical events on territorial dynamics. Employing a holistic diachronic approach, we integrate historical data with contemporary landscape metrics analysis to provide a nuanced comprehension of land management transitions. Utilizing diverse research methods such as individual and collective surveys, along with transect walks, we meticulously unravel the intricate fabric of land acquisition patterns and resource management strategies employed by the Luo people of Kajulu. Our findings reveal a compelling narrative of adaptation and transformation. Constrained by land scarcity and intensified resource competition, the Luo community in Kajulu ingeniously reshaped their traditional land organization. Transitioning from the transmission of entire exploitations to a process of repeated subdivision, they devised a complex, non-linear progression of land use patterns. To ensure food security and resource preservation, they adopted a system of land intensification grounded in production diversification, echoing Boserup's theory of agricultural intensification in response to population pressure. This culminated in a landscape characterized by remarkable heterogeneity, reflecting the aggregation of cultivated spaces over time and resonating with Malthusian concerns about population growth and resource constraints. Through our research, we underscore the profound interplay between historical legacies, adaptive strategies, and landscape heterogeneity, providing invaluable insights into the dynamic relationship between human societies and their natural environments.

The regions of Acheron and Parga (Epirus, Greece) are characterized by a significant geodiversity (e.g., stratigraphy, palaeontology, tectonic, geomorphology, hydrology, etc.). In this work, we have tried to create a preliminary list of the most prominent geosites of these two areas, based on bibliographical review and, predominantly, our own field observations. More specifically, we have identified and mapped a total of 28 geosites. We assessed their geological value, as well as additional values (socioeconomic and cultural values, aesthetics, as well as potential for geo-education). Upon their assessment, the area was found to be of very high geo-educational significance, whereas the geotouristic potential also is very high. Our ultimate goal is to promote the geological heritage to both geoscientists and the lay public, so as to contribute to its geo-conservation and the geo-education of locals and students/pupils. Thus, after assessment, we created a virtual field trip, in form of a webmap, where all of these geosites could be “visited” by potential geotourists, as well as geoscientists. This webmap can be updated whenever new research on additional geosites in the area is published.

This study proposes a semi-quantitative methodology for assessing the quality of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) websites. The study was based on mixed indicators (binary and ordinal) which were grouped into five dimensions (presentation, content, interactivity, usability, and special UNESCO information) and combined with multivariate assessment using Principal Component Analysis and the application of the focus group technique using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to propose geocommunication strategies. The evaluation matrix, comprising 36 indicators, defined three levels of development (“high”, “moderate”, and “emergent”) and was useful for monitoring website quality and enhancing its territorial value for geotourism, geoconservation, and geoeducation. The results from 156 websites showed a predominance of “moderate development” scores (52.56%) and highlighted positive indicators, such as contact information, geotourism details, mobile compatibility, news, and the UGGp logo. This study also presents the potential of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and 3D tours, for disseminating geoeducational content. However, there is room for the improvement in interaction and information standardization on UGGp web platforms to ensure effective communication that enriches the user experience.

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.