International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks最新文献

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.

Protected areas experienced changes in visitor flows after the easing of worldwide mobility restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The changing context added complexity to the functioning of these areas, so the entities involved in visitor management had to adopt protocols to contain the virus, as well as mechanisms to deal with the consequences of fluctuations in mobility flows in these areas. This study aims to analyze visitor management practices in protected areas of the Tarragona Province in Spain, in the context of the pandemic and as experienced by managers. We utilized a two-phase participatory methodology, initially employing a semi-structured questionnaire and subsequently conducting a focus group. Our findings revealed that concerns hindering visitor management before the pandemic not only remained relevant but worsened during this period. Managers faced organizational concerns, including poor communication among stakeholders or staff limitations. Visitor-related concerns also arose, such as changes in leisure and behavioral patterns that resulted in crowds and damage in sensitive areas. These concerns led to mostly reactive responses, with a strong reliance on strategies such as enforcement and regulation of visitor use and mobility. The findings provide useful information on the management approaches put into practice, as well as on opportunities to improve strategies for the sustainable management of visitors in protected areas.

Although geoheritage is gaining importance wordwide, much appreciation is still required for the overlooked geoheritage resources. The geoheritage of Saudi Arabia is promising and gaining much attention towards geoconversation and geotourism, but thematic publications are limited compared to the global context. This paper aims to identify the relevant geosites in Saudi Arabia according to the IUCN theme and propose a geoheritage strategic plan. For identification of the geosite published literature and online material, including web blogs, YouTube videos, social media, and governmental websites followed. For the strategic plan for known/unknown geosite, published literature from established geoparks with similar key landforms has been reviewed. Seven IUCN themes can be linked with the geoheritage of Saudi Arabia. Most of these sites are local tourist spots, therefore, immense potential for the geotourism development. The key geomorphological heritage in Saudi Arabia is volcanic harrat, escarpment, cave, mesas, butte, pinnacle, canyon, island, aeolian dune, and submarine corals. Geological heritage includes various fossils in Tuwaiq Mountain. Submarine geoheritage includes different colourful corals and rock structures with high scientific value. Biodiversity-protected areas and cultural heritage site enhances the geoheritage value of the geosite, and enhance the geotourism importance.