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In recent years, various studies have been conducted on inventory and assessment of geosites as well as proposals of georoutes, leading to the implementation of geoconservation actions worldwide. The aim of this research is to explore the geological heritage and itineraries of the El Bayadh area in Algeria, which exhibits a rich and diverse geology and offers scenic landscapes. The methodology used is to identify and describe three potential geological itineraries, composed of 11 geosites that have scientific, educational, and touristic value. The most important results are that El Bayadh has unique geological features, such as Triassic diapirs, dinosaur footprint sites, oases, dams, and rock engravings that reveal the area’s ancient history and geological processes. The geoheritage of El Bayadh can contribute to sustainable development, conservation, and community engagement, by promoting geotourism, geoscience education, and natural heritage preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The socio-economical importance of geological heritage (geoheritage) makes it a geological resource. New minerals are reported regularly, and their type specimens and localities are ex-situ and in-situ constituents of geoheritage, respectively. The present study focuses on the contemporary dynamics of these specific resources. For this purpose, the information about new minerals reported during the past five years is analyzed. The attention is paid to the distribution of the new mineral specimens (holotypes and cotypes) and their type localities by country; the transboundary replacement of new minerals is also considered. It is established that the new minerals-related geoheritage resources are accumulated in dozens of countries. The ex-situ geoheritage (specimens in museum collections) is represented twice narrower than the in-situ geoheritage (localities as geosites). About a half of new minerals are replaced to the other countries and often to the other parts of the world. The registered patterns are explained by the peculiarities of the contemporary mineralogical research. The outcomes of the present analysis permit to make recommendations for the development of the optimal geoheritage policy.

Over the past decade, various methodologies have been developed to systematize, discuss, and propose measures for protecting and sustainably managing geological heritage. The Alto Ribeira Touristic State Park is a crucial component of the most significant network of protected areas in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. It has international recognition for its speleological heritage, which underpins its status as a popular tourist destination. This intensive touristic use necessitates solid management plans that ensure sustainable tourism while preserving the karst features. Therefore, this work refined the inventory of geological sites and provided a quantitative assessment of their degradation risk and potential for use. Three geosites and twenty four geodiversity sites were identified and assessed. The quantitative evaluation of these geological sites was conducted using the System for Registration and Quantification of Geosites and Geodiversity Sites (GEOSSIT), which was developed by the Geological Survey of Brazil. The application of this tool, designed for use in a vast and diverse country like Brazil, revealed the need for adaptations when applied to a smaller area such as Alto Ribeira Touristic State Park. This work helped establish management priorities for these sites and determine the most suitable uses for each geological site, providing valuable information for park managers. Such studies demonstrate that proper management of protected and conserved areas should always include geodiversity and geoconservation in their action plans.

Babušnica is one of the poorest municipalities in Serbia. Although it is a region with excellent physical geographic features that support the development of recreational and environmentally conscious types of tourism, its natural resources are almost entirely underutilized. The article first discusses Babušnica’s primary development issues before doing a theoretical examination of the ideas of geotourism and sustainable tourism and applying the Modified Geosite Assessment Model. To investigate the potential for their tourism activation, nine geosites were selected and evaluated. The evaluation ratings for most of the sites are very low due to the absence or poor quality of each type of infrastructure. The types of tourism that can be promoted in the region according to its geographical features are identified and recommendations are made to local and higher levels of authority that could form the basis for sustainable growth of the region.

This study proposed 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 presented the potential of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and 3D tours, for disseminating geoeducational content. However, there was room for the improvement in interaction and information standardization on UGGp web platforms to ensure effective communication that enriches the user experience.

The exploration and identification of new geosites in the Călimani Mountains region heralds a significant opportunity to establish Romania's first UNESCO volcanic geopark. This ambitious initiative aims to meticulously evaluate both natural and anthropogenic geosites across the area, highlighting their scientific, educational, and touristic significance, as well as their deep connections to the region's rich history and tradition. Utilizing an adaptation of the geosite analysis framework initially developed by Pralong, researchers in the country have tailored the methodology to better suit the Carpathian region. This study provides a detailed assessment of the criteria applied to the geosites in the Călimani Mountains, emphasizing their essential roles and underlining the need for their conservation through their integration into the Călimani National Park and the expansion of its boundaries. Through the quantitative and qualitative approach of this project, the goal is not only to protect and preserve these valuable geosites but also to promote them as sustainable and educational tourist resources.

Geosites are significant geological heritage areas that serve as field laboratories for researchers. They offer insights into geological processes that have occurred from the past to the present and hold high potential for geotourism. To preserve and make geosites sustainable, their accessibility is a prerequisite. For this purpose, a model consisting of various parameters was developed in accordance with the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method, identifying 183 geosite areas that have been determined by experts and are subjects of literature. As a result, four evaluation criteria were established, including accessibility, access to service/attractiveness areas, scientific importance, and geomorphological features. Taking these parameters into account, a collective evaluation map was obtained using GIS-based AHP, drawing upon literature and expert opinions. The study concluded that the most critical parameter for accessibility to geosites is accessibility itself, accounting for 50% of the importance. Other parameters have influenced the accessibility of geosites in the following order of importance: 25% land, 15% scientific importance, and 10% service/attractiveness. Consequently, the areas where accessibility to geosites in Türkiye is most convenient are those with the highest road density. Road density, in turn, exhibits a pattern based on the characteristics of topography, population, and trade factors. Additionally, a parallel outcome emerged between areas that are more suitable in terms of these factors and the density of geosites. As a validation of the newly created model, the accessibility of Türkiye's areas recognized by UNESCO was found to be very high, indicating that the model is a suitable and convenient method that can be applied to different areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Köyceğiz Region offers a fascinating beauty with its lakes, long sandy beaches, rivers, as well as mountains and hills covered with pine, sweetgum and mastic tree forests. Therefore, there is an intense visitor activity in the region. In addition, there are well-marked, year-round hiking and cycling routes around the mountains and lakes in Köyceğiz. On some of these routes, eco-sites have been identified and explanatory panels have been placed. However, geosites have not been identified in the region for the geological structures that carry all this ecological diversity. In fact, the Köyceğiz Region is one of the typical regions that presents geological stories from the paleotectonic and neotectonic periods together. Our proposal in this study is to select geosites on existing nature routes that reflect the geological story of the region and to develop explanatory panels for them. In this study, we have identified geosites located on nature tourism routes in the region and described their geoscientific content. By installing panels on geosites, the geo-ecological systems located on the routes will be able to explain themselves to travelers. This is a new geo-eco-tourism approach with a small budget, aimed at existing visitors in the region, without trying to attract visitors to the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geoheritage and geotourism are the two essential aspects of human appreciation of the Earth's geological resources. Ladakh Himalaya has fascinating and exquisite landforms and landscapes. The area of interest in the present study is located along the Indus Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ), caused by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. In the context of diverse geology, structure, topography, tectonic history, and climatic variability, there is an immense diversity of landforms (geodiversity) in the Ladakh region. The region has always attracted tourists/geoscientists from all over the world because of its unique culture, language, religion, geology, and others. Researchers have identified various geoheritage sites, including structural features, lacustrine lake deposits, geothermal hot springs, semi-precious minerals, etc. The protection and preservation of these geoheritage sites in Ladakh Himalaya are essential to promote geotourism and sustainable growth. The proposed sites need to be conserved as needs of the people living in the region. The present study identifies various geosites related to sedimentary (lacustrine deposits), high-grade metamorphic rocks, intrusives rocks and minerals of igneous origin etc. from the northwestern to southeastern Ladakh Himalaya based on their unique geological features and significance. Besides geological aspects, these geosites in Ladakh are habited with diverse flora and fauna which makes it more significant for preservation. A detailed evaluation of these geosites is established based on the extensive field investigation and literature review. The present study involves the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to these geoheritage sites and emphasizes the importance of its recognition and geoconservation. The proposed geosites are facing serious challenges of its destruction due to anthropogenic activities, unsustainable growth of tourism, lack of public awareness, and non-involvement of any governmental agencies for its protection and conservation has put continuous pressure on the sensitive and fragile ecology of geosites in Ladakh and causing environmental and socio-cultural impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed 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 presented the potential of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and 3D tours, for disseminating geoeducational content. However, there was room for the improvement in interaction and information standardization on UGGp web platforms to ensure effective communication that enriches the user experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration and identification of new geosites in the Călimani Mountains region heralds a significant opportunity to establish Romania's first UNESCO volcanic geopark. This ambitious initiative aims to meticulously evaluate both natural and anthropogenic geosites across the area, highlighting their scientific, educational, and touristic significance, as well as their deep connections to the region's rich history and tradition. Utilizing an adaptation of the geosite analysis framework initially developed by Pralong, researchers in the country have tailored the methodology to better suit the Carpathian region. This study provides a detailed assessment of the criteria applied to the geosites in the Călimani Mountains, emphasizing their essential roles and underlining the need for their conservation through their integration into the Călimani National Park and the expansion of its boundaries. Through the quantitative and qualitative approach of this project, the goal is not only to protect and preserve these valuable geosites but also to promote them as sustainable and educational tourist resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality is a technological development that, among others, has revolutionized Earth sciences. Its advantages include an opportunity to examine places otherwise difficult or impossible to access and it may also become an important component of education, fostering a better understanding of processes and landforms, geohazard awareness, and an appreciation of geoheritage. This paper reports on the GeoVT project, which aims to create a platform to build and disseminate Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) focused on geomorphology, natural hazards associated with geomorphological processes, and geoheritage sites. To put the GeoVT project in context, an overview of applications of VR in geosciences is provided. This paper subsequently proceeds with a presentation of the project and the GeoVT Authoring application, which is an innovative platform designed to help teachers and students, followed by brief presentations of a number of VFTs developed within the project. They address themes such as fluvial landforms and valley development, coastal landforms, evidence of past glaciation, coastal erosion, wildfire effects, mud volcanoes, and landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1990s, an international consensus has been emerging with respect to the methods used to identify and assess geosites. These conventional methodologies generally differentiate between the intrinsic or scientific-natural dimension and the social dimension in the potential value of the geological elements. The aim of this article is to analyse the possible existence of other concepts that may underlie these criteria and that could be operating as evaluation parameters even though they are not explicitly and formally described as such in the published studies. An exhaustive analysis of articles on geosite inventories published in Science Citation Index journals in the last 15 years revealed a systematic reference to conceptions of magnitude (in the sense of degree of development and physical prominence) in geosite descriptions around the world, and in particular with respect to sites of geomorphological interest. To contrast this indication, we subjected the geosites inventory of Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain) to a Magnitude Rule hypothesis. This inventory is part of the Spanish Geosites Inventory (IELIG, for its initials in Spanish), which was carried out using conventional assessment procedures. Applying this rule, according to which each geosite is the most prominent example of its typology within the reference geological domain, we obtained an almost complete match. That is, geomorphological sites that were selected, a priori, according to intrinsic and social dimension were also (or one could even say 'actually') selected, implicitly, on the predominant basis of magnitude. This paper discusses why and how the magnitude parameter may be playing a key role as a subliminal non-explicit driver in the evaluation of geosite relevance, and how this finding may open new perspectives and bring methodological advantages in the inventory of geological heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morocco hosts a wealth of geological heritage, alongside a rich and varied palaeontological heritage that dates back 1.7 billion years, and archaeological assets that chronicle the biological evolution of the human species and their cultural activities. Research into Morocco's geoheritage has pinpointed several sites and monuments, both nationally and internationally recognised, noted for their unique geological formations and aesthetic appeal. This study aims to offer a comprehensive review of the geoheritage research conducted in Morocco over the last 14 years (2008–2022). This research is sourced from databases including Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The documents retrieved have been meticulously reviewed after isolating publications that primarily focus on Moroccan geoheritage sites. The findings indicate a growing trend in the number of studies conducted in this realm over the years. Initially, most research concentrated on the identification and characterisation of Morocco's geoheritage localities. However, with the burgeoning interest in this field, geoscientists have broadened their scope to explore diverse facets of geoheritage site evaluation, encompassing aspects such as geoparks, geotourism, geoeducation, and geoconservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Devils Tower is located in Wyoming, USA. It is composed of volcanic elements from the Tertiary Period of geologic time. Geologists are interested in this geosite because it is a unique, upstanding, steep-sided, high-relief exhumed Tertiary-age volcanic plug. As a Native American cultural geosite, however, it is often called Mateo Tepe, and it is a sacred place to over 20 Native American tribes. It was inscribed as America's first national monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, because of its special geology. It is visually dramatic due to its columns, which are understood by earth scientists as a wonder of geology but by Native people as the claw scratches of a spiritual bear. These vertical cracks are the focus of rock climbers and Native people, respectively as opportunities for adventure and self-fulfillment and spiritual paths to another dimension and the achievement of religious balance in the world. Mateo Tepe became a national monument due to it being a unique geologic feature. The geopark concept is used in this analysis to talk about this geologically based monument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geoheritage and geosites have been assessed as part of the work supporting the application of the Oeste Aspiring Geopark, in West Central Portugal, for an UNESCO Global Geopark. The geological framework is presented, describing the regional evolution of the Lusitanian Basin, related to the Mesozoic opening of the North Atlantic, since the Late Triassic until the Late Cretaceous, followed by the Cenozoic inversion of the basin, related to the Alpine orogeny. The overall geodiversity of the territory is described, and the main geological highlights are presented. Within the scope and objectives of a Geopark, the criteria for the definition of geosites are presented and discussed. Geoconservation, geoeducation and geotourism have been considered to define 80 geosites, with different characteristics, purposes, relevance and potential. Six different encompassing themes have been defined, each one with a specific storytelling. Geoconservation issues are also addressed, showing the importance of protection strategies for the geosites at a local scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Located along the southern limit of the Algarvensis aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp), the Escarpão Plateau is a singular geomorphological structure sculpted by fluvial, karst, and tectonic processes. The plateau is deeply scarved by the Quarteira Rivulet, forming a valley that crosses the most complete Upper Jurassic sedimentary sequence of the Eastern Algarve (Southern Portugal). This sequence includes five geological formations representing different depths of carbonate ramp deposition from the Tethys Sea: Peral Formation, Jordana Formation, Cerro da Cabeça Formation, Escarpão Formation, and the upper Limestone Formation with Anchispirocyclina lusitanica (foraminifera), respectively from the oldest formation to the most recent at the top. Throughout the Quaternary Period, the karst processes shaped a landscape of sparse and poor soils, based on which successive generations adapted their subsistence agriculture and way of life. The geomorphology of the plateau and the rivulet valley, the sequence of the carbonated formations, and the diversity of sedimentary and paleontological records can be considered possible sites of diverse geological interest and with different scales that are embedded in each other, forming thus nested sites. To promote and preserve these sites, the Algarvensis aUGGp shaped an 8-km-long interpretative walking path, passing through 11 points of interest, including biosites and geosites. Their interpretative boards highlight not only the different spatial and temporal geological diversity but also its relationship with surrounding cultural and historical heritage. Finally, this work allowed the creation of new products for outreach and public awareness towards an effective geoconservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive study investigates the intricate interplay between geodiversity, geohazards, and anthropogenic influences within the Kratovska Reka catchment—an area distinguished by its remarkable geosites. Kratovska Reka, spanning a length of 17.3 km, serves as the left tributary to Kriva Reka. The watershed of Kratovska Reka, covering an area of 68.5 km2, is situated on the northwestern inclines of the Osogovo Mts in North Macedonia. Despite harboring exceptional geodiversity, the area lacks protective measures for its myriad geosites. Evaluating susceptibility to geohazards, including excessive erosion, landslides, and flash floods, this research identifies heightened risk zones, particularly in the valley of Kratovska Reka and its tributaries. A multi-hazard model reveals that 56.07% of the basin is vulnerable to geohazards. The study correlates lithological composition, relief features, and morphometric characteristics with geohazards, emphasizing the significance of paleovolcanic relief in resisting excessive erosion. Human-induced factors, notably deforestation and inappropriate land use, amplify geohazards. This research underscores the urgent need for geosite protection and sustainable land management to mitigate geohazards' impacts. Additionally, it explores the correlation between land use practices and geodiversity, emphasizing the importance of responsible land management in safeguarding the geological and geomorphological values of the researched area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of augmented reality applied to museums to preserve and communicate cultural heritage sustainably is a topic of increasing relevance today. Museums play an essential role in preserving and disseminating culture and history, and augmented reality has emerged as a powerful technological tool to enrich the visitor experience and ensure the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage. The fundamental objective of this literature review is to explore and understand the key contributions that are being made in the field of augmented reality applied to museums, with a focus on sustainability. The literature related to this topic is dispersed in various sources of information, which motivates the need to carry out a detailed and systematic analysis incorporating sustainability aspects. To carry out this analysis, the metaphor of the "tree of science" is used. This metaphor provides a structured approach that is applied in two complementary ways. Firstly, it focuses on collecting and analyzing scientometric statistics that cover data on countries, authors, academic institutions, and research centers involved in developing augmented reality applications for museums with sustainable methodologies. This quantitative perspective offers a global view of the contributions and their geographical scope including their sustainability impact. Secondly, an evolutionary analysis based on the "tree of science" is carried out. This historical approach examines the origin and evolution of contributions in the field of augmented reality applied to museums, from its first manifestations to the most recent innovations, with an emphasis on sustainable practices. This historical approach is essential to understanding the trajectory and development of augmented reality applications in the museum context and their role in promoting sustainable cultural heritage preservation. This review aims to provide a complete and contextualized view of the use of augmented reality in museums for the sustainable preservation and communication of cultural heritage. Through a multidimensional approach encompassing scientometric statistics and historical analysis, we seek to shed light on this technology's most significant contributions and evolution in the museum sector, with a particular focus on sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geoparks are territorial organizations, whose primary aim is to foster sustainable local development through the promotion of geoheritage, geotourism and geoeducation. Sites of significant interest from the perspective of geosciences (geosites), as well as the overall geodiversity of the territory, are the fundamental resources for geopark activities. The distribution of these resources in the geographical space of geoparks may, however, be uneven. We first review four cases of UNESCO Global Geoparks from different European countries (Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Portugal) where such a situation occurs, with consequences on tourism development. Then, we place particular focus on an aspiring geopark of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes in SW Poland, providing evidence of its geoheritage and geodiversity values. The aspiring geopark integrates a mountainous–upland terrain and a lowland part, the latter with much fewer sites of interest and, apparently, fewer opportunities to successfully develop geotourism. Recognizing the challenges emerging from the non-uniform distribution of resources and learning from established geoparks, we highlight various opportunities to encourage (geo)tourism in the less diverse sections of the geoparks. Implementation of the ABC (abiotic–biotic–cultural) concept could be particularly helpful, as could be various events organized in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experience in the scientific evaluation of geological sites in the Bulgarian geoparks shows insufficient efficiency of the generalized criteria used for the evaluation of geotopes for the purposes of the Register and Cadastre of the Bulgarian geological phenomena. Here is proposes a new assessment methodology freed from some common criteria included in the expert card for national assessment of geosites. It includes the main evaluation criteria of the 'scientific value' category (representativeness, integrity, rarity), and 'additional values' - scenic/didactic potential, ecological, cultural, and geotourism impact. Due to the fundamentally different themes of the Bulgarian geoparks, the approach of 'thematic geodiversity' has been adopted, which defines one major theme expressing the identity of the geopark within its entire territory, and numerous secondary themes complementing the geodiversity of the area. One of the new criteria included in the expert card reflects the relation of a geosite with the main geopark theme and gives priority to outcrops representing key geological features for its understanding. At the same time, the possible identification of global cycles and events of special scientific interest, which can be presented to the general public in an attractive form, predetermines the high numerical indicator of the 'scientific, research and educational value'. The main purpose of the expert card is to cover as wide a range of geological features as possible and to make the assessment less subjective by using a standard set of criteria against which specific examples can be compared. It is also important to minimize the possibility of interpretation of the explanatory text to the individual indicators. It includes 12 criteria of different weights with 4 to 7 indicators, the numerical expression of which starts from zero, corresponding to a complete lack of geoconservation value. The minimum number of 12 points (of total 48) required to pass the 'threshold of significance' is formed by the first six criteria. It provides the necessary rate of superiority over which the site must be considered geologically significant and deserves to be included in the geopark inventory. The scale of significance grades from local (12-20) to regional (21-30), national (31-40), and international (41-48). Geodiversity sites are of great importance for the geopark initiatives, so the weight of the 'scenic (aesthetic) value' corresponds to the weight of the 'scientific, research and educational value' (6) versus (3) or (4) of the other criteria to better reflect their geotourism significance. Geosites with high interpretive potential, especially where the relationship between geology and human history/culture/spirituality can be demonstrated, should also be prioritized for inclusion in the geopark list. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the assessment of geo-tourism potentials in Amhara Regional State, the northeastern part of Ethiopia. Geotourism is a newly applicable area of tourism development that is growing rapidly all over the world. Geo-tourism is geomorphic and geologic formations and characteristics. The objective of the study was to produce an inventory assessment for geotourism locations and give some tour guide maps for the peoples of the world through this media, as well as to assess their potential for tourism growth. The methodological approach for the geotourism inventory and mapping was GIS techniques and detailed inventories of geo-tourism locations. The results of the study showed that more than 20 geo-tourism locations were identified and mapped. The parameters used to assess the potential of geotourism sites were related to tourism and the country's scientific, educational, scenic, recreational, protective, functional, and ecological aspects. The findings of the study are not only helpful for the tourism sectors, academic institutions, researchers and visitors, but also make a great contribution to the country's income generation in general.

Ancient carbonate reefs, which represent specific palaeoecosystems, are promising as geological heritage sites (geosites). The bibliographical survey allows to identify 30 palaeoreef localities already interpreted in the terms of geoheritage. These were described in 18 countries from the different parts of the world; many palaeoreefs were reported from Europe and North Africa. The ages of the considered palaeoreefs differ, and they tend to concentrate in the Early–Middle Paleozoic, the Late Triassic–Jurassic, and the Late Cretaceous–Neogene intervals. The correspondence between the global dynamics of the reef growth in the Phanerozoic and the stratigraphical distribution of the palaeoreef-related geosites is uncertain. As a case example, three palaeoreefs from the Western Caucasus are taken into account. These are the Raskol (latest Permian), Tkhach–Sakhray (Late Triassic), and Oshten (Late Jurassic) palaeoreefs, which can be brought in correspondence to the global reef booms. They are important for geological research, education, and tourism. Generally, the present knowledge of the ancient carbonate reefs as geoheritage remains incomplete. The related research is perspective, and it requires cross-disciplinary cooperation of specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The territory of the Republic of Armenia (RA) stands out in its complex geological structure and diversity of formations due to its complex geodynamic history and the country being located in the axial part of the Arabian and Eurasian continental collision zone. The selected geohazard-related geosites of regional and international interest allow us to propose the creation of a geopark, focused on geohazards. The Armenian geohazard-related geopark will encompass 26 geosites with various geological hazards concerning active faults and surface ruptures, recent volcanism and related lava flows, stratigraphic evidence of mass extinction events, saturated with carbon dioxide subaquatic gas emissions related to buried active fault segment and a borehole of a pulsating water fountain, coastal transgression and regression of various intervals from several thousand to about three hundred million years, active geodynamic processes and related ophiolite obduction, earthquake-related active slope processes, causing destruction and deformation of historical monuments, among others. Some geosites are exceptionally rich in archaeological monuments affected by geological phenomena. From the perspective angle, the results of this study will benefit management of the land environment, historical and cultural heritage, raising awareness of natural hazards and increasing population resilience. The study’s results can have wide-ranging implications, including improved geoheritage education, development of conservation ethics, better land management practices, enhanced understanding of historical and cultural heritage, increased awareness of natural hazards, and the promotion of sustainable development through the proposed Armenian Geopark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the assessment of geo-tourism potentials in Amhara Regional State, the northeastern part of Ethiopia. Geotourism is a newly applicable area of tourism development that is growing rapidly all over the world. Geo-tourism is geomorphic and geologic formations and characteristics. The objective of the study was to produce an inventory assessment for geotourism locations and give some tour guide maps for the peoples of the world through this media, as well as to assess their potential for tourism growth. The methodological approach for the geotourism inventory and mapping was GIS techniques and detailed inventories of geo-tourism locations. The results of the study showed that more than 20 geo-tourism locations were identified and mapped. The parameters used to assess the potential of geotourism sites were related to tourism and the country's scientific, educational, scenic, recreational, protective, functional, and ecological aspects. The findings of the study are not only helpful for the tourism sectors, academic institutions, researchers and visitors, but also make a great contribution to the country's income generation in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Monti Pisani massif (Tuscany, central Italy) is an isolated mountain relief known for its rich geodiversity, including a remarkable palaeontological heritage from the Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. The Palaeozoic record consists of exquisitely preserved plant remains and rarer invertebrates of Permo-Carboniferous age, which testify to extensive rainforests and large swamps that thrived in an alluvial system under a humid, (sub)tropical climate. In addition to invertebrate shells, invertebrate trace fossils and microbial structures, the Mesozoic record features a diverse Middle Triassic tetrapod ichnoassemblage consisting of tracks of lepidosauromorphs, archosaurs (among which are the earliest dinosauromorph fossils of Italy) and nonmammalian therapsids. These vertebrates lived in a subsiding costal setting that stretched across an expanding rift valley under a subarid climate. The Cenozoic record features abundant fossils of terrestrial vertebrates (including spectacular members of the mammalian megafauna) from karst deposits, testifying to the manifold inhabitants of the massif during the glacial and interglacial phases of the Late Pleistocene. Overall, this long-lasting fossil record remarkably demonstrates how much the Earth's environments have been changing through the Phanerozoic. The outstanding palaeontological heritage of the Monti Pisani area is in need of specific efforts of conservation and valorisation, especially with respect to the many palaeontological sites that punctuate the massif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is aimed at illustrating one of the most engaging geoparks in Europe, the Gole della Breggia Geopark. By following its geotrail, the visitors can observe a great deal of features that encompass a wide variety of sedimentary, stratigraphic, tectonic and paleogeographic processes. Its contents are popularized by a comprehensive geotrail that encompasses 23 geostops, enriched with explanatory panels, which enable viewers to gain an overall picture of the complex processes that led to the present-day configuration of the outcrops encountered in the geopark. We have selected five significative outcrops, which we have regarded as fully-fledged geosites, and which encompass the whole 170-million-year interval, from Early Jurassic to Late Miocene times, during which the rocks of the geopark were deposited and deformed. We have performed an assessment of the five geosites, using the most common criteria that can be applied for geosite evaluation. The results of the assessment show that the most valuable geosites are the Lombardian Maiolica, and the Limestone with Pelagic Bivalves. All five geosites, thanks to a QR code added to each figure along the text, can be viewed as virtual geosites (VGs), integrated by 360° videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menoreh Mountain area is an area with very high geological uniqueness. One of the statuses that is contextually determined is a geopark because it provides a framework for conservation, education, and sustainable local economic activities as its pillars that are relevant to the agenda of economic development. It is necessary to characterize the existing geotourism potential in Menoreh Mountain area. This research attempts to identify and develop this potential using spatial and regional complex approaches. Technically, the method used is the Modified Geosites Assessment Model (M-GAM) combined with Hot-Spot Analysis to obtain spatial and non-spatial geotourism potential clustering. Clustering is done using K-Means Cluster Analysis. The results show that the existing geosites, spatially formed a cluster and can be used to determine the theme of the tourism activity to strengthen the geopark pillars. The development of geopark is hindered by several constraints including the division of administration and the disparity of each administrative region's capability. In general, a strategy to tighten the stakeholder and optimize the research is required to initially strengthen the geopark's pilars. It is also important to build a linkage of the geodiversity with the biodiversity and cultural diversity to enhance the significance value of Menoreh Mountain.

This study was conducted in Kouoptamo, located in the Noun Plain in Western Cameroon, with the main objective of inventorying and evaluating the geological heritage, and promoting the protection and geoconservation of geosites, and their use in geotourism development. Geosites in the region include dammed lakes (Petpenoun lakes), maars (Sanka Ndoumkain Maar, Tchoua Maar), scoria cones (Nkoambeng, Kechuentim, Ngouen volcanoes), a dome (Njigoumbé Dome) and a managed natural area (Petponoun Domain). Most geosites have a high scientific, aesthetic and educational value. The method used for the inventory and assessment of geosites in this work is according to Reynard, et al. (2016), which is more suitable for geological heritage on a regional scale. The scientific value in this method is composed of four criteria, namely rarity, representativeness, integrity and palaeogeographical interest. Each of these criteria is evaluated independently by a numerical score ranging from 0 (nil) to 1 (very high) in intervals of 0.25. The overall average scientific value of the Kouoptamo geosites is 0.77. Nkoambeng Volcano has the highest scientific value (0.88), followed by Tchoua Maar, Sanka Ndoumkain Maar, Njigoumbé Dome and Ngouen Volcano, all of which score 0.81, while Kechuentim Volcano and Petpenoun Domain score 0.75 and 0.69, respectively. The integrity of several of these geosites is preserved, mainly the Petpenoun lakes, the Tchoua Maar, and the Sanka Ndoumkain Maar. Geosites such as Sanka Ndoumkain Maar, Tchoua Maar, Njigoumbé Dome and the Nkoambeng, Kechuentim, and Ngouen volcanoes are representative of the regional geomorphology. Artisanal quarries (Nkoambeng Volcano) and industrial quarries (Njigoumbé Dome), as well as agro-pastoral activities, tend to degrade these geosites, which in general do not benefit from any legal protection. It is strongly recommended that geoconservation policies be adopted for these geosites, in order to preserve and develop these sites for their considerable geotourism potential while taking into account the current resource and land usage to find an optimum, sustainable strategy.

UNESCO Global Geoparks are recognised in the scientific community for their exceptional geological significance, but their potential to embrace and preserve cultural heritage sites is underestimated. This study delves into a pioneering approach within the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (NW Italy), examining the integration of culturally significant sites into conservation and promotion strategies. To achieve a successful integration, we adapted a methodology used for the identification and assessment of geosites, incorporating the criteria of cultural significance, to assess the value of 10 cultural sites within the geopark and compare the results with the assessment values of 10 geosites. Moreover, we submitted survey questionnaires to geopark tourists to understand their interest in visiting both geosites and cultural sites. The findings reveal the remarkable scientific, educational, and touristic values of these cultural sites, which constitute an important resource for the geopark, to be enhanced and protected together with the geosites. Interestingly, the higher scientific value of cultural sites corresponds to increased visitor interest, which is in contrast to the trend observed for geosites. Through this unified approach, the monitoring of cultural heritage within the geopark is simplified and improved, enabling a comprehensive inventory and efficient administration. Moreover, by aligning visitor interests with scientific value, the Sesia Val Grande Geopark can enhance conservation and sustainable tourism efforts.

Geosite is one of the Ijen Geopark geosites in the Bondowoso region which has an initial design as a tourist destination which in its management only implements elements of tourism. Then after the Ijen Geopark was designated as a National Geopark and proposed to become part of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG), the status of the Wurung Crater, which was originally a destination, changed to a Geological Heritage Site (Geosite). This status change in its adjustment in the field with the concept of educational tourism is still not maximized. Geosite management needs to implement elements of tourism, science and education. The management concept is considered in accordance with the concept of educational tourism which includes tourism and educational activities. So the purpose of this research is to find out what potential the Wurung Crater geosite has so that it can meet the educational tourism indicators which consist of tutorial learning and field exploration. This research use descriptive quantitative research design and using survey/questionnaire methods and documentation studies in collecting data. The results of data analysis using descriptive percentages obtained a tutorial learning indicator value of 67.5% which was included in the "moderate" category and the field exploration indicator obtained a value of 75.8% in the "high" category. This shows that the Wurung Crater Geosite is superior in the preparation and provision of techniques, facilities, and learning media to support field exploration activities than in the provision of guide/interpreter facilities as well as the quality and quantity of guides/interpreters. But overall it can be concluded that the Wurung Crater Geosite has the potential for educational tourism which is included in the "high" category with the acquisition of an accumulated value of two indicators of 72.3%.

ABSTRACTThis research presents a set of geomorphological and geoheritage evidence from the Piana Crixia Natural Park, located in the northwest part of Italy. The Natural Park, which covers an area of just under 8 km2, was established for the conservation and enhancement of two geosites: the Piana Crixia mushroom, a 15 m high earth pyramid shaped in conglomerates representing an example of runoff erosion, and badlands landforms that crop out in the area, representing a regional uniqueness and characterize a landscape defined the ‘Langhe of Liguria’. The methodology includes bibliographic research, aerial photographs, fieldwork and analysis of the data provided by the Park's archives. The main maps were realized by combining lithological and geomorphological data with geoheritage elements and information about hiking and tourism. The 1:10,000 map represents the main area of the Piana Crixia Natural Park, while the 1:3000 map was designed to characterize the Piana Crixia mushroom.

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a novel geodiversity map of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park (Central Italy). The Park exhibits a wide range of geological-geomorphological environments of great scientific and touristic interest, offering unique landscapes and wild nature frequented by visitors year-around. All these features reflect a marked geodiversity and a valuable geoheritage, requiring protection and valorization activities. The geodiversity map that we present was realized following an integrated methodological approach, which includes and combines geological-geomorphological features, geoheritage elements, data from Park archives, and new field-based observations. In this framework, the map serves as a key outreach tool for the dissemination of the geological information of the area and for the promotion of its geodiversity through a modern, sustainable, and environmentally aware tourism in an highly frequented protected area.

ABSTRACTLiguria is a small region in Northwestern Italy which is characterized by significant and valuable geoheritage. The 1:250,000 map presented in this paper displays the 120 geosites of Liguria, officially approved by regional and national authorities, framed in the context of the geological landscapes of the region. The geological landscapes were obtained by categorizing and thematizing geological, lithological and geomorphological data in macro-units with similar characteristics. Protected areas (National parks, regional parks and natural reserves) and caves are also highlighted in the map. This work aims to give a better understanding of the Ligurian geoheritage, its relationship with the geological and geomorphological context, and the framework of protected areas. Thus, the present map can be a useful tool for developing effective geoheritage management and enhancement strategies.

UNESCO Global Geoparks are recognised in the scientific community for their exceptional geological significance, but their potential to embrace and preserve cultural heritage sites is underestimated. This study delves into a pioneering approach within the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (NW Italy), examining the integration of culturally significant sites into conservation and promotion strategies. To achieve a successful integration, we adapted a methodology used for the identification and assessment of geosites, incorporating the criteria of cultural significance, to assess the value of 10 cultural sites within the geopark and compare the results with the assessment values of 10 geosites. Moreover, we submitted survey questionnaires to geopark tourists to understand their interest in visiting both geosites and cultural sites. The findings reveal the remarkable scientific, educational, and touristic values of these cultural sites, which constitute an important resource for the geopark, to be enhanced and protected together with the geosites. Interestingly, the higher scientific value of cultural sites corresponds to increased visitor interest, which is in contrast to the trend observed for geosites. Through this unified approach, the monitoring of cultural heritage within the geopark is simplified and improved, enabling a comprehensive inventory and efficient administration. Moreover, by aligning visitor interests with scientific value, the Sesia Val Grande Geopark can enhance conservation and sustainable tourism efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geosites constitute a significant natural resource for ecological use and sustainable development in Morocco, and thus, their geological characterization and accessibility are of crucial importance. In this study, we investigated the geological structures, historical status, and accessibility of four potential geosites in the High Atlas of Morocco. Field visits, starting from the city of Marrakech to the top of Toubkal Mountain, were used to determine the nature and date of geological structures, while GIS tools were used to delimit the study geosites and their accessibility. Obtained results showed that studied geosites disposed of a variety of natural landscapes, geological structures, and accessibility. Paleozoic and Triassic geostructures infiltrated by a fault-dominated Tahannaout and crossed by the Ghighaya river. In Moulay Brahim, basalt sections of the finished-Triassic age, surmounted by deposits of the Lias dominated the southeast, while sandstone-silty bars of the Middle Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous age in the northeast. Reverse faults with N90 direction, the Mesozoic series, and the Paleozoic massif of Jbel Khelout added more good looks. Imlil known for its diversity of landscapes counting the national park of Toubkal, RAMSAR Lake of Ifni, and the endangered stands of thuriferous juniper, was dominated by Cretaceous structures in reversed series, overlapped by Precambrian sections thanks to the fault of the Aït Lachen. These geosites are linked by well-developed roads and disposed of hotel infrastructures, which make them very attractive for tourism of the mountains. However, more studies are needed to clarify more features of these geosites, to promote sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geotourism is a form of sustainable and alternate tourism that attracts people to sites and destinations of geological significance. In addition, it deals with the heritage, diversity, and conservation of such places through appreciation and learning. India and particularly, the Ladakh region possess a rich number of sites of physiographic, geological, and cultural importance. The region is famous for varied rock types, tectonic structures, minerals, and geological history ranging from the Achaean (3.5 billion years BP) to the Recent (10,000 years BP). Geotourism plays a vital role in exposing and connecting an area of geological importance to the rest of the world. In the present work, some geological sites of the Leh district of Ladakh India, which are significant to understanding the formation of the subcontinent, the evolution of the mighty Himalayan mountain range, the fate of the Tethys Ocean, and past tectonic and climatic conditions of the region, have been described. These sites include U-shaped valleys of Umla, Taru, and Phyang, the oldest Indus valley moraines stretching along the left side of the Leh-Kargil highway near Pathar Sahib-Taru-Phyang area, syn- and post plutonic dykes Taru-Phyang, paleolake deposits of Spituk and Lamayuru, post-collision Indus molasse deposits near Hemis, pre-collision flysch deposits of Lamayuru, hot springs of Puga, Chumathang, and Panamik, zebra stripe pattern Leucocratic granites of Chumathang, Nidar Ophiolite suite, and Hunder sand dunes. These geological places are either less exposed to the outside world or under threat and demand promotion and preservation as heritage sites in Ladakh to educate the present and future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inventory of the geological heritage, along with the quantification of its value, is an essential task for the implementation of geoconservation strategies. Despite the Brazilian’s rich geological heritage, only the state of São Paulo has concluded its systematic inventory. This paper presents the geological heritage inventory of Paraná State and a quantitative assessment of the scientific value of geosites and their vulnerability. The method applied for the geosites evaluation was adjusted after analyzing the most deemed protocols in international literature, taking into account the Brazilian socioeconomic and cultural conditions. The selection of geosites made by experts was based on the following criteria: representativeness, rarity, integrity, and degree of scientific knowledge. The inventory consists of 76 geosites, distributed in nine geological frameworks, which represent the geological evolution of Paraná. It is expected that this work may support future planning and management actions, which can safeguard the state’s geological heritage, with efficient strategies, especially for those places with high risk of degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ordovician tsunamis have been hypothesized for more than 25 years, but the related knowledge is yet to be systematized. The published sources bearing the pieces of this knowledge were collected in the course of the specialized bibliographical survey, and these pieces of evidence were summarized and interpreted with special attention to the spatiotemporal distribution of Ordovician tsunamis. It is found that the latter were reported from many places of the world (24 localities are established), which represent the Gondwana periphery, some isolated continental blocks, and terranes. Tsunamis were hypothesized for all epochs of the considered period, but the evidence is especially numerous for the Middle Ordovician. The degree of certainty of the interpretations of these tsunamis is chiefly moderate. It appears that only a tiny portion of Ordovician tsunamis is known, but the amount of available information is expected, taking into account the possibility of finding very ancient tsunamis. The outcomes of this study contribute to a better awareness of the world's geoheritage resources. The established localities representing Ordovician tsunamis can be considered potential geosites, two of which are promising start points for further, field-based research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menoreh Mountain area is an area with very high geological uniqueness. One of the statuses that is contextually determined is a geopark because it provides a framework for conservation, education, and sustainable local economic activities as its pillars that are relevant to the agenda of economic development. It is necessary to characterize the existing geotourism potential in Menoreh Mountain area. This research attempts to identify and develop this potential using spatial and regional complex approaches. Technically, the method used is the Modified Geosites Assessment Model (M-GAM) combined with Hot-Spot Analysis to obtain spatial and non-spatial geotourism potential clustering. Clustering is done using K-Means Cluster Analysis. The results show that the existing geosites, spatially formed a cluster and can be used to determine the theme of the tourism activity to strengthen the geopark pillars. The development of geopark is hindered by several constraints including the division of administration and the disparity of each administrative region's capability. In general, a strategy to tighten the stakeholder and optimize the research is required to initially strengthen the geopark's pilars. It is also important to build a linkage of the geodiversity with the biodiversity and cultural diversity to enhance the significance value of Menoreh Mountain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Kouoptamo, located in the Noun Plain in Western Cameroon, with the main objective of inventorying and evaluating the geological heritage, and promoting the protection and geoconservation of geosites, and their use in geotourism development. Geosites in the region include dammed lakes (Petpenoun lakes), maars (Sanka Ndoumkain Maar, Tchoua Maar), scoria cones (Nkoambeng, Kechuentim, Ngouen volcanoes), a dome (Njigoumbé Dome) and a managed natural area (Petponoun Domain). Most geosites have a high scientific, aesthetic and educational value. The method used for the inventory and assessment of geosites in this work is according to Reynard, et al. (2016), which is more suitable for geological heritage on a regional scale. The scientific value in this method is composed of four criteria, namely rarity, representativeness, integrity and palaeogeographical interest. Each of these criteria is evaluated independently by a numerical score ranging from 0 (nil) to 1 (very high) in intervals of 0.25. The overall average scientific value of the Kouoptamo geosites is 0.77. Nkoambeng Volcano has the highest scientific value (0.88), followed by Tchoua Maar, Sanka Ndoumkain Maar, Njigoumbé Dome and Ngouen Volcano, all of which score 0.81, while Kechuentim Volcano and Petpenoun Domain score 0.75 and 0.69, respectively. The integrity of several of these geosites is preserved, mainly the Petpenoun lakes, the Tchoua Maar, and the Sanka Ndoumkain Maar. Geosites such as Sanka Ndoumkain Maar, Tchoua Maar, Njigoumbé Dome and the Nkoambeng, Kechuentim, and Ngouen volcanoes are representative of the regional geomorphology. Artisanal quarries (Nkoambeng Volcano) and industrial quarries (Njigoumbé Dome), as well as agro-pastoral activities, tend to degrade these geosites, which in general do not benefit from any legal protection. It is strongly recommended that geoconservation policies be adopted for these geosites, in order to preserve and develop these sites for their considerable geotourism potential while taking into account the current resource and land usage to find an optimum, sustainable strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]