Evaluation of the potential of coastal cliffs as geosites for the promotion of geotourism

Coastal zones, with their significant geodiversity, are vital areas for geotourism. Effective management is crucial to harness the geological interest of these sites as geotourism resources while ensuring their conservation. ManabíProvince is one of the most representative regions along the Ecuadorian coast due to its beaches and coastal cliffs, offering a wealth of tourist attractions and cultural elements. This study aims to evaluate the geosite potential of six cliffs in ManabíProvince through quantitative and qualitative analyses to propose geotourism promotion strategies. The methodology involves (i) inventory and characterisation of the cliffs, (ii) assessment of the sites by the Spanish Inventory of Places of Geological Interest method (IELIG), and (iii) qualitative evaluation through focus group discussions and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The results reveal that all six sites boast diverse geological assets, including geomorphological, stratigraphic, sedimentological, and tectonic elements. They are characterised by “high ”scientific, didactic, and tourist interest, while also being sus- ceptible to degradation due to natural and anthropic threats. The SWOT analysis demonstrates that the valuable geological and geomorphological heritage of potential geosites provides an opportunity to foster geotourism and boost the province’s economy, incorporating geoconservation and geoeducation strategies. This study proposes a georoute called “Ruta Acantilados del Sol ”, a 245 km journey encompassing all six sites, incorporating diverse tourist and cultural activities. Our research lays the foundation for fostering geotourism along the Manabícoast and strengthening the connection between nature, heritage, and the welfare of residents within a global resilience plan.

Geotourism as a 16-Geosite Empowerment Strategy—For Tourism Sustainability in Toba Caldera Geopark

The study on empowerment strategies for tourism sustainability was carried out in 16 geosites located in seven regencies. These include Karo, Dairi, Simalungun, Samosir, Toba Samosir, North Tapanuli, and Humbang Hasundutan, in Toba Caldera Region (TCA), North Sumatra Province. The empowerment strategies will enhance local and national tourism development policy directives, boost development geared towards community tourism interests, and achieve GGN directives according to the concepts outlined by UNESCO. This geotourism development has been formulated through a synthesis of various investigations including the analyses of government references, potential tourist attractions, and SWOT. Furthermore, the SWOT analysis showed that a travel plan combining the elements of cultural heritage and geosites is an alternative empowerment for sustainable regional development through geotourism, using Pusuk Bukit as a pilot area. Geosites have been mapped as the basis for Toba Caldera’s development.

Geological and Geotourism Study of Iran Geology Natural Museum, Hormoz Island

Iran is a country that benefits from nice nature, diverse continent, areas full of unique geological phenomena. Thus, it is necessary to study these attractions for better recognition of them. In this regard, Hormoz Island with valuable geoheritage, biodiversity, cultural, historical and political diversity is very important. The accumulation of these attractions and its being located in Persian Gulf strategic area made it of considerable significance in national and international communities. Hormoz Island is a spherical salt dome which is located in Hormoz strait. This Island is composed of evaporites, igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks, and sediments mainly belong to Mishan and Aghajari formations and salt, gypsum and, to a lesser extent, limestone evaporites. In sedimentary formations of Hormoz, Aouthigenic minerals such as Pyrite, Dolomite, quartz, Anhydrite, gypsum and halite are frequently seen. Mineralization of volcanic leads to formation of high temperature minerals, such as oligiste, pyroxene, amphibole and low temperature and hydrothermal minerals such as Pyrite, quartz... in the tracks of igneous rocks. This unique geodiversity in rocks and mineral which made various colors in Hormoz Island made it a mineraogical reservoir. Beside considerable mineralogical attractions, there are other potentials like ochre mine, coral reefs, rock seashore, sea caves, salt caves, plant cover and wild life which have added to various tourism capabilities of this Island and made it a unique place in the world. This paper studies Hormoz Island in terms of geological features and geotourism potentials.

The untapped potential of scenic routes for geotourism:case studies of Lasocki Grzbiet and Pasmo Lesistej(Western and Central Sudeten Mountains,SW Poland)

A view is often more than just a piece of landscape,framed by the gaze and evoking emotion.Without diminishing these obvious‘tourismimportant’advantages of a view,it is noteworthy that in itself it might play the role of an interpretative tool,especially for large-scale phenomena,the knowledge and understanding of which is the goal of geotourism.In this paper,we analyze the importance of scenic drives and trails for tourism,particularly geotourism,focusing on their ability to create conditions for experiencing the dynamically changing landscapes in which lies knowledge of the natural processes shaping the Earth’s surface and the methods and degree of its resource exploitation.The issues are found in both wider and local contexts.A more detailed insight has been conducted on the basis of two,although in some sense peripheral,tourism regions from the Sudeten Mountains(southwestern Poland):Lasocki Grzbiet(a ridge)and Pasmo Lesistej(a small range).The subjects of the investigation were complex:the geotourism potential of selected viewpoints located on the most scenic routes(mostly paths and forest tracks)as well as the problems of maintenance,conservation,and protection of their educational value.Our work is based on desk and field research supported by results of GIS visibility analyses(conducted in the QGIS program).

The Opportunities and Challenges of Geotourism:A Case Study in Oldonyo Lengai in Tanzania

Both geoparks and geosites are unique geological features of spectacular importance to earth science (global scientific importance) and the surrounding community.The Oldonyo Lengai(The God for the Maasai people and unique active felsic magmatism)

Evaluating the Geomorphological Features and Geotourism Potentials of Harmankaya Canyon (Bilecik, Turkey)

Harmankaya Canyon is located within boundaries of Karahasanlar settlement near Yenipazar district and Harmankoy settlement near Inhisar district in the east of the province of Bilecik. It was declared an area of nature protection under the name of "Harmankaya Canyon Nature Park" in 2012 by the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs. This study introduces Harmankaya Canyon, in the first place, by discussing its geomorphological characteristics, which play a significant role in the declaration of canyon as a nature park, along with the formation. Then, it discusses the potentials born by the canyon as a newly emerging destination of geotourism. Harmankaya Canyon was created by Harmankoy Stream, one tributary of Sakarya River, within Bilecik limestones of Mesozoic age. The canyon is 2.3 km long and 650-700 m deep, with a difference of altitude of 136 m between the entrance and the exit. Having quite an impressive view, the canyon was mainly formed as a result of fluvial processes under the control of lithological, tectonic, and climatic factors together.Thanks to its geomorphological characteristics, the Harmankaya Canyon Nature Park offers both sports and social attractions, like geotourism bound by geographical formations, canyoning relying on natural sources, trekking, rock-climbing, rafting, paragliding, and photography. Considering its location close to the larger Turkish cities, such as Istanbul, Bursa, Kocaeli, and Eskisehir and accessibility, the Harmankaya Canyon Nature Park is thought to meet all criteria for a destination of day-trips and weekend excursions for a relief from urban stress or for indulging in nature. SWOT (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis was performed to unveil the touristic potential of the canyon. As a result, it was found to pose far more strengths and opportunities than weaknesses and threats.

Geology of Hin Chang Si Sandstone Geoheritage in Khon Kaen Province for Geotourism Planning of Northeastern Thailand

One of the most distinguished sandstone geoheritage resources in the Khorat Plateau is Hin Chang Si located in the Nam Phong National Park, Khon Kaen Province. The clastic sedimentary rocks of the Phra Wihan Formation of the Khorat Group covered this area. As a result of the lithologic study, the Hin Chang Si consists of pebbly sandstone, moderately sorted medium- to coarse-grained sandstone, and a small amount of siltstone interbedded with laminated shale. The characteristics (colors, cementation, and degrees of weathering) divided sandstones into two groups, including white grain-supported sandstone with silica cement and matrix-supported sandstone with Fe-rich cement. In addition, these sandstones present primary sedimentary structures, which comprise tabular cross-bedding and normal grading as well as bioturbation. Hin Chang Si demonstrates many geomorphological features, including cliffs, potholes, rock pillars, polygonal cracks, caves, tafoni, runnels, and natural arches according to inventory. The weathering and degradation processes in humid tropical conditions are the main processes that caused these geomorphological features. Whereas many primary factors affected various types of morphology that are composed of joints, folds, and faults. The national park provides the natural trail map, tourism information, and biodiversity data to visitors;however, geological information about sandstone landforms should be actualized for geotourism development.

Geotourism Development in Post-mining Area

Generally,the morphology of the post-mining area is steep slopes.Based on geotechnical considerations,the area is no longer allowed for mining areas,because the potential for landslides is very high.The development of the natural potential of the post-mining area in the research area is a geotourism area in the form of outcrops of pumice breccias and karst areas.The positive impact on society is the opportunity to get a job or business opportunity in providing services.Geotourism is a sustainable nature tourism activity with a main focus on the geological appearance of the earth’s surface in order to encourage environmental and cultural understanding,appreciation and conservation as well as local wisdom.The concept of geotourism emphasizes the beauty,uniqueness and rarity of a natural phenomenon that is closely related to geological phenomena.The results of the study indicate the potential for geotourism that includes views of geological structures,stratigraphy,topography,rock types.Regional planning of geotourism is the making of a grand design for geotourism facilities and infrastructure,including a rock museum in the open air,gazebo,jogging track,hiking track,bicycle track,camping area,and viewpoint.

Development of Geotourism in Kutch Region, Gujarat, India: An Innovative Approach

Geotourism in Kutch has an exemplary potential of being designated as a site for perfect establishment of a National Geopark. The paper is aimed to describe the geological significance of the sites with basic concept of creation of geoparks and promote geotourism. The financial, infrastructural aspects, deliverables to the society are presented primarily focusing on the local economic and sustainable development of Kutch. The need for development of infrastructure for geotourism is urgently required as the rare geological heritage of Kutch region is eroding and being destroyed due to manmade activities.

Sustainable Development Opportunities Driven by Geotourism in the Republic of Bashkortostan (Toratau Geopark, Republic of Bashkortostan, the Russian Federation)

This article presents a proposal for the development of the Toratau Geopark in the Republic of Bashkortostan in the Russian Federation.This proposal is based on the broad appeal of the geopark’s unique natural objects,including hills known as“shikhans”and the Usolka section(GSSP1),which has been cited as a new stratigraphic unit of global significance.The article describes the proposed approach to the spatial,infrastructural,and experiential development of the territory as a centre for geotourism.The article concludes that the proposed geopark model is beneficial for the development of the region’s local and indigenious communities,economy,and entrepreneurship.

Geotourism in the Salesopolis-Caraguatatuba Trail,Sao Paulo,Brazil:A Possibility to Utilize Geological Elements for Sustainable Development

The Salesópolis-Caraguatatuba trail lies slightly more than 130 km to ESE from the Sao Paulo city, and it is fully inserted within the Atlantic Forest. The region is particularly interesting because it brings together a complex lithological association and an exuberant topographical expression. A set of geological and geomorphological elements with high potentiality for the sustainable tourism development is documented in this paper. The geosites provide a wide variety of attraction, including valleys, streams, waterfalls and the unusual shapes of rocks. In each one of those outcrops, the visitors will have an exceptional opportunity for a better understanding about the processes that control the landscape evolution. In accordance with the new conception of geotourism, and taking as a basis the concepts of the geoscience for a rereading and interpretation of the several aspects of space and landscape, the sites catalogued should enable a new insight to increase environmental awareness of the local community, and, mainly, to encourage an innovative form of economic activity that has as a fundamental principle the nature preservation.

Sustainable geotourism using digital technologies along a rural georoute in Monsagro(Salamanca,Spain)

Rural geotourism looks at the natural resources of the territory as a means of promoting a specialized,educational,sustainable tourism.This is an increasingly sought-after activity.This paper presents a rural georoute across a high mountain village,highlighting the remarkable value of the geological heritage of biological trace fossils and physical sedimentary structures exposed on street pavements and façades of houses.A series of tourist georesources were created and implemented:educational and interpretive panels,videos,QR codes,geoapps and games,all of which promote and disseminate the exceptional geological content and the history of the earth through the use of new technologies(smartphones,ipod,etc.).All this is intended as a means to make geotourism a natural tourism,favoring experiences,whilst explaining the natural environment and its temporal and spatial dimensions,offering opportunities for socio-economic development and job creation in rural areas with problems of depopulation.

Dasht-e Lut in Iran, the Most Complete Collection of Beautiful Geomorphological Phenomena of Desert

Given special tectonic and climatic conditions, Iran has the most diverse land-forms and beautiful geological phenomena, which could attract many scientific, adventurous tourists and geological researchers. The present study aims at studying and introducing wonderful geomorphological attractions and numerous geotourism potentials of very hot paradise of the earth, e.g. Dasht-e Lut of Iran, a desert which contains a collection of exclusive desert relieves and geological and geomorphological records of the world. Such unique perspectives as the biggest Nebkhas of the world, the largest Yardangs or Kaluts of the world, the hottest point of the earth, as well as rare species of desert structures such as salt marshes and salt polygons, Gandom Beryan Hill, massive sand dunes, Barchans, clay zones in pretty shapes, saline river , etc., present a vast and diverse extension of geographical beauties and phenomena of the desert. Using library studies, interpretation of satellite images and field studies, this study has been conducted. The results of the studies show that Lut Desert has considerable capability for carrying out complementary studies as well as effect on economic development process in national and international levels. In addition, geotourism development obstacles in Lut Desert are identified, and such solutions as development of ways for access to attractions, erection of geotourism development centers, advertisement and introduction of the desert's attractions, dispatch of guides with tourists, promotion of the region security, extension of accommodations and… for better use of the potentials of the desert, are provided. Furthermore, towards developing the region geotourism, some other fun and exciting activities such as sand skiing, racings and desert rallies, endurance cycling, sun bath, star observation, camel riding and so on, are suggested. Obviously, having various desert attractions and multiple geotourism potentials, Dasht-e Lut has the capability of being considered among global geoparks of UNESCO.

Geomorphological Structures of Jashak Salt Dome

Salt domes have always been attractive because of special attribute due to chemical and physical properties of salt.Jashak salt dome is one of Hormoz series domes,which is appeared in the southeast part of Zagros Mountains and has a great potential for being a geotourism zone in that region as a result of amazing geomorphological structures which made it

Geopark Concept as a Tool to Promote Geoheritage Conservation:Case Study from Langkawi Global Geopark,Malaysia

Malaysia embarks on geoheritage conservation in the late 1970’s with initial listing of important geological sites for conservation.In the late 1980’s the idea of having a more systematic approach was discussed that leading towards the introduction of a better described geosites.However,very little of these endeavours and efforts came to reality in protecting and conserving geoheritage in the country.The introduction of geopark concept to the country in 2000 has brought positive responses from

Instauration of Geopark Pilot: Preliminary Approach in Implementation Process of Geoconservation at Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Although Madagascar has long been recognized as a biodiversity hotspot for conservation, very little is yet known about its diverse endemic fossils and the original beauty of its geotopes. The richness and endemicity of geodiversity constitute nonrenewable natural resources, which deserve to be valorized and protected. Protection of natural heritage resources, aligned with geotourism, can provide a sustainable way for the population to rise out of poverty. The main purpose of this work is the instauration of Geopark, a long-term project in Madagascar National Parks to support geotourism and sustainable development. Given its outstanding landscape and its unique bio- and geo-diversity, we adopt Isalo Park as a pilot site, and suggest that this specific area is suitable for a Geopark. Following our field investigation, inventory and geodiversity assessments within the park are now underway, which will contribute to the implementation of Isalo Geopark.

The Role of Traditional Viticulture and Winemaking in the Development of the Geopark in Racha Region

The main goal of my research is to introduce you to the Racha viticulture and wine-making territory. The region has a complex geological and geomorphological structure, which has greatly influenced the formation of relief formation, as well as the culture and traditions of the region. This is an area that meets all the requirements of a geopark, because a geopark is not just a geological area, and it is a connection between man and the earth at all levels. Exactly these connections are well identified in the field of this study. The presented viticulture microzone is located on both sides of the Rioni River, although the taste of grapes in the microzone varies from north to south, which does not depend on just one specific geographical component. Soil chemical composition, landscape characteristics, geological characteristics, terrain types, and more are important. Racha Viticulture - Wine Zone and its recognition play an important role in the development of geotourism. What is already creating new jobs is a new economic activity and an additional source of income, economic benefits. Also, the region is mountainous and characterized by severe depopulation. It is possible to limit emigration through research and development in this area.