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.

From landslide characterization to nature reserve management:The“Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina”landslide Geosite(Central Apennines,Italy)

Italy is characterized by widespread geomorphological instability,among which landslides leave impressive marks on the landscape.Nevertheless,landslide bodies may represent key sites for thematic and educational itineraries,especially in protected areas,where their management becomes an important issue.Our study focuses on the"Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve"(Central Apennines,Italy),where iconic landslides are present.Here,the"Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina"landslide(SGTA)is listed in the regional Geosite database.This work aims to propose a multiscale procedure for landslide analysis,in terms of both hazard sources but also educational and geoheritage enhancement opportunities in natural reserves.After performing a Landslide Susceptibility conditional Analysis(LSA)for the reserve territory,attention was focused on the SGTA,to define properly its features and morphodynamics.A multi-disciplinary approach was adopted,by applying both remote sensing(UAV structure from motion,Photointerpretation)and field survey(geomorphological and GPS monitoring).From the LSA,based on drainage density,curvature,and slope triggering factors,the road and trail susceptibility maps were derived,as base tools for future risk assessments and trail paths management within the reserve.At the SGTA scale,the monitoring showed a displacement of up to 23 m during the time interval between 2015 and 2018.The landslide dynamics seem to be driven by alternating dry and extremely wet periods;moreover,leaks from the aqueduct in the detachment area and piping effects through clays may have also decreased the substrate cohesion.The SGTA complex influence on the Paglia River valley geometry was also hypothesized,underlining the action of landslide through different spatial scales(on-site and off-site)and on different environment features(sediment connectivity,hydrology).Finally,the SGTA appears highly representative of the geomorphic dynamics within the Nature Reserve(i.e.,scientific value)and it could be classified as an active geosite.Since the site was featured by a tourist trail,adequate management strategies must be adopted,considering the educational value and safety issues.

Natural Walls of Anatolia: formation and development of Diş Kayalıkları as a structural landform (Sivas, Türkiye)

The Diş Kayalıkları is one of the largest and most striking examples of crests in the world and is located between Eskidere and Boğazören villages of the İmranlı district of the Sivas province in Turkey. The crests, which resemble castle walls when viewed from afar, have a real wall pattern due to the right-angled crack system of the bedrock when viewed closely. This study aims at investigating the geomorphological features of the Diş Kayalıkları and determining how the geological and geomorphological evolution of the Diş Kayalıkları took place and how the current formation mechanism continues. In the region, the mid-latitude continental climate prevails with cold humid winters and warm dry summers. The bedrock consists of Miocene bedded deposits of different resistance, folded by young tectonic movements. Diş Kayalıkları was formed by selective erosion of less resistant terrain around a pack of resistant rock on the steeper southern slope of an asymmetrical anticline. It has a length of 4750 m in the approximately northwest-southeast direction, a maximum height of 30 m, and a width varying between 5 and 8 m. In the present morphological appearance of the Diş Kayalıkları, it can be stated that the structure formed after the tectonic formation process was eroded under the control of the local climate and crest formation was realized. In the following process, the crest experienced a polycyclic process where different landforms were formed. There are smaller landforms such as karren, cave and rock window on Diş Kayalıkları, and macrofossil beds in some places. This highly attractive geomorphosite, unknown to wider public, should be investigated from various scientific aspects and should be brought to regional tourism by making the necessary infrastructure and promotion studies.

A Proposed Geoheritage Inventory System: Case Study of Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Geological heritage inventory procedures and templates have been principally emerged from European countries. Each of these countries has developed its proper method of inventory based on its natural heritage, recognized on local and/or regional scales. Natural sites were mainly identified and characterized in a particular geological context, which is usually very unique, valuable and impressive;resulting in the protection of the sites. Madagascar is known internationally as a beautifully landscaped island, but the impressive sites were not cataloged. We carried out a series of field inventory of potential geological sites within the Isalo National Park in southern Madagascar. We invented several inventory sheets in order to record the most detailed information about the sites identified within the park. This is to aid in organizing the park and to establish a sustainable base for the creation of a geopark, and also they help us to build a database for geosites and their classifications. This article suggests a prototype model for inventorying intangible geosites, paleosites and geomorphosites. Our inventory sheets help to identify and to promote geological importance of any sites, not only for academia but also for other sectors such as tourism and conservation.

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.

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.

Geomorphosites: Concepts,methods and examples of geomorphological survey

Some fundamental concepts on geosites and particularly on geomorphological assets (geomorphosites) are reviewed and a methodology for their survey and assessment is presented and pointed out. Also, a case study in the province of Modena is presented.