The Role of NGO in the Establishment of Geopark and Promotion of Geoconservation:One Example from Hong Kong

A NGO can be extremely useful in assisting the government in the development of geopark and the promotion of geological conservation.The example of Hong Kong demonstrates the flexibility,efficiency and professionalism of a NGO which reinforces the government’s determination to make possible the establishment of a geopark in Hong Kong.The NGO plays active roles from initial preparation of proposal to final submission of nomination.Its initial presentations to government departments,other NGOs and the public have aroused extensive interests.They also raise concems which are carefully attended to during planning to avoid

Geodiversity and Geoconservation in Hong Kong

Geodiversity refers to the diversity(or variety, range) of geological(rocks,minerals,fossils),geomorphological (landform) and soil features,and their assemblages,relationships,processes,properties, interpretations and systems.Despite there is a limited area of 1108 km^2,Hong Kong has a remarkably rich geodiversity that includes diversified geology, landforms,and assemblages of associated features and processes.Some geological features can even

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.

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.

Conservation Education:From Biodiversity to Geodiversity

As in many places worldwide,geopark is a rather new concept in Hong Kong.To take up this challenge in promoting geodiversity and geoconservation,the Agriculture,Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region planned the promotion work in phases.The beginning stage focuses on changing the mind of the general public,that Hong Kong has rich geological