Abstract
To reach the ambitious goals and targets of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development it is compulsory to pay special attention to those strategies that arise from local communities. In this contribution we present a comparative study on local initiatives pursuing development through the sustainable use of the geoheritage, of two territories of central Mexico: (a) Tlalpujahua-El Oro former mining district (Michoacán and State of Mexico), and (b) Comarca Minera UNESCO Global Geopark (Hidalgo state). Both study cases are representative of the mountainous, cultural landscapes of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, and both are also former mining districts with an outstanding geodiversity and a valuable mining heritage. From a comparative analysis, we identified strengths and opportunities of the two study cases —both undergoing a post-mining transition— in the implementation and consolidation of geotourism as a development alternative. It has been shown that the official recognition as a Global Geopark of the Comarca Minera by the UNESCO (in 2017) triggered geotourism, even reorienting the tourist vocation of some communities, engaged authorities, and attracted high-impact scientific and educational projects. However, the key for the success of any geotourism projects are the commitment and enthusiasm of local communities, as well as strong support from local authorities.
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