Abstract
During the 38th General Conference of UNESCO, the Member States ratified the creation of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) expressing governmental recognition of the importance of managing outstanding geological sites and landscapes in a holistic manner. In this context, the importance of human interactions with the natural environment to promote healthy lifestyles was primarily a response to the need to preserve and enhance the value of the UNESCO Global Geoparks as well as highlighting their usefulness for the sustainable development of local populations. The aim of this paper is to suggest an interdisciplinary approach to be applied to UNESCO Global Geoparks for a standardized survey and grading methodology that can be used to assess the ability to provide and promote healthy lifestyles, which is called the Ecosystem’s Health Provision Spectrum (EHPS) on an ecological scale. The suggested EHPS is in line with UNESCO’s priorities, in particular with the IGGP and its motto of “Geosciences in the Service of Society”. Therefore, the EHPS on an ecological scale will be another important tool for the UNESCO Global Geoparks, facilitating efficient management and promoting economic development, wellbeing and health.
Highlights
noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are identified as chronic diseases that usually emerge from an arrangement of genetic, physiological, environmental and unhealthy lifestyle factors [3]
For that reason and based on a well-defined conceptual framework (Figure 1), a set of specific methodologies and metrics for identifying and evaluating environmental Health Resources (HRs) potential and the opportunity for the sustainable use of such HRs must be developed and made available. From this perspective, the aim of this paper is to suggest an interdisciplinary approach between geosciences, environmental sciences, humanities, social sciences as well as life and health sciences to be applied to UNESCO Global Geoparks
According to findings from literature, we suggest that the Ecosystem’s Health Potential (EHP)
Summary
Nature is considered as all living and non-living components of ecosystems described in a widespread but not exhaustive mode, excluding non-living human-built environments [1]. For that reason and based on a well-defined conceptual framework (Figure 1), a set of specific methodologies and metrics for identifying and evaluating environmental HR potential and the opportunity for the sustainable use of such HRs must be developed and made available From this perspective, the aim of this paper is to suggest an interdisciplinary approach between geosciences, environmental sciences, humanities, social sciences as well as life and health sciences to be applied to UNESCO Global Geoparks. Should be developed on an ecological scale and supported through components that have a potential specific link through any of the four different channels of human experience (knowing; perceiving; perceiving; interacting in a physical and multi-sensory manner; living within) This was proposed by a previous study [1], which stated that people’s behavior can provide demonstrable health benefits in the context where the HR is is most conducive to of NCDs. ,the theEHP. This method has been previously suggested for mapping the recreational and aesthetic value of ecosystems [27]
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