Calcerous Tufa as Invaluable Geotopes Endangered by (Over-)Tourism: A Case Study in the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb, Germany

Heidi Elisabeth Megerle

doi:10.3390/geosciences11050198

Abstract

Calcerous tufa and sinter are among the most impressive natural spectacles in karst landscapes whose scientific and aesthetic value is universally recognized. Being visually often very appealing they attract numerous visitors. At the same time tufa landforms are extremely vulnerable and can be seriously damaged even by minor interference. The challenge is, therefore, to protect the calcerous tufa heritage, to communicate its values, and to enhance it with the help of adequate geotourism offers. Tufa geotopes are an essential part of the geological heritage of the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb in Southwest Germany. Unfortunately tufa landforms, especially tufa cascades, suffer serious impairments by (over-)tourism, particularly during the Corona pandemic. The article explores where best to strike the balance between valorization and protection, as well as how to ensure that growth in tourism is compatible with nature preservation, especially in the case of the extremely vulnerable tufa geotopes.

Highlights

Geotourism, long considered a form of niche tourism [1], has recently become a popular form of themed tourism [2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
Geotourism concentrates on geology, and focuses on a broad spectrum of topics related to the history of the earth and landscapes, including vegetation, fauna, cultural landscapes, and anthropogenic features, such as mines and quarries
Geotourism can make a valuable contribution to sustainable regional development

Summary

Introduction

Geotourism, long considered a form of niche tourism [1], has recently become a popular form of themed tourism [2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. Over the course of the past decade, geotourism has been one of the fastest growing branches of tourism [9]. Geotourism can make a valuable contribution to sustainable regional development. Since the mid-1990s, geotourism has developed dynamically, and there has been much academic debate as to its precise definition and how best to manage geoheritage [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion