Abstract
In this study, the geoeducational value of five geosites, located in the aspiring geopark of the volcanic island of Nisyros, SE Aegean Sea, was assessed by means of two methods: the G-P method of Brilha (2016) and the M-GAM method. The first method takes into account 12 criteria belonging to the educational potential. The M-GAM method, on the other hand, takes into account the opinions of visitors who, as non-experts, express a different point of view that is rarely calculated or evaluated in different geosite assessment methods. For the better and more objective comparison of the two methods of evaluation of the educational potential of the study areas, the results were converted to a percentage scale (%). The first G-P method clearly highlights the high geological value of the studied geosites, which have a relatively high score and can be used for geotourism and geoeducation. The second method, on the other hand, yields a moderate score in areas with objectively high geological value. This is clearly evident, as this method considers the opinions of visitors who lack the necessary cognitive geological background, thereby underestimating the significance and potential of certain geological features due to lack of formal training.
Highlights
In recent years, an effort has been made by the geoscientific community to record, evaluate, and highlight sites of high geological interest
The various geoeducational programs that can be implemented in the field will be able to contribute to the dissemination and promotion of geoeducation at various educational levels
Issues such as geoheritage, geoethics, and geoconservation will become more understandable to each visitor and clear to the local community
Summary
An effort has been made by the geoscientific community to record, evaluate, and highlight sites of high geological interest. A key role in this initiative was played by the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage that took place in Paris (France, 1972) and, some years later, by the International Declaration on the Rights of the Memory of the Earth, held in Digne (France, 1991) [1] These two events were the precursors to the creation of a European initiative for the protection of geoheritage and geodiversity. A new need arises for the protection and conservation of areas of high geological value This need has led to the concept of geoconservation, which denotes all actions taken to preserve and enhance geological and geomorphological features, processes, sites, and specimens [6,7]
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