Abstract
Geoconservation plays a key role in valuing and conserving abiotic nature, while geotourism can be an effective means of achieving this objective. Connectivity between biophysical and socio-economic components and a community-based perspective on appreciation and interpretation of landscape resources are important yet not well understood. This study is a retrospective analysis of 15 years (2006–2021) of integrated landscape management in Fengnan Village, Hualien County, Taiwan, with a focus on the evolution of multi-stakeholder perception of local geodiversity and emergence of geotourism as part of community-based landscape tourism in the area. A qualitative multiple-method approach to data collection and analysis was based on the “know–cherish–show” interpretation model and the theory of collaborative planning. The results demonstrate that (a) geoconservation and geotourism have evolved to become an integral part of the Fengnan living landscape, while connectivity between nature–culture attributes has strengthened over the years; (b) multi-stakeholder collaboration and knowledge-bridging are characteristic features of the institutional arrangement; and (c) facilitating the role of the bridging stakeholder (the authors) was central to the timely introduction of various landscape concepts for long-term geoconservation in the area.
Highlights
Understanding and appreciation of both the biotic and abiotic components of nature are critical for realizing the 2050 Vision of “Living in harmony with nature” [1]
In 2012, learning from our experience with the designation of the Cihalaay Cultural Landscape, we suggested a refined definition of cultural landscape to replace its rather vague Cultural Heritage Preservation Act (CHPA) 2005 version
We presented a structured overview of 15 years of integrated landscape management in Fengnan Village, Hualien County, Taiwan
Summary
Understanding and appreciation of both the biotic and abiotic components of nature are critical for realizing the 2050 Vision of “Living in harmony with nature” [1]. Starting from the 1980s, pro-active geoconservation efforts have been led by the European Association for the Conservation of the Geological Heritage (ProGEO), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) [2]. Societal recognition of geodiversity is still lagging behind [3] as a “conservation of second importance” compared to existing biodiversity conservation strategies and policies [2]. Gray (2013) as “the natural range (diversity) of geological (rocks, minerals, fossils), geomorphological (landforms, topography, physical processes), and soil and hydrological features. It includes their assemblages, structures, systems, and contributions to landscapes” [4]. Positioning of geodiversity within a landscape context is an important takeaway message from this definition
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
