Geosite Assessment Research Articles

Preliminary Assessment of Hydrological Heritage in North Macedonia: A Novel Contribution to Geodiversity Protection

This study inventories, classifies, and evaluates the hydrological heritage of North Macedonia, categorizing key features into four main groups: (1) river basins, including rivers and waterfalls; (2) springs, classified as karst and thermal; (3) natural lakes, subdivided into tectonic, glacial, landslide, denudation, and karst types; and (4) marshes. Recent measurements have shown a significant decline in the water levels of glacial lakes in North Macedonia. For example, Bogovinsko Ezero, which was once the deepest, has now been overtaken in depth by Crno Ezero. Employing geospatial analysis and the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), this research assesses 10 selected glacial lakes based on their size and hydrological significance, focusing on their vulnerability to climate change and risk of disappearance. Recent measurements have shown a significant decline in the water levels of glacial lakes in North Macedonia. For example, Bogovinsko Ezero, which was the deepest lake a decade ago, is now less deep than Crno Ezero, which is currently the deepest lake. The GAM evaluation examines each lake's Main Values (MV)—scientific, educational, aesthetic, and tourism attributes—and Additional Values (AV), including accessibility, infrastructure, and educational resources. The findings reveal significant diversity in the hydrological heritage of North Macedonia's glacial lakes. Notably, Bogovinsko Ezero achieved the highest Main Value score of 11.5, reflecting its exceptional scientific importance and aesthetic appeal, accompanied by an Additional Value of 13.0. Given the increasing risks to these hydrological objects, this work underscores the urgent need for protection measures. Overall, the research enhances the understanding of hydrological heritage in North Macedonia and provides data-driven recommendations for sustainable management and conservation strategies, integrating these water sites into broader geodiversity protection efforts.

Assessment of geosites and geotouristic routes proposal for geoheritage promotion on volcanic islands

Assessment of geosites and geotouristic routes proposal for geoheritage promotion on volcanic islands

Inventory and quantitative assessment of geosites and geodiversity sites of the Tinghir-Dades-Imilchil area (Morocco)

Inventory and quantitative assessment of geosites and geodiversity sites of the Tinghir-Dades-Imilchil area (Morocco)

Inventory and assessment of geosites to promote geotourism in Coto Brus, Costa Rica

Inventory and assessment of geosites to promote geotourism in Coto Brus, Costa Rica

Is It Always Advisable to Promote Geodiversity and Geoheritage in a Traditional Recreational Area? A Case Study from Brno Reservoir and Its Surroundings (Czechia)

Geodiversity and geoheritage represent an important resource for geotourism and subsequent economic development both in remote natural areas and in traditional, frequently visited recreational areas. Identification, assessment, and suitable management of particular geosites may contribute to the development of sustainable forms of tourism and attract more people to the topics of geodiversity and geoheritage. However, if there is only one aim represented by geotourism development, there can be a danger of overexploitation of geoheritage, especially if the sites are promoted less adequately and not provided suitable protection. This paper is focused on the assessment of particular sites, in terms of their Earth science interest, regarding their geotourist and geoeducational potential; it is also focused on an assessment of possible risks and threats which may be related to the higher promotion and more intensive use of these sites. Based on this, proposals for sustainable management, both for geotourism and geoeducational development and nature conservation, are presented and discussed.

Inventory and Quantitative Assessment of Geosites in the Southern Sector of the Island of Malta

Inventory and Quantitative Assessment of Geosites in the Southern Sector of the Island of Malta

Geosite assessment as the first step for the development of canyoning activities in North Montenegro

Abstract The objective of the study is to investigate the current state of the canyons in the northern part of Montenegro, their potential for sustainable development, which could be achieved through canyoning as an attractive tourist attraction, and to assess the area’s geotourism potential. The canyons encompassed in this research are the Nevidio Canyon, the Tara Canyon, the Grlja Canyon, and the canyon of the river Ibar. The research was carried out using the modified Geosite Assessment Model, which includes tourists’ opinions on the significance of indicators in the assessment process. The obtained results show that all four canyons possess significant scientific, educational, and aesthetic values for the development of canyoning tourism. Since surveyed tourists pointed out not only the advantages but disadvantages of these geosites, these findings should be further used for the valorization and geoconservation of the geosite and provide a more favorable deal for the arrival of as many tourists as possible. In the future, investigated geosites should be improved with tourist content and activities, such as interpretive boards for tourists, expert guides, organized visits, tourist infrastructure, and promotion. Successful activities in these critical areas could contribute to sustainable geotourism being one of the key economically beneficial activities of the local population that will develop local communities through the arrival of a larger number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Creating a sense of intangible science: Making it understandable to a broad public via geoheritage

The methods and result of scientific studies are often difficult to understand for non-specialists due to their esoteric nature. Such lack of understanding means that such work is removed from our normal life experience, and thus, the applicability, interest and use of such work can be minimal. The communication of geoscience finds a natural conduit through geoheritage. A good example of an inaccessible technique far removed from everyday experience is anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), an extremely useful geoscience technique with many applications, including finding strain and flow directions in rocks. We explored here how to make “AMS” understandable, using three different volcanic sites where the flow of molten rock is an important aspect, each situated in different types of geoheritage visitation context (wild trekkers, beach visitors, and walkers). The method we developed and tested follows the production of simple and adapted explanations, and is coupled with geoheritage inventorying and communication. We utilized the tangible geological features of outcrops, as well as intangible elements such as rock magnetic data, and conducted a geoheritage inventory using the modified geosite assessment model (M-GAM) to create narratives for popular comprehension. The M-GAM analysis has identified the geosites of the San Bartolo lava flow of the Stromboli volcano for the communication of AMS. Later, a simple and comprehensible definition of AMS and thus of the flow processes was created using a step-by-step process. This method could be useful for scientific studies to allow them to reach out to a wider public, using their input in the simple explanation stage to con-construct a narrative. This would provide a way for science to be more widely appreciated, useful and applicable.

Quantitative Assessment of Geosites and Mine Heritage as a Resource: The Case Study of Lungro Salt Mine (Calabria, Italy)

In this work, the old Lungro mining site was studied by applying two classification methods (Brilha and IELIG Method), considering the site-specific scientific, educational, touristic, and degradation aspects, to promote it as a geosite. The results were compared with those from other worldwide areas, and a potential re-evaluation in the tourism sector was suggested, considering historical data and geological issues. The methods used evaluate the Lungro site an average score from a scientific perspective, and from high to very high for the tourist-educational aspects. On the contrary, lower scores were found regarding the degradation of the site due to natural phenomena, led to a lower total score. The obtained results are comparable with other similar restored mining areas, located in various parts of the world which today represent important geotourists sites recognized internationally.Based on these results, the safest, most cost-effective, and straightforward way to preserve and restore the site is by creating a “Geotourism Route.“. This choice would increase awareness of the area, providing the general public, including the curious and “non-experts”, with an understanding of various geological processes and the extensive history of the mine. A campaign to promote and preserve the Lungro site as a geoheritage will be encouraged, with significant implications for tourism at the local, national, and international levels.

Geosite assessment as a contribution to the sustainable development of Babušnica, Serbia

Abstract Babušnica is one of the poorest municipalities in Serbia. Although it is a region with excellent physical geographic features that support the development of recreational and environmentally conscious types of tourism, its natural resources are almost entirely underutilized. The article first discusses Babušnica’s primary development issues before doing a theoretical examination of the ideas of geotourism and sustainable tourism and applying the Modified Geosite Assessment Model. To investigate the potential for their tourism activation, nine geosites were selected and evaluated. The evaluation ratings for most of the sites are very low due to the absence or poor quality of each type of infrastructure. The types of tourism that can be promoted in the region according to its geographical features are identified and recommendations are made to local and higher levels of authority that could form the basis for sustainable growth of the region.

Assessment of Kedung Tolok Waterfall as a new geosite potential in Bantul, Yogyakarta

Kedung Tolok Waterfall has the potential to be promoted as a new geosite in the Yogyakarta geoheritage area. This waterfall is located in Selopamioro Village, Imogiri Subdistrict, Bantul Regency, DIY. Physiographically, this waterfall is included in the southern mountain zone of Java and is found in the Nglanggeran formation which has a constituent lithology in the form of volcanic breccia and agglomerate. The lithology of the Kedung Tolok Waterfall has evidence of recorded marine volcanic deposits which gives this object the potential to be promoted as a geosite. By promoting this object as a geosite, it will get protection and conservation from the government and increase exposure which will bring an economic increase for the local community. Therefore, this study aims to assess the feasibility of Kedung Tolok Waterfall as a new geosite in the Yogyakarta geoheritage area both in terms of tourism, geodiversity, and scientific value. The research uses geosite assessment, which includes intrinsic and scientific value, education value, economic value, conservation value, and additional value to determine its feasibility as a geosite object. Scientific value assesses the level of object diversity, distinctiveness, integrity, and scientific knowledge of the object. Educational value assesses representation, pedagogical use, educational products, and use of the object for education. Economic value assesses accessibility, local products, and tourist infrastructure. conservation value assesses potential and ongoing risks, object destruction status and legal protection. Added value assesses cultural relations, ecology, and beauty of the object. The assessment results obtained, are a scientific value of 75%, an educational value of 37.5%, an economic value of 50%, a conservation value of 62.5%, an added value of 28.5%, and the results of the overall total value of 52.78% which includes feasible to become a geosite. However, there is a value with a low percentage, namely the value of education. Therefore, this research provides some development suggestions to increase the assessment value of Kedung Tolok Waterfall, such as the addition of educational products, appointment as an official geosite, and the creation of further research on cultural and ecological issues.

Promoting geo-education and geotourism through geosite assessment: A case study from Acheron-Parga, Epirus, Greece

Promoting geo-education and geotourism through geosite assessment: A case study from Acheron-Parga, Epirus, Greece

Quantitative assessment of Permian limestone geosites in the Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province, Western Thailand

Kanchanaburi Province in western Thailand is recognized as an exceptional natural tourist destination, offering many historical attractions and recreational activities. The Sai Yok District, located within Kanchanaburi Province, is characterized by distinctive geological and geomorphological features, hosting numerous remarkable geosites and geomorphosites, including waterfalls, caves, lapiés, and scenic karst topography. These features make it an exceptional location for geotourism. Inventory and quantitative assessments were conducted on seven Permian limestone geosites, namely Mueang Sing Historical Park, Tham Krasae, Tham Lawa, Tham Dao Wadung, Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi, Nam Tok Sai Yok Yai, and Hellfire Pass. The quantitative assessment process involved evaluating the scientific value and determining the level of deterioration of the geosites. Overall, these geosites were classified as having medium scientific value, with Mueang Sing Historical Park having the highest total score, while Tham Krasae had the lowest. Six of the seven geosites are classified as having a medium risk of deterioration, except Tham Dao Wadung, which has a low risk. The assessment of the total geosite value reveals that Mueang Sing Historical Park and Tham Dao Wadung possess a positive overall geosite value. At the same time, the other five have a negative value. It is important to note that because six of these seven geosites are classified as having a medium risk of deterioration, there is a need for increased attention and protection.

Inventory and quantitative assessment of Devonian geosites in the Azrou-Khenifra Basin (eastern band of the Central Hercynian Massif, Morocco)

Inventory and quantitative assessment of Devonian geosites in the Azrou-Khenifra Basin (eastern band of the Central Hercynian Massif, Morocco)

Simple Shear Mechanism to Revealing Geological Complexity of Geosite Assessment in the Bukit Duabelas National Park Jambi Province, Indonesia

Bukit Duabelas National Park (BDNP) Jambi Province is a national protected area that has geodiversity. BDNP forms northwest – southeast oriented, morphologically connected to the Barisan Mountains by the Bangko Basin. Digital elevation model observations show that the morphological orientation of these hills is surrounded by valleys and plains occupied by Paleogene-Neogene sedimentary rocks. The presence of Schist Terantam Formation provides interesting information about the exposed basement. This research uses remote sensing, field observations and stratigraphic analysis, as well as assessing geological complexity. The BDNP Territory is geologically influenced by geological structures such as faults and folds as a result of the simple shear deformation mechanism. Schist from the Terantam Formation and Granite and Pegmatite Intrusions are a consequence of simple shear mechanisms and tectonic orogenesis. Geological complexity of geosite assessment based on the criteria of petrological features, landscape, age of formation, fossil appear, tectonic basement, basement group, cultural diversity, other geological information. The proposed geosite is Terantam Inselberg which is composed of the Terantam Formation of Carboniferous and Jurassic-age of Granite and Pegmatite. The uniqueness of this proposed geosite is that the rocks exposed are the oldest basement rocks on the Sumatra Island. The landscape with Inselberg morphology, of course, is unique and is very rarely found in other areas, then the presence of ethnic groups from the Inner Child Tribe who inhabit the area characterizes cultural diversity. Comparing this proposed geosite with geosites of national and international value in the MJUGGp Territory, it can be concluded that the Terantam Inselberg Geosite is in between the two positions.

Canyons as potential geotourism attractions of Central High Atlas, Morocco: Comparative analysis of Aït Bouguemaz Valley and Zaouiat Ahansal-Taghia Valley by using GAM model

Canyons as potential geotourism attractions of Central High Atlas, Morocco: Comparative analysis of Aït Bouguemaz Valley and Zaouiat Ahansal-Taghia Valley by using GAM model

Geoheritage of the Gua Ikan Karst Complex (GIKC), Stong Geopark, Dabong, Kuala Krai District, Kelantan, Malaysia: Evaluation for Geotourism Opportunities

The Gua Ikan Karst Complex (GIKC) is one of the geosite in the Stong Geopark. It consists of spectacular Middle Permian–Late Triassic Gua Musang Formation karst topography, represented by four (4) caves i.e., Gua Ikan, Gua Keris, Gua Pagar, and Gua Gelap. The GIKC can be potentially developed for nature-based tourism since it holds great geoheritage values. The aim of this research is to evaluate the current state of geotourism condition (qualitatively/quantitatively) and geoheritage features of the GIKC using two (2) values in the Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M- GAM) i.e., the Main Value (MV) and Additional Value (AV). The results indicate that the GIKC offers high Scientific/Educational Value (VSE); in the aspect of karst geomorphology (underground river caves, valley/wang, cave chambers, unique shape of stalactite/stalagmite/columns), lithology (metamorphosed limestone of the Gua Musang Formation and the Taku Shist), and palaeogeographic features (coral fossils, sea notch). In summary, the Total Main Value (∑MV) are Gua Ikan (9.73), Gua Keris (9.39), Gua Pagar (9.27) and Gua Gelap (8.66). The Total Additional Value (∑AV) are Gua Ikan (11.56), Gua Keris (11.25), Gua Pagar (11.04) and Gua Gelap (10.98). This paper’s findings reveal a comprehensive base for the improvement, planning, and management of the GIKC to become a geotourism end-point.

Assessment of geosites as a basis for geotourism development: A case study of the Toplica District, Serbia

AbstractToplica district represents an area in Southern Serbia with significant forms of geoheritage that have not been valorized yet. The aim of this pioneering study is to systematically analyze and evaluate all manifestations of the geodiversity in the Toplica district. Based on the geological importance, degree of attractiveness, and size, a total of six geosites were selected. The main goal of the study is to emphasize the insufficient utilization of huge geotourism potentials of the Toplica district and to determine the current geotourism development and geotourism potential of evaluated geosites. The geotourism suitability of each geosite is defined through comparative analysis. The Geosite Assessment Model (GAM) is used to assess the current state of the various elements of geodiversity in the study area. Positioning within the GAM matrix is defined by the values of the investigated parameters. Visualization of the distribution of the GAM indicators is an innovative approach for the interpretation of the obtained results. As a projection of the geotourism potential, the study presents the results of the traffic accessibility of geosites using the Geographic Information System (GIS)-based isochronous method. GIS and Digital Terrain Models are used in the visualization of the research area. The results of GAM apostrophize the current tourist value of Devil’s City, while the isochron analysis of GIS highlights the great geotourism potential of publicly little-known and touristically unaffirmed geosites. The results represent a basis that can support the affirmation of geotourism, the improvement of existing, and the development of new geotourism strategies in the Toplica district.

Geotourism Assessment using the M-GAM method (Modified Geosite Assessment Model) Sawahlunto Region, West Sumatra

The geological setting in the area is a strong attraction for natural tourism. The Sawahlunto Geopark area is one of the Geoparks located in West Sumatra Province which has a variety of geological sites. This area meets the criteria that make it a potential Geopark. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the potential of geotourism and use this assessment as a basis for developing geotourism in the Sawahlunto and surrounding geotourism areas. This analytical study was carried out using the M-GAM (Modified Geosite Assessment Model) method. In the study process, research methods were carried out using questionnaire data based on 27 indicators from the M-GAM method.M-GAM method has 27 indicators consisting of main and additional values that will be used as a questionnaire which will produce quantitative results. The 27 indicators contain several geotourism assessments, including scientific value, aesthetic value, protection value, functional value, and tourism value of a geosite. The maximum score that can be obtained by a geosite that has all the perfect criteria in 27 indicators will get a main score of 12 and an additional score of 15. 7 geosites will be assessed with results, namely Batu Runciang (8.17 and 7.62), Serpih Bakelok (6.35 and 7.72), Tabiang Tinggi (6.81 and 8.14) and Puncak Cemara (8.19 and 8.41), Stone Garden (6.37 and 7.96), Batu Gantuang Cave (3.91 and 6.07) and Kubang Waterfall (3.48 and 6.48). Referring to the results of the Sawahlunto geosite assessment, it was concluded that the Batu Runciang and Puncak Cemara Geosites had a high value in terms of main values compared to the other 5 geosites. Meanwhile, for additional value, Tabiang Tinggi and Puncak Cemara have sufficient value compared to the other 5 Geosites. This is because geosites with low value still lack various things such as facilities and promotions. Efforts that can be made are to build facilities at several geosites that still experience a lack of public facilities. Apart from that, promotion on social media is also very helpful in introducing geosites to the public.

Inventory and assessment of geosites and geodiversity sites of the Ait Attab syncline (M’goun unesco Geopark, Morocco) to stimulate geoconservation, geotourism and sustainable development

The Ait Attab syncline, in the southwestern part of the Moroccan Central High Atlas (CHA), is a vast basin characterised by an exceptional geodiversity illustrating the complete sedimentary series in the CHA. This series offers the opportunity to study regional palaeogeography, transgressive and regressive megasequences, Jurassic-Cretaceous volcanism and Atlas tectonics, and various fossils, including dinosaur footprints. The study area also harbours considerable landscape and cultural wealth that can play a significant role in sustainable geotourism and geoeducation development. To promote and protect this geoheritage wealth, the present work provides the first quantitative and qualitative inventory of geosites of interest by adopting Brilha’s (2016) method. Thus, 3 geotrails covering 8 geosites and 11 geodiversity sites have been selected. The evaluation of these sites confirms their scientific and educational importance, which helps understand the geological, tectonic and palaeogeographical evolution of the Ait Attab syncline. The tourist value of these sites is also high, explained by the high interpretative potential of the geosites and their location as a gateway to the M’Goun Unesco geopark. The degradation risk assessment showed that most of these sites have a medium risk, except for palaeontological and magmatic sites, which have a high degradation risk.