Geoconservation Activities Research Articles

TYPOLOGY OF GEOCONSERVATION OBJECTS IN MOUNTAINOUS ADYGEYA

Geological heritage constitutes a precious natural resource, its studies are dynamically evolved research direction, and its protection and use are subjects of geoconservation. Mountainous Adygeya in the southwest of Russia has already become a locus for testing the related methods, but some questions about its geological heritage remain open. The present work aims at establishing typology of the objects of geoconservation in this territory. The method is establishment of the presence of standardized types of geological heritage in 17 objects. The geological peculiarities are attributed to dominant, auxiliary, and supplementary types. It is found that all objects of geoconservation of Mountainous Adygeya are complex and include no less than three dominant and auxiliary types. The Granite Gorge is distinguished by the biggest internal diversity. Among the types of geological heritage, the stratigraphical, sedimentary, and palaeogeographical types should be noted because they present in all objects as dominant or auxiliary types. The palaeogeographical type is found as the dominant type most frequently. The results of the undertaken establishment of typology are of practical importance because they indicate the possibility of more effective use of the geological heritage of this territory for the educational and touristic purposes, as well as allow better planning of geoconservation activities.

Two-level assessment of threats to geodiversity and geoheritage: A case study from Hády quarries (Brno, Czech Republic)

Geoconservation is an action of conserving and enhancing geological, geomorphological, hydrological and soil features and processes, sites and specimens. Originally and usually, the geoconservation activities aim at preserving specific sites of Earth Sciences interest, respectively geoheritage. However, for effective and sustainable management of geodiversity and geoheritage, it is necessary to take into account the surroundings of those sites and undertake the geoconservation measures for wider area. Nevertheless, despite established legal protection and related geoconservation activities, threats to geoheritage and geodiversity can arise and reaching a compromise can be difficult. In this paper, a two-level threat assessment is applied and discussed. The first level of threat assessment corresponds to the geoconservation in a strict sense – the method is based on the already used criteria within geosite/geomorphosite concept. The second level of threat assessment corresponds to geoconservation in a broader sense and here, it is represented by Risk Assessment Matrix, which assess the threats within a wider area. Using both approaches provides a complex view on the threats to geodiversity and geoheritage in a study area and complement each other. As a case study, we identified and assessed threats, risks and possible conflicts of interest in an area situated in the outskirts of large city (Hády Hill in Brno, Czech Republic). Based on the evaluation, we proposed particular measures that could contribute to the balance of the different demands and more effective geoconservation management in the study area.

The Miocene Petrified Forest of Lesvos, Greece: Research and Geoconservation Activities

The Petrified Forest of Lesvos is a Protected Natural Monument showing standing and lying petrified tree trunks, preserved by intense volcanic activity in the early Miocene. The Natural History Museum of Lesvos Petrified Forest contributed significantly to scientific research, conservation, exhibition, promotion and international recognition of the Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, a founding member of the European and the Global Geoparks Network. The Lesvos Geopark includes a variety of other volcanic, tectonic, geomorphological and coastal geosites. Lesvos Geopark works to identify, protect and promote geosites through the establishment of an interpretation infrastructure, a network of walking trails linking geosites and other sites of interest, relevant information points and eco-tourism infrastructure as well as the organization of exhibitions, scientific events and congresses as well as environmental education programs and activities.

Geovisualization of the Excavation Process in the Lesvos Petrified Forest, Greece Using Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR), in conjunction with 3D geovisualization methods, can provide significant support in monitoring geoconservation activities in protected geosites, such as the excavation process in fossil sites. The excavation process requires a monitoring methodology that will provide a complete and accurate overview of the fossils, their dimensions, and location within the different pyroclastic horizons, and the progress of the excavation works. The main purpose of this paper is the development of a user-friendly augmented map application, specifically designed for tracking the position of petrified tree trunks, providing information for their geometric features, and mapping the spatiotemporal changes occurring in the surrounding space. It also aims to probe whether the rapid acquisition of a 4K video can generate cartographic derivatives of petrified findings during a geosite excavation. A database accumulated 2D and 3D cartographic information, while the geovisualization environment displayed the surface alterations, at two scales: a) 1:500 (excavation area) and b) 1:50 (trench level). Unmanned aerial systems (UASs), used for data acquisition in three excavation periods, consisted of two flights at two different altitudes: one to record changes throughout the study area and the other to provide information on trunks at trench level, via a high-resolution (4K) video. Image-based 3D modeling followed, in which image georeferencing was conducted with ground control points (GCPs). Finally, 2D and 3D geovisualizations were created to depict the excavation changes through time. The cartographic products generated at two cartographic scales depicted the spatiotemporal changes of the excavation.

Tourism Development Based on Geopark in Bakkara Caldera Toba, Indonesia

Bakkara Caldera Toba is an outstanding product of natural phenomena of Toba Supervolcano which has fascinating nature and culture. Bakkara has a great potential to develop world tourism further. It requires a model of sustainable planning Geopark to develop Bakkara. This sustainable concept helps to improve the local community and tourist’s quality of life and also still maintain the quality of the environment. through field observation and depth interview. The Collected data with a triangulation method. Development tourism destination such as attractions and environment; facilities and services; accessibility; image; and price to consume. It associated based on Geopark aspects there are; geological heritage; geo-conservation activities; sustainable tourism activities; educational; activities; community involvement products; strong management structure; and secure basis, infrastructure, and activities. The results of this study indicate that the Bakkara has the potential to become a tourist destination by applying the concept of Geotourism which accentuate its natural side, by optimizing the management of its destination attractions, its facilities and services, and its accessibilities.

Community Perceptions for Geoconservation of a Coastal Area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

We collected socio-environmental data from the inhabitants of a coastal area in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in order to investigate the local knowledge about environmental, economic and cultural particularities of the area and the main human activities that impact the environment. Community perceptions from 11 localities in the Região dos Lagos were evaluated. The data analysis can help in the development of specific geoconservation activities for the study area, which is located in the aspirant Geopark ‘Costões e Lagunas do Rio de Janeiro’. This initiative of considering community perceptions can help to maintain and protect local geological sites, raise public awareness of environmental matters and help to manage the development of the new Geopark. Furthermore, it can also contribute to the sustainable development of the area and to the planning of effective policies to sustain progress. Taking into consideration the answers and needs of the interviewed communities, the key topics requiring geoconservation activities in the study area are land use planning and biodiversity, urban mobility, continuous monitoring strategy, environmental awareness, wastewater, urbanisation, geotourism, sense of place, waste and economical activities.

Analysis of land use and land cover change in a coastal area of Rio de Janeiro using high-resolution remotely sensed data

Coastal areas offer great recreational and economic opportunities, but require intensive resource management and environmental protection. Land use and land cover information provides a rapid and cost-effective means for monitoring and planning coastal area development. This study quantitatively describes spatiotemporal changes of land use and land cover over the last four decades in a coastal area of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Historical aerial photographs from 1976 and satellite images from 1990 and 2012 were classified and analyzed. We used supervised classification and machine learning techniques to classify the images. An accuracy assessment of results was performed. Land use change statistics for the period indicate that urban areas have increased to the detriment of dense vegetation, salines, and bare soil. The analysis provides a basis for better control of anthropogenic impacts and geoconservation activities in this coastal area of Rio de Janeiro.

Geoconservation in the Czech Republic and geomorphosites assessment for the geotourism and geoeducation purposes : a case study from podyji national park

The article deals with history, practice and possible future development of geoconservation in the Czech Republic. Both examples of legislative instruments and other geoconservation activities are presented. Podyji National Park represents an exceptionally well preserved example of canyon-like valley of river Dyje with unique land-forms (deep tributaries, meanders, rock walls or block accumulations). However, the geoheritage in Podyji National Park is not very promoted and well-managed. The assessment methodology is presented and according to the results, the proposals for rational use of selected geosites are outlined.

Our rich and varied geoconservation portfolio: the foundation for the future

Abstract Geodiversity, the natural range of geological, geomorphological and soil features and processes, is an integral part of the natural environment, as geoconservation is an integral part of nature conservation. Over the last sixty years, and especially since 1990, a substantial portfolio of geoconservation sites, legislation, partnerships and initiatives has developed within the UK and internationally. This includes local, national and international geoconservation audits, suites of protected sites such as Local Geological Sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites, geoconservation legislation, policies, frameworks and guidance, partnerships, groups, societies and associations, periodicals and magazines, regular conferences and examples of success in securing funding for a range of geoconservation activities. This portfolio is an extremely valuable resource for science and society, creating opportunities for research, education, training, and recreation and providing ‘windows’ through which to study and understand past environmental change and thus inform planning to accommodate future change. The current social, economic and environmental context means that the approach to geoconservation must evolve to embrace new challenges and opportunities including the ecosystem approach, adapting to climate change, increasing the relevance of geodiversity to local communities and operating in a financially constrained environment. The future of geoconservation will depend upon innovation and full engagement with new opportunities, but in so doing, it is essential to maintain and build upon, rather than cast aside, the existing hard-won portfolio of sites, legislation, partnerships and initiatives as it provides the foundation from which to build the future of geoconservation.

The Geological Conservation Review (GCR) in Great Britain—Rationale and methods

Geoconservation – protecting, managing and enhancing natural geological features and materials, and geomorphological landforms and processes – is especially important in Great Britain, a place sometimes described as the ‘cradle’ of the science of geology. For such a small area of land, Britain has an unusually diverse geological make-up, with rocks from every geological period present. Many stratigraphical terms used internationally were devised here, and British sites provide key study areas where important new geological theories were developed in the pioneering era of the Earth sciences. Therefore, with such a wealth of geology, and Britain's seminal place in the science itself, it is particularly important to conserve and protect key localities here for future generations. A first step in that process is the auditing of the geology and geomorphology of Britain, by carrying out a scientific evaluation exercise according to standard criteria, and creating an inventory of the most important sites for science. In the mid-1970s, the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) began an ambitious programme for assessment and documentation of the most important sites for the scientific study of geology and geomorphology in Great Britain, building on previous statutory site conservation activity that had already been started in 1949 by the former Nature Conservancy. As a result, the ‘Geological Conservation Review’ (GCR) was formally launched in 1977. The GCR was a world-first project of its type in the systematic assessment of the whole geological heritage of a country, from first principles. Widespread consultation with geologists and geomorphologists across Great Britain was co-ordinated; their guidance and involvement was a key component of the site selection process. Almost 3000 nationally or internationally important sites had been selected for around 100 site-selection categories for the GCR register by 1990. Almost all the GCR sites are now conserved under British law as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), the GCR information providing the scientific evidence-base that underpins that designation. As part of the site-selection process – which is still active – a considerable archive of information about geological sites was amassed. A major publication exercise detailing all the GCR sites in what was to become the GCR Series of books was devised early on in the GCR programme. Thirty-six volumes of the GCR Series have been seen to completion by NCC and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and many GCR site reports have been many made freely available on the World Wide Web. As a new venture, the remaining nine volumes will now be published by Elsevier Science Publishers as Special Issues of the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association. Each GCR volume includes an overview of the subject and outlines the history of study of the relevant branch of the Earth sciences, but most importantly contains detailed accounts of the features of geological importance in the sites described. A scientific interpretation is provided for each site account, which includes supportive illustrations, tables and photographs and an extensive reference list. The GCR rationale, methods and information resource have been invaluable in almost every aspect of geoconservation carried out in Britain, including World Heritage Site nominations, protection of stratotypes, justifying the scientific conservation value of sites at Public Inquiries, in stimulating geological research and in providing a readily available information resource for local, regional, national and international geoconservation activities.