Geological Heritage Research Articles

Sustainable development of geological resources: the Characteristics of Red Karst Landscape and Tourism Development in Tongren, Guizhou

<abstract> <p>China is rich in karst resources and famous for its karst landscape. As a part of karst, the popularity of red karst is obviously low and has received little attention; moreover, the related scientific research and tourism development are relatively immature. Therefore, this paper takes the red karst in Tongren, Guizhou as the research object, analyzes the characteristics and causes of the red karst, comprehensively evaluates its landscape value, and puts forward development strategies and protection suggestions. Through the above research, the following three research results are obtained. (1) On the basis of a field investigation and a literature review, the geographical situation, background, and landscape characteristics of the red karst landform and its surrounding areas in Tongren City were investigated in detail. It forms isolated peaks, rock walls, protruding rocks, stone pillars, and other forms. The most prominent features of the red karst landscape in Tongren City are that the color is red and white, and the shape is concave and convex in order. (2) Geochemical test and structural data collection and analyses of the collected samples were performed. The obtain concave layer rock is dolomitic limestone, and that convex lay rock is argillaceous dolomitic limestone. Because the convex layer rock sample is high in silicon element content, the convex layer rock sample is not easy to be weathered, is rich in clay mineral, and is not easy to be corrode; the convex layer rock sample gradually protrudes with the passage of time to form an uneven shape. The red karst landform is developed in either the rock stratum or tectonic zone with moderate tectonic deformation intensity. First, the formation of a single-layer honeycomb morphology requires that the rock stratum is subjected to a sufficient horizontal compressive stress at a certain burial depth. Second, it is necessary to widely exist in areas with relatively gentle rock formation occurrence; too strong of a structural deformation will make the rock formation occurrence steep, which is not conducive to the occurrence of differential dissolution between adjacent strata. (3) Through the construction of an evaluation index system, the red karst in Tongren City is evaluated, and it is concluded that the geological heritage value is high, and the development and utilization conditions are weak. The conclusion of this article is a supplement to the geological and geomorphological system characteristics of southern karst. From the perspective of world natural heritage, the study enriches the academic evidence of red karst and enables its exemplary role to be well played. From the perspective of the tourism development value, more people should be made aware of the diverse types of karst landforms, which provide experience and suggestions for the value of landforms, tourism resources, and tourism development in similar areas.</p> </abstract>

Palaeontologic and Stratigraphic Research at NIGPAS

The Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS) was established to bring together experts in various fossil taxa and geological periods, to conduct both basic and applied research in invertebrate palaeontology and palaeobotany on an integral research platform. Over its 73-year research, NIGPAS has made a lot of milestone discoveries, such as the determination and establishment of the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP), and the research of fossil lagerstätten Chengjiang Fauna and Wuda Tuff Flora, which both were listed in the 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites. The enthusiastic scientists, the abundant fossil lagerstätten, and the ideal geological sections in China all welcome scientists worldwide to tackle global geoscience challenges together. Supported by CAS, NIGPAS has a long tradition in domestic and international collaboration for research, and will continue such cooperation in further explorations.

Bawean Geotrack: Linkage Between Geodiversity, Biodiversity, And Cultural Diversity for Driving The Acceleration Bawean Island-Gresik Geopark

Bawean Island, Gresik Regency is geographically located in the Java Sea, precisely located between Borneo and Java. Currently, Bawean Island is being fought to become a Geological Heritage and continues to be developed, so that it can be proposed as a National Geopark. The Geology, Biology, and Cultural Diversity that exists on Bawean Island are still separate pieces that need further research so that it can be presented in a holistic order as geotourism. The purpose of this study is to examine geosite recommendations on Bawean Island and to reconstruct the geological history of the biological and cultural diversity of the community that developed from the past to the present in a Geosite Distribution Path Map (Geotrack). The methods used are literature review, observation of DEM imagery to determine morphology, and Geosite Potential Survey which is followed by feasibility study calculations based on parameters from the Geological Survey Center. The results of this study are in the form of a Geotrack Map consisting of 24 Geosites (15 Geodiversity, 3 Biodiversity, and 6 Cultural Diversity) which are contained in a digital system in the form of WebGIS so that all elements of society can access it. The occurrence of transgression and marine regression in the past caused by the formation of ancient volcanoes supports the formation of a typical flora and fauna ecosystem on Bawean Island. In addition, the formation of an island in the middle of the Java Sea surrounded by other cultures and civilizations led to the acculturation and cultural assimilation of the Bawean island.

Geological Heritage, Biodiversity and Culture Linkage in Raja Ampat Geopark: An Introduction

Raja Ampat became globally known since researeh results revealed the magnificence of its marine biodiversity that was incomparable, and became the best tourism diving destination. As part of the Geopark, understanding of science and knowledge from various fields has been gradually revealed and curated in Raja Ampat. This article will be an introduction to the disclosure of the relationship between geological heritage, biodiversity, and culture in the Raja Ampat Geopark, synthesized through literature studies, interviews and ground checks conducted by various parties. As a result, at least three relations was explained, i.e. (1) the historical biogeographic events of Raja Ampat determined the form of thirteen terrestrial ecosystems and the present of endemic species; (2) the geological heritage of dolines and lagoons creates unique ecosystems for certain marine species; (3) also inter-connectivity between nature and the cultural values passed down by Raja Ampat's ancestors that documented in various forms, like wisdom, folklore and art rocks. In conclusion, we also identified challenges and future directions regarding this emerging field, of which has been adapted into ecotourism implementation within Geopark Raja Ampat.

EXPLORING MARINE GEOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY IN MANGGAR WATERS: A PRELUDE TO THE BURGEONING BELITONG GEOPARK

A survey on marine geology and oceanography was conducted in Manggar Waters, East Belitung, in order to protect the geological heritage of the newly inaugurated Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in 2021. This study is aimed at understanding the characteristics of the seabed, marine sediments, currents, and coastal features in the area. A bathymetrical survey was done using an Echotrac echosounder to measure water depths, and current measurements were taken with an Infinity device. Forty sediment samples were collected and analyzed for their characteristics. The coastal features were examined through direct observation, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone was used to investigate the morphology of small islands. The results showed that the seabed was mainly composed of coarse sediments, such as sand and clayey sand, with some areas containing gravel near Buku Limau Island. The microfauna foraminifera analysis indicated a relatively low diversity, with Operculina and Amphistegina being the dominant species. Two types of beaches were recognized: the northern part, consisting of rocky beaches made of igneous rocks, and the southern part, which has flat beaches made of beach alluvium deposits. Abrasion was found to be dominant in the southern part, particularly at Tambak Beach. The study provides valuable information for the planning and management of marine areas in the Belitong Geopark. It also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the geological heritage of the region. With this newfound knowledge, stakeholders can make cognizant decisions to ensure the conservation of the Belitong Geopark and its unique geological features.

Exploration of the Potential Geosite of Ijen Geopark Bondowoso Region as an Educational Tourism

Geosite is one of the Ijen Geopark geosites in the Bondowoso region which has an initial design as a tourist destination which in its management only implements elements of tourism. Then after the Ijen Geopark was designated as a National Geopark and proposed to become part of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG), the status of the Wurung Crater, which was originally a destination, changed to a Geological Heritage Site (Geosite). This status change in its adjustment in the field with the concept of educational tourism is still not maximized. Geosite management needs to implement elements of tourism, science and education. The management concept is considered in accordance with the concept of educational tourism which includes tourism and educational activities. So the purpose of this research is to find out what potential the Wurung Crater geosite has so that it can meet the educational tourism indicators which consist of tutorial learning and field exploration. This research use descriptive quantitative research design and using survey/questionnaire methods and documentation studies in collecting data. The results of data analysis using descriptive percentages obtained a tutorial learning indicator value of 67.5% which was included in the "moderate" category and the field exploration indicator obtained a value of 75.8% in the "high" category. This shows that the Wurung Crater Geosite is superior in the preparation and provision of techniques, facilities, and learning media to support field exploration activities than in the provision of guide/interpreter facilities as well as the quality and quantity of guides/interpreters. But overall it can be concluded that the Wurung Crater Geosite has the potential for educational tourism which is included in the "high" category with the acquisition of an accumulated value of two indicators of 72.3%.

Bayah Dome Geopark Information System Based On Website Using Prototype Method

To realize a national Geopark and a World Geopark, it is necessary to socialize and disseminate information that can be accessed by the people of Lebak Regency in particular and the wider community in general to introduce all the geological heritage that has been determined by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources. Nowadays, digital information system technology has become an undeniable need, and has even become a source of information that can be accessed by all people in the world. The Bayah Dome Geopark management body in Lebak Regency does not yet have a website-based information system, so it is necessary to create a website-based Bayah Dome Geopark information system so that the Bayah Dome Geopark is known nationally and internationally.This research uses a Research and Development approach. Research procedures include: (a) analysis, (b) design, (c) implementation and (d) evaluation. Stage (a) analysis consists of two steps, namely literature study and field survey. The literature study examines concepts and theories relating to Geoparks and the Bayah Dome Geopark, while a field survey was carried out to collect data relating to the Bayah Dome Geopark. Stage (b) design is carried out by designing a website with UML (Unified Modeling Language) which is a program design based on the results obtained in the analysis stage which includes: use case diagrams, activity diagrams using the prototype system development method. In stage (c) implementation, the results of the design are outlined and implemented into a website.

The magnitude rule in geoheritage site inventories

Since the 1990s, an international consensus has been emerging with respect to the methods used to identify and assess geosites. These conventional methodologies generally differentiate between the intrinsic or scientific-natural dimension and the social dimension in the potential value of the geological elements. The aim of this article is to analyse the possible existence of other concepts that may underlie these criteria and that could be operating as evaluation parameters even though they are not explicitly and formally described as such in the published studies. An exhaustive analysis of articles on geosite inventories published in Science Citation Index journals in the last 15 years revealed a systematic reference to conceptions of magnitude (in the sense of degree of development and physical prominence) in geosite descriptions around the world, and in particular with respect to sites of geomorphological interest. To contrast this indication, we subjected the geosites inventory of Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain) to a Magnitude Rule hypothesis. This inventory is part of the Spanish Geosites Inventory (IELIG, for its initials in Spanish), which was carried out using conventional assessment procedures. Applying this rule, according to which each geosite is the most prominent example of its typology within the reference geological domain, we obtained an almost complete match. That is, geomorphological sites that were selected, a priori, according to intrinsic and social dimension were also (or one could even say ‘actually’) selected, implicitly, on the predominant basis of magnitude. This paper discusses why and how the magnitude parameter may be playing a key role as a subliminal non-explicit driver in the evaluation of geosite relevance, and how this finding may open new perspectives and bring methodological advantages in the inventory of geological heritage.

Geotourism management for sustainable development of tourism: A bibliometric analysis of the main research areas and domains of knowledge

Geotourism has attracted an increasing academic interest in recent years due to the new demands of society for sustainable and alternative destinations and its their effective management is essential. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of geotourism management covering research published from 1991 to June 2023. The objective of this study is to perform a bibliometric analysis to demonstrate the current research and key findings on geotourism management. In addition, we identify the existing limitations in the current literature to show research trends and future directions. To achieve this objective, we analysed 813 publications with 10,937 cited references from Web of Science. Our analysis encompassed three key bibliometric techniques (co-authorship, co-citation and co-occurrence of keywords). The main results show the increasing popularity and investigations in geotourism and destination management. Using mapping techniques, our study shows the relevance of research in geoconservation, sustainable tourism and, to a lesser extent, in geological heritage. The findings contribute to a broad and diverse understanding of the management of geotourism, which can provide insights for DMOs and policymakers in establishing proper management in geotourism to ensure conservation in geodestinations.

NEW DISCOVERIES IN 2023 ON MIXED HERITAGE SITES AT DAK NONG UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

Heritage in UNESCO Global Geopark Dak Nong is rich and diverse with a full range of categories including natural and cultural heritage. Many outstanding heritage sites have been preserved and become invaluable resources for scientific research, education - study and tourism exploitation, contributing to the sustainable socioeconomic development in Dak Nong province. During the recent ield surveys, several dual/mixed heritage points combining geological and cultural significance were discovered, particularly prehistoric geological heritage rsites. Some of these sites can be excavated for on-site conservation and transformed into a unique highlight to attract tourists to tourism purposes. This article introduces some valuable new discoveries related to mixed heritage to preserve and promote the heritage values and toutism development in the UNESCO Global Geopark in Dak Nong.

SOUTHERN TASIKMALAYA ANCIENT SUBMARINE VOLCANO: VESTIGES OF ERUPTIONS AND THEIR DIVERSITY AS GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE

In the southern Tasikmalaya area West Java Province, Indonesia, there are Tertiary volcanic rocks, with an east-west trending distribution pattern. Physiographically, this area is included in the southern mountain zone of West Java and is generally composed of tuff and polymic breccias with intercalated of lava and limestone which are grouped into the Jampang Formation and Genteng Members Jampang Formation. The existence of these volcanic and sedimentary rocks of Oligocene – Middle Miocene in the area is an indication of submarine volcano. The purpose of this paper to identify traces of eruptions and submarine volcano products found in the southern Tasikmalaya area, for further assessment of the geological diversity potential as a geological heritage. The method used are field data collection and quantitative data analysis, namely identification of geological heritage based on "Technical Guidelines for the Assessment of Geological Heritage Resources". The submarine volcano products which found in this area are peperite, and basaltic andesite lava at Karang Tawulan Beach, traces of alteration, and hydrothermal mineralization like jasper Panca Tengah, and Cipatujah volcanogenic massive sulphide. This shows that volcanic activities in the southern Tasikmalaya took place continuously from Oligocene to Middle Miocene. From the results of the assessment, the geological diversity in this area has a scientific value of "medium-high".

Suitability of Valleys of Cantabria Area for a UGGp Proposal

UNESCO-designated geoparks, intended for conservation, seek to drive economic development via geological heritage education and tourism. Since 2018, within the framework of the European project Atlantic Geoparks (Interreg Atlantic area program), the Valleys of Cantabria project has been promoted to declare a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in the Cantabria region (northern Spain). The Valles de Cantabria proposal, aligning with UNESCO objectives, evaluates the region’s geopark potential, emphasizing sustainable development and societal education. Covering 600 km2 in eastern Cantabria, the territory involves 19 municipalities and has a population of 60,600. The geological context, ranging from the Triassic to the Quaternary periods, reflects the complex evolution of this territory, which has been influenced by tectonic forces, geomorphological processes, and sea-level changes. Detailed reviews and fieldwork performed by experts, including university researchers, have identified 66 sites of geological interest (SGI). The geosites, which have different geological–geomorphological significances, have been assessed according to their scientific value (including educational importance), potential of use (mainly geotouristic use), and vulnerability or risk of degradation. The geological heritage is directly related to the high biodiversity of the area. The challenges of this territory, such as depopulation and the low income of the inhabitants, can be improved with the declaration of a geopark, which would help to create new job opportunities related to geotourism and sustainable development. UNESCO recognition could catalyse scientific research, address socioeconomic challenges, and foster rural revitalization, strengthening the symbiotic relationship between geoconservation and local economic growth. Collaboration with other Atlantic geoparks has enabled the exchange of experiences that will hopefully deepen in the future. Consequently, the aim of this work is to explore the potential of this territory in terms of high-quality geological features and biological and cultural heritage, as well as to evaluate the socioeconomic context that makes the territory potentially suitable for promoting a UGGp.

Geoheritage and Cultural-Religious Heritage of Samalute-Minia Area in North Egypt

Geodiversity, geoheritage, geoconservation, and geotourism insights are meticulously interrelated. Their investigations are of comprehensive attention worldwide because of their high scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational values. Various new destinations in Egypt have been promoted for the geotourism and abundance in significance geological heritages in which Samalute-Minia Area is one of the most energetic tourist’s magnetism. The study area is an imperative geo-cultural province that has significant number of geosites and geotouristic fascinations, demonstrating broad array of distinctive phenomena. The latter are assigned to remarkable geomorphological, volcanological, hydrogeological, quarrying, historical, and cultural landscapes that are deliberated a vital part of the polythematic geopark. All of these sites allow the visitors, sightseers, and indigenous populations to enjoy different aspects of tourism such as religious, antiquities, recreational, safari, or ecological tourism as the root for providing the commitment, education, and pleasure. The goal of the present paper aims to stress the reputation of the geological heritage earmarked by Samalute-Minia Area. A quantitative assessment of geodiversity at the study area was carried out using the Brilha’s method (2016) in which the evaluation outputs are labeled for geotourism obligations. A list of eight geosites has been inventoried. Among the principal geosites are (1) geomorphology and karst landforms (GKL), (2) circular structural landforms (CSL), (3) volcanic landforms (VL), (4) riverine landforms (RL), (5) Christian Religion sites (CRS), (6) ancient Egypt monuments (AEM), (7) industrial sites (IS), and (8) hydrogeological aquifers (HA). Quantitative valuation has been revealed that the bunched geosites of GKL, VL, and RL have great scientific and educational value scores, while the geosites of CRS and AEM have high potential touristic use compared to low value for the IS. Regarding the risk evaluation, a high degradation risk is assigned to the sites of AEM, RL, and HA. Severe threats comprising pollution, rapid urbanization, intense degradation of underground water, illegal water pumping, quarrying/excavation, bumpy tourism, and lacking of environmental management are the chief causes for the degradation risk. The lasting five geosites display a moderate to low risk of degradation because there are no extreme observed denudation processes that generate degradation. The protection and geoconservation, increasing the touristic attractiveness, and the socio-economic development for the local community could be proposed in order to decrease the high degradation risk for some geosites. Lastly, the Samalute-Minia Area needs more scientific and potential geoheritage study, improvement in the security circumstances, promotion of the geosites, and strategic implementations as well as regulation constraints for continuous regional development to improve geotourism and geoconservation. The geotourism development would diminish the rate of joblessness and immigration, offer scenarios for dropping poverty through engaging the local inhabitants in tourism activities, and ensure the protection and educational stopovers to well-known geosites.

The geological heritage of the historical collections of the University of Messina

The geoheritage housed in the historical collections of the University of Messina dates back to the 1880s. These historical collections comprise a thousand specimens of minerals, gemstones, ores, rocks, and macro- to microfossils. Most of them are provided of scientific, didactic, and cultural values and consequently have to be preserved and enhanced for future generations. Their restoration and cataloging are necessary activities to make this geoscientific naturalist heritage accessible to scientists, students, tourists, and citizens worldwide. The present research reports the description of the geological heritage of the main collections housed at the University of Messina, and the results of the activities and methods carried out for the characterization of geological materials of uncertain classification or composition. The optical observations at the stereomicroscope and by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), in tandem with µ-Raman analyses on geomaterials allowed to ascertain the authenticity of suspect specimens, pointing out that such methodologies provide a useful and fast approach to properly discriminate between real and fake geomaterials.

Contributing geological knowledge for sustainable development

The Bulletin of the Geological Science of Malaysia is a peer-reviewed open access interdisciplinary Earth Science journal. Over the decades, the Bulletin has documented about 1400 articles covering trending research topics and original findings in geology that contribute both directly and indirectly to sustainable development. Areas covered include economic geology, engineering geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, geological heritage, geomorphology, geophysics, hydrogeology, mining geology, palaeontology, petroleum geology, regional geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology and tectonics. While the geographic focus is primarily Malaysia and Southeast Asia, comparative studies from other regions that are of current interest and have potential impact on sustainable development are also considered important. This includes findings related to oil and gas, mining, environmental management, heritage conservation, geotourism, earthquake and hazard assessment, disaster risk reduction and climate change. It is a pleasure to present to you the 76th volume of the Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia that comprises seven articles. The lead article by Dobbs et al. (2023) is relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) on Sustainable Cities and Communities. The following two articles by Fauzi et al. (2023) and Kadri et al. (2023) contribute to SDG 9 on Clean and Affordable Energy as well as SDG 13 on Climate Action. The article by Raj (2023) is rooted in the field of engineering geology. The remaining articles by Kessler & Abdullah (2023), Madon & Jong (2023) and Breitfeld et al. (2023) draw on multiple fields of geology such as regional geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy and tectonics. All these articles document geological knowledge that indirectly support sustainable development.

오대산국립공원 지형·지질유산 가치평가

The National Park Resource Survey has been conducted every five years under the Natural Parks Act. Currently, the fourth survey planned from 2019 to 2023 is being promoted. Research on geomorphological and geological resources in the landscape sector has been conducted since the 1990s, but it is difficult to compare and analyze survey resources by round because systematic and consistent survey standards are not applied compared to natural ecosystem surveys. In addition, as the concept of preservation and utilization of geoheritages have been changed since the introduction of geoparks, the need for an improved evaluation has emerged. The survey introduced evaluation standards and methods newly applied in the geomorphological and geological fields of the National Park Resource Survey from 2021. And discussed the effects of the revised evaluation on the geomorphological and geological heritage of Odaesan National Park. A total of 46 resources were surveyed in the Woljeongsa, Sogeumgang, and Gyebangsan districts of Odaesan National Park, and the distribution of all resources by grade was 2.2% for the first grade, 6.5% for the second grade, and 50% and 41.3% for the third and fourth grades, respectively, which account for more than 90% of the total. Class distribution and detailed survey results contribute to the qualitative and quantitative improvement of geomorphological and geological resource information, and could provide the basis for landscape resource surveys in other national parks.

Enhancing Resilience in Geological Heritage Tourism: A Post-COVID Strategy for "Kayangan Api" and its Contribution to Environmental Development in Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia

Enhancing Resilience in Geological Heritage Tourism: A Post-COVID Strategy for "Kayangan Api" and its Contribution to Environmental Development in Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia

Quaternary Urban Geology and the Foundation of Heritage Building: Notable Historical Cases in Sawahlunto, Indonesia

Sawahlunto is a city located in West Sumatra, Indonesia, known as a city rich in coal mining activities and often referred to as the “City of Batubara.” The history of Sawahlunto coal mining dates back to the Dutch colonial era in the late 19th century when coal was discovered in the area. It has been designated as a national geopark area (KGN) in 2018 and then designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WDU) in 2019. One of its prominent landmarks is the Ombilin Coal Mine, which. Sawahlunto also boasts other historical landmarks and preserved buildings. The study objectives are: to identify rock types, topographic features, and other phenomena, along with measurements of heritage buildings; to analyze the rock distribution for determining the origin of rocks for heritage buildings in urban development and to describe the heritage building; and to describe the development of heritage building in Sawahlunto The mixed method was incorporated, where geological mapping method was used to determine information on the distribution of rocks and material origin for urban development, heritage building foundation analysis and content analysis on heritage buildings. The study found the building materials are rocks from the result of erosion originating around the city of Sawahlunto are: Sedimentary rock facies in the Ombilin Basin. The heritage buildings used local materials as they were abundant during that time. Sawahlunto’s heritage buildings not only have historical and cultural heritage, but also contain urban geological heritage that should be further studied as part of urban development.

Assessment of Geoheritage of Geosites in Trang An –Ninh Binh area

Trang An - Ninh Binh is a captivating tourist destination, both for domestic and international travelers, renowned for its abundant geological, geomorphological, and ecological features, as well as its rich cultural and historical significance. It was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site in 2014. With the objective of fostering tourism development by harnessing the geological heritage and formulating conservation strategies for geological heritage sites, the present endeavor focuses on assessing the geoheritage values and potential of seven distinct geosites within the Trang An area. These geosites include Sang Cave, Dark Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, Dia Linh Cave, Tran Cave, Dot Cave, and Ba Giot Cave. In accordance with the global framework for geological world heritage, the findings reveal that these seven geosites can be classified into three categories of geological sites: Type B - Geomorphology, Type D - Stone, and Type I - Tectonic. Employing a set of criteria to evaluate the value of geological heritage, encompassing scientific, educational, and touristic significance, it becomes evident that Trang An - Ninh Binh possesses considerable scientific and educational value, and its potential for geotourism development is highly promising. Additionally, the tourism potential of these heritage sites is vividly expressed through their symbolic and highly representative features, which characterize the landscape of Trang An - Ninh Binh. The research results provide an invaluable scientific foundation for local management in the pursuit of sustainable conservation and economic development of tourism in the region.

Geoheritage of the Príncipe UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve (West Africa): Selected Geosites

Considered by many to be one of the last hidden treasures, the Príncipe Island, off the coast of west-central Africa, is part of the twin-island state of São Tomé and Príncipe—the second smallest country in Africa. The islands are known as the “Galápagos of Africa” due to the high number of endemic plant and animal species, especially vascular plants, mollusks, insects, birds, reptiles, and bats. They are a melting pot of influences from different cultures and have a unique and authentic character in terms of language, culture, gastronomy, traditions, and geology. The Príncipe Island is 30.4 My old, being the oldest volcanic island of the Cameroon Volcanic Line located at the Gulf of Guinea (West Africa). It has an area of 142 km2 and a population of only about 8420 people. Rainforest covers the island’s basaltic peaks and slopes, cascading down to spectacular deserted beaches. In 2012, the Príncipe Island was declared UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. However, there is a great lack of knowledge about its geodiversity and geological heritage. The aim of this work is to describe the geoheritage of the Príncipe Island based on seven selected geosites that represent the major geological characteristics of the island by interconnecting each episode of its formation with the observable products in outcropping. The resulting narrative makes it possible to support educational activities and geotourism initiatives that are fundamental to the promotion of sustainable development in this tiny African country. By integrating the geodiversity dimension to the biodiversity dimension, this research intends to display a holistic vision of the natural heritage of the Príncipe Island and to contribute to assist United Nation’s goals regarding Small Island Developing States.