Geoparks Network Research Articles

The Majella National Park: An Aspiring UNESCO Geopark

Majella National Park is located in the central Apennines (Italy), in a vast mountainous area of about 740 km2. Owing to the complex geological history of the Majella Massif and surrounding areas, it features many different landforms. Woodlands rich in water characterize the wide tectonic depression of Caramanico, which separates the rounded gentle profile of the Majella to the east from the impervious steep slope of the Morrone Mt. to the west. Bare pitted highlands, like lunar landforms, characterize the top of the Majella (i.e., Femmina Morta Valley) shaped by flowing ice that long ago covered the higher parts of the massif. Sedimentary structures and fossil content recovered in carbonates attest to a long period of sedimentation in warm, shallow-marine environments, revealing that the Majella and the surrounding carbonate mountains looked, approximately from 140 to 7 Ma, like the present-day Bahamas and Persian Gulf. The Park hosts at least 95 geosites, some of which (22) are well-known in the international literature because of their scientific relevance. In addition, its natural and cultural wealth, deeply fused together with geoheritage, preserves several features of national and world rarity. Therefore, the Park Authority decided to put forward its territory as a candidate to become part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geoparks Network.

Who gets the benefits of geopark establishment? A study of Batur Geopark Area, Bali Province, Indonesia

As an important contributor to the improvement of economic and social aspects within communities, tourism is a sector whose development must be paid careful attention to. Tourist attractions, especially for nature based tourism, have been proven to provide employment and a significant contribution to both the GDP and GNP of Indonesia. Various areas in Indonesia have natural tourist attractions. A recent popular type of natural tourism attraction in Indonesia are geoparks, which involve protection and utilization of wide geological heritage areas. One of the geoparks that have been recognized by UNESCO within its Global Geopark Network (GGN) is Batur Geopark, in the province of Bali, Indonesia. The development of a geopark should consider the local economic development within its surrounding area. In addition, the further development of a geopark area that is included within the Global Geopark Network must meet the criteria for social and economic aspects prepared by UNESCO. The establishment of these criteria is intended to ensure that the management of the geopark is also beneficiary for the development of local communities as well as contribute positively to their sustainable development. Indonesia has a number of initiatives to promote the establishment of new geoparks, such as Geopark Merangin, Geopark Ciletuh and Geopark Sewu. The most recent one to be considered is Toba Lake Area. Therefore, taking lessons learned from an existing geopark regarding its economic impacts is important. This study explored the positive and negative impacts of Batur Geopark on the local economic development of its surrounding area after its inclusion in the Global Geopark Network of UNESCO. Further recommendations are and formulated in order to enhance the mutual linkage between tourism development and economic benefits to the communities. Prior to the analyses, a literature review on best practices of geoparks was done. Qualitative analyses were conducted by interviewing 41 stakeholders that were involved in the tourism and local economic development in Bangli Regency of Bali. This study provides descriptive information on types of economic activities that have appeared after the establishment of Batur Geopark.

IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL REGION IN WEST BANDUNG DISTRICT AS GEOPARK REGION

The aims of this research are: (1) To identify geographical condition in West Bandung regency related to geopark development (2) To analyze Geopark condition Based on Geo-diversity, Bio-diversity and Cultural-diversity. (3) Identify the various efforts that can be done for the development of Geopark area in West Bandung regency. This research is descriptive research with survey method. The results showed that the geographical conditions are very diverse, there are various formations covered by various variations of rocks. Ikim belongs to the middle classification. The results of research have 15 locations that have potential to become Geopark Area. Sturges calculation shows that West Bandung regency worthy to be made Geopark Area. Scoring results on variables expressed by the Global Geopark Network is still somewhat less so that requires management to make West Bandung District as a Geopark Area.Keywords: bio-diversity, cultural-diversity, geodiversity, geopark

On the Geomorphology and Tectonic Position of Ciletuh-Jampang Area, West Java, Indonesia

The Ciletuh-Jampang area is located in the western tip of the Southern Mountain of West Java, Indonesia. The area is presently well publicized in an effort to bring the unique geological characteristics exposed in this particular place to become the Global Geopark Network (GGN) of UNESCO. Ciletuh area exhibits a rare mega-aphitheater morphology. Stratigraphically West Java composed of clastic sediments of continental and volcanic island arc origin with the interruption of sub-aerial volcanic rocks and the coastal reefs banks developed along the coasts both in the north and the south. The age of the rock ranges between Eocene to Recent. The analysis of regional structure shows that a set of deep seated faults was recognized dominating the area in NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW directions. The released faulting occurred in E-W direction. The low angle shallow upthrustings facing north of skin structure in E-W direction dominate the upper part of the rock sequence. The structural analysis revealed the continuous prevailing stress field in SSW-NNE direction since Eocene time. The advancing landslides are readily observable in the rim of the amphitheater of Ciletuh. This phenomenon seems to demonstrate the initial stage (primarumpf) of the geomorphologic cycle taking into account the flat surface of Jampang area in the surroundings. Further investigations revealed the geomorphologic evidences of the formation of plateau, namely the erosion surface, old terraces, mountain tables, old beach ridges and the characteristics of drainage pattern. Two remnants of main plateau were recognized in Ciletuh-Jampang area, namely Bentang Plateau and Jampang Plateau. Further investigations show that at least five locations of plateau were identified in western part of Java Island, namely Dieng Plateau (+ 2,000 m), Pengalengan Plateau (+1,300 m), Bentang Plateau (+ 1,000 m), Jongrangan Plateau (+ 850 m) and Jampang Plateau (+ 700 m). A rough estimation reveals the annual rate of lifting in Java Island since Pliocene time ranges most likely between 5.0 and 5.4cm.

Human exposure to radon radiation geohazard in Rong Cave, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Vietnam

Human exposure to radon radiation geohazard in Rong Cave, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Vietnam

GEOTOURISM IN BOSNIA AND HERZGOVINA - STATE AND DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES

Geodiversity presents overall diversity of relief shapes, processes and the diversity of landscape. It basically consists of geological, geomorphological and pedological diversity. The most interesting for tourism valorisation are karstic areas that cover over 50% of the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. When it comes to geoparks, it is necessary to emphasize that such forms of protection have not yet been established in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The European Geopark Network exsist since 2000 and currently there are 140 geoparks in the 38 countries in Europe. Three geoparks stand out in our region; in Slovenia, Idrija and Karavanke (together with part in Austria) and Papuk in Croatia. Their main goals are promotion of geoheritage, protection of geodiversity and support of economic development through geotourism, with the inevitable participation of local communities. In the meantime, this initiative has been raised to a global level by including these areas in the newly adopted UNESCO program - International Geodetic and Geopark Program, which now has over 130 parks in 33 countries of the world. In our country, Blidinje Nature Park and the Protected landscape of Bijambare, have potential for becoming geopark. These parks would be based on promotion of the geological heritage, the geodiversity of the karst zone of Bosnia and Herzegovina, preservation of biodiversity and the protection of specific karst hydrography of this area. The plan for protecting these areas and potential admission to the European geopark network should primarily be based on a new legal framework and a plan that would include sustainable development of geotourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ON VENDIAN AND EARLY PALEOZOIC FOSSILS DIVERSITY IN PODILLIA

The fossils diversity is result of influence of evolution mechanism and climate change in the sea basin. Paleontological Diversity (Fossil Diversity) is only one part of whole Geological Diversity (Geodiversity), which is modern trend of international geological projects that to be fulfilled in many countries. This trend united investigation works is reason for creation of objects for geological conservation (Geosites, Geotrailes, Geoparks) and for implementation of studying Geology et schools, universities and creation of Geological exposition at local museums.Over the World were created network of big geoparks with unique geological objects at natural landscapes and museum exposition with using actual resource for information and presentations (leaflets, route-maps and posters electronic tools and so on). Podillia is one of most varied region by geological, facial, tectonic and landscape, hydrogeological, geophysical and paleontological affinities. The main goal of the investigation is to show paleontological diversity of studied sections of Podillia and show neediness of fundamental study and conservation of this segment of geological heritage.

Using Tourism Carrying Capacity to Strengthen UNESCO Global Geopark Management in Hong Kong

Tourism carrying capacity (TCC) is a measure of the optimum use level of visitors who can use a site without creating environmental degradation. This study demonstrates how this concept can be used to strengthen the management of the only United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark in Hong Kong. A research model is proposed based on the criteria of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN). A confirmatory factor analysis and a structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure are performed on the case study of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (HKGP). The validity of the TCC research model is confirmed. The results further demonstrate that TCC has been achieved in HKGP; the local community highly agrees with the three management principles of the Global Geopark; and the three dimensions of sustainable geotourism (i.e. environmental carrying capacity (ECC), socio-demographic carrying capacity (SCC), and political-economic carrying capacity (PCC)) have strong positive inter-relationships with each other. This study demonstrates a novel way to use the TCC web of elements to evaluate sustainable tourism practices in a UNESCO Global Geopark.

GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK AND THE NEW UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS PROGRAMME

The Geopark concept was introduced at late 90’s aiming to protect and promote Earth heritage sites through the sustainable local development of territories containing abiotic nature of significant value. The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) established in 2004 operates as an international platform of cooperation among Geoparks around the world The GGN includes 120 Geoparks in 33 countries working to protect Geological heritage and promote local sustainable development. The 38th UNESCO General Conference (November 2015) ratified the statutes of the new International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Operational Guidelines, introducing the brand UNESCO Global Geopark as a label of excellence for areas that meet the criteria set by the above mentioned guidelines. In doing so, it has legally endorsed the new UNESCO label of “UNESCO Global Geopark" and the endorsement of all the existing 120 Global Geoparks to become UNESCO Global Geoparks with immediate effect.The UNESCO Global Geopark branding could strongly contribute to raising EarthHeritage sites visibility in the world and in high-quality public outreach onsustainable development linked to issues on geodiversity, the environment,geohazards, climate change and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Geodiversity as a precious national resource: A note on the role of geoparks

Geodiversity can be defined as either number of geological heritage types or qualitative characteristics of the unique geological environment. Geodiversity can be used for the purposes of science, education, and tourism, and, thus, this is a precious resource requiring efficient exploitation for production of socio-economic benefits. Geoparks are ideal instruments of the geodiversity resource exploitation. Their efficacy on the international scale is clear, but their role in countries is yet to be discussed. The assessment of the dominant geological heritage types in all geoparks (members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks) of seven countries with their big number (China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom) suggest that about a half of the known types are represented in the geoparks of each of these countries. However, the exploitation of the geodiversity resource on the national level is not full because some types are missed and those available differ by the relative importance. It appears that the UNESCO Global Geopark network does not match the national interests ideally (partly because the UNESCO initiative is not aimed at the national level by definition). It is recommended that countries should develop their own policy of efficient geodiversity resource exploitation via geopark creation. As much geological heritage types as possible should be represented in geoparks, and the very ideas of geodiversity and geoparks should be promoted actively among the broad public and the policy-makers.

Fforest Fawr Geopark—a UNESCO Global Geopark distinguished by its geological, industrial and cultural heritage

The creation of the European Geoparks Network in 2000 was followed by the establishment of the Global Geoparks Network in 2004, incorporating the European Geoparks Network. On November 17, 2015, UNESCO sanctioned the creation of a new designation, the UNESCO Global Geoparks, as part of UNESCO’s new International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP). This is the first initiative of its kind to be established by UNESCO for 40 years and is the result of effective networking among geoparks and their partners aiming to achieve significant progress in geo-conservation, geotourism, environmental education and sustainable local development.Geoparks are located primarily in rural areas which are both remote and underdeveloped or which have experienced economic decline. In order to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, a geopark must demonstrate that it has a significant geological heritage, has well defined boundaries and is large enough to support a sustainable strategy for economic development based upon that heritage. In addition to its geology, a geopark should also make use of sites of archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural significance as these are often linked to the underlying geology. The ultimate objective of a UNESCO Global Geopark is to use the designation as a vehicle to engage communities in protecting these assets in ways which contribute to the economic development of their territory.The Fforest Fawr Geopark, the first geopark in Wales, became a member of the European and Global Geoparks Networks in 2005 and a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. The geopark was established in the western area of the Brecon Beacons National Park because that area has a strong identity in terms of its geology and Welsh industrial and cultural heritage. In addition, while the eastern area of the National Park was a more popular tourist destination, the area designated as the geopark was less well known, more remote in character, and economically less prosperous.The geopark’s approximately 480 million year geological heritage provides a resource for developing geotourism and for educational activities. Nearly 11,500 years of human activity created a cultural landscape in which ancient monuments contrast with the relicts of industrial activity. With the coming of the Industrial Revolution the geological resources of Fforest Fawr were systematically exploited for over 200 years to supply South Wales’s expanding metal industry. During this time mining, quarrying and brick making contributed to wealth creation and South Wales was a major player in the new industrial age which changed the world. The area of Fforest Fawr Geopark, with its close association to the South Wales Coalfield played a significant role in global industrial history.In addition, the rich culture of the geopark’s early inhabitants comes to life in myths and legends and some of Europe’s oldest stories and myths are associated with the area of Fforest Fawr Geopark.

The Somoto Grand Canyon (Nicaragua)—a Volcanic Geoheritage Site One Decade After Discovery: from Field Geological Mapping to the Promotion of a Geopark

After its ‘discovery’ during field geological mapping by geologists of the Czech Geological Survey in 2004, the gorge of the Coco River in NW Nicaragua, now known as the Somoto Grand Canyon, has been turned into one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Nicaragua. The canyon is developed in acid ignimbrites of Miocene age and is 3.5 km long and located between 13 and 14° N and 86–87° W, 12 km W of the town of Somoto. The gorge, which reaches a width of 4–10 m in its narrowest parts and a depth of up to 190 m, uncovers a range of unique pseudokarst features, such as giant erosion potholes and rock and sandy bars alternating with deep lakes. The Somoto Grand Canyon quickly became known to the public, and in 2006, it was declared a National Monument by law, and in 2007, a picture of the canyon appeared on the 50 cordobas banknote. The Somoto Grand Canyon is now considered as a famous object of geoheritage, belonging to one of the most famous sites in Nicaragua and there are aspirations that it could be included in the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, as the main geoheritage site of the planned Rio Coco Geopark.

GEOCONSERVATION LEGAL STATUS AND GEOPARK ESTABLISHMENT IN GREECE

Under Greek (and EU) law, geo-conservation (geological conservation) is an issue not being dealt with in an organized and systematic way, in contrast with bio-conservation (nature conservation). Therefore geo-conservation approaches, as the ‘geopark’ concept, are not recognized under Greek legislation and elements of geological heritage can only be granted protection in isolation and in limited extension, mainly as playing a role to the biotic environment. However, to date, geoparks have been established and recognized by the European Geoparks Network (E.G.N.), in Greece. Those geoparks are protected under the Forestry Legislation, the Archeological Legislation or/and the Environmental Legislation. In view of the plans of the Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (I.G.M.E.) to expanding the Geoparks Network in Greece, a thorough examination of the available legal tools to protecting elements of geological importance in geoparks is required, with a view to proposing a legal protection regime that would realistically deal with the conservation of geosites and the establishment of geoparks focusing on overlapping with nature conservation areas, namely “Natura 2000 sites”. In addition, building on the experience of the administration and management of national parks and Natura 2000 sites, the available management options will be examined with a view to providing the optimum management alternatives.

GEOPARKS MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Established in 2000, the European Geoparks Network (EGN), comprising 35 members (November 2009), aims to protect geodiversity, to promote geological heritage to the general public as well as to support sustainable economic development of geopark territories primarily through the development of geological tourism. All requests for recognition as a “European Geopark” must be submitted by the organisation in charge of managing the area. The application dossier includes precise information dealing with identification of the zone, scientific description of the existing geoheritage, management body, management plan, infrastructure, educational and promotional activities, sustainable development policy instituted and geo-tourism. Membership of the EGN is for a period of four years after which membership is reviewed and assessed. The first revalidation procedure occurred during 2004 and since then has helped to keep all Geopark operations, infrastructure and services at a high quality level. The revalidation process involves a field visit by two independent evaluators nominated by the EGN and UNESCO. Assessment methodology examines the progress in geological heritage protection and promotion as well as the development of sustainable economic activity within each territory. However it also takes into account the Geopark’s degree of active participation in international collaboration and networking.

TOURIST PERCEPTION OF THE TOURISM PRODUCTS IN MERANGIN GEOPARK, JAMBI, INDONESIA

Merangin Geopark, Jambi, Indonesia is one of Indonesian National Geoparks which is on the way of being the member of Global Geopark Network (GGN). In doing so, Merangin Geopark has been being developed as a tourist destination considering that one of the important aspects of Geopark is the tourism development. Therefore, this study was aimed to analyze the tourists’ perception of the Geopark’s tourism products. By using a qualitative approach, this study collected data from 80 respondents (as sample) through questionnaires, coupled with interviews and observation.The analysis results show that out of 4 aspects of tourism products, only attraction which gets the highest positive perception percentage (82%) meaning that the attractions are interesting enough and deserved to satisfy the visitors. Tourist organizations/managers get positive perception of 58%, which indicates that visitors are quite satisfied, but they need some improvement. Meanwhile, amenities and accessibility have more negative perception which indicates that the government should pay more attention on these two aspects.

Aktivnosti na uspostavljanju geoparka Đerdap (Srbija) i kandidatura područja u UNESCO globalnu mrežu geoparkova

Among several prospective regions in Serbia, the Djerdap area has been chosen for the nomination in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network due to many reasons: its strategic position, diverse natural and cultural resources, a long tourism tradition and an aspiration of local residents to be involved in planned promotional activities. Djerdap geopark is positioned in the northeastern part of Serbia, covering a territory of 1330 square kilometers and includes the area of Djerdap National Park, but exceeds it spatially for additional 692 square kilometres. Main initiatives and actions on the establishing Djerdap geopark are presented together with the most valuable natural and cultural-historical aspects as well as future priority tasks.

The influence of lithology and tectonics on the development of the karst landscape in the Dong Van Global Geopark, NE Vietnam

The Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is located in the mountainous area of the northern part of Vietnam. It became the 77th member of the Global Geoparks Network in 2010. The Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is a unique combination of breathtaking scenery and culture of ethnic groups, with many potential values such as its geoheritage, biological diversity and historical places, which attract many domestic and foreign visitors. Up to 60% of the area of this geopark is covered by karst. Its topography is strongly dissected by deep river gorges with steep slopes, and this area has experienced several deformational phases from the Middle Cambrian/Early Ordovician, to the Cenozoic. These elements contributed to the breathtaking scenery of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, the first global geopark in Vietnam and the second in South-East Asia.

Volcanic Geoheritage and Geotourism Perspectives in Hungary: a Case of an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape, Hungary

In protected areas (e.g. geoparks, UNESCO sites), the identification of the different aspects of geoheritage site values is part of a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. In the past years, significant progress has been achieved in the volcano tourism in Hungary as shown by the acceptance of two geoparks as members of Global Geoparks Network. They are the Bakony–Balaton Geopark and the Novohrad–Nograd Geopark, which involves also the old village of Hollokő UNESCO cultural heritage site. These geoparks as well as the recently (2013) opened Kemenes Volcano Park used primarily the volcanological natural values in their application, and these play still an important role to attract the visitors. The Tokaj Wine Region (TWR) Historic Cultural Landscape (inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2002 as a cultural site) is also characterized by high geodiversity due to complex volcanic settings (andesite–dacite composite cones, silicic pyroclastites, lava domes, hydrothermal activity) and specialized viticultural land use of the cultural landscape. While the area of the Bakony–Balaton Geopark is situated in a well-known region and has a long tradition in tourism with a lot of innovation, the Tokaj wine region needs a significant effort to introduce their volcanic geoheritage values into the tourism market. The systematic inventory and assessment of the geoheritage elements are essential steps in different scales of geoconservation and establishment of the priorities in site management. This inventory work emphasizes the relationship between the sites at different scales and highlights the interaction between eroded volcanic relief and human activity. The inventory classifies the objects in two main geosite categories: (a) volcanic edifices resulting from denudation and inversion of the relief and (b) geodiversity sites connected to land use traditions of the cultural landscape. The assessment evaluates the scientific, cultural/historical, aesthetic and socio-economic values and helps to define priorities in site management. The recently suggested 900 km long, cross-Hungary volcano route starts at the TWR and involves additional 50 planned stations all along the country. They represent various volcanological phenomena from silicic ignimbrite sheets through andesitic stratocones to basaltic volcanic fields. These meet significant historic, cultural, gastronomic tourism attractions to support the promotion of volcanic geoheritage.

A Community-based Geotourism Entrepreneurship

Geotourism is a growing industry in Malaysia. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) has included Langkawi's 99 islands in its global geopark network. One of the most popular geopark sites in Langkawi is Kilim Karst, originally developed as a fishing community under the management of the Kilim Community Cooperative Society (KCCS). Following Kilim's recognition as a geopark, the role of the KCCS has evolved to encompass the management of local geotourism activities, ensuring that the community's involvement is consistent with UNESCO's sustainable development benchmarks. This study discusses the role played by geoparks and geotourism in the cooperative community entrepreneurship of local populations. Using the interview method, the authors consider the role of community-based entrepreneurships in developing geotourism in Kilim. With the full cooperation of the local government, the KCCS helps to develop local entrepreneurs who lack fundamental business knowledge. The authors review the performance of the KCCS based on their 2011–2014 annual general meeting report. The results of this review, coupled with the growing number of tourists, reveal the success of the KCCS' commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship. The proceeds of these activities have subsequently been redirected to the diversification of the KCCS' business portfolio for the sustainability of the community.

Representation of geologic time in the global geopark network: A web-page study

Geologic time is a fundamental geological category that should be of interest to geopark visitors. The compilation of on-line information from all 120 UNESCO Global Geoparks located in 33 countries permits an analysis of the different ways geologic time is represented by this network. It is established that the major time units from the Proterozoic to the Neogene are represented by the global geoparks more or less equally, which is an unexpected achievement. The documented situation is highly favourable for two important tasks. First, the global geopark network has the potential to improve the general public's knowledge of geologic time. Second, such publicity may facilitate equal attention to the work of scientists on different intervals of geological history. However, the promotion of the relevant knowledge needs some adjustments in order to be most effective. Moreover, different preferences shown by “antiquity”-oriented and “modernity”-oriented tourists should be taken into account.