Geosite Assessment Model Research Articles

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.

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.

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

The present study is part of a reflective approach that examines and compares two popular geo-destinations in Moroccan Central High Atlas, the Aït Bouguemaz and Zaouiat Ahansal-Taghia valleys, using the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM). The model uses two indicators, main values and additional values, with 12 and 15 sub-indicators, respectively. The results show that the Aït Bouguemaz Valley has high main values (9.75) and moderate additional values (8.25), while the Zaouiat Ahansal-Taghia Valley has moderate main values (8) and additional values (5.25). This work shows that despite the high scientific and aesthetic values of these two geo-destinations, there is still much to be improved, especially concerning functional and tourism values, in particular, management and planning, as well as infrastructure as a basis for geotourism development.

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

Abstract Toplica 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.

Evaluation of Selected Geosites between Makhul and Khanuqa Anticlines, Northern Salah Al-Din, Iraq

The geopark characteristics in selected sites located between Makhul and Khanuqa anticlines and Tigris River. Eight geosites in the study area are evaluated. The assessment and differentiation of the results in the research depended on two methods, Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis and Geosite Assessment Model Classification. The results were identical in the two methods as the highest score in the two methods for the third and eighth stations and the research was concluded. The application of the Geosite Assessment Model model to one station was explained, which is the first one, Al-Qusour station, in order to clarify how to apply it to the other stations. After the application of the Geosite Assessment Model model to all stations, the results were located in a Geosite Assessment Model matrix in order to know that each station will fall within a certain range. After completing the evaluation of the stations, all stations in the study area are suitable as geopark areas.

EVALUATION ON GEOHERITAGE POTENTIAL OF THE LOJING-GUA MUSANG ROAD, KELANTAN

The Lojing-Gua Musang road runs through outcrops that are home to various species of flora and fauna. The road also exposes several lithologies, including those from the Bentong-Raub Suture Zone and the Main Range granite. The area has significant geoheritage values that make it suitable to be geosites. The study aimed to evaluate the potential of the selected localities as geosites based on their educational/scientific, aesthetic/scenic, protection values and public safety. The geoheritage potential assessment was divided into two phases: (1) data gathering for the potential geosite and (2) evaluation using a scoring rubric of the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM). The sites assessed were GunungSwettenham, Sungai Ber Hot Spring, Pos Blau brecciated limestone, and Pos Blau bedded chert. The assessment results showed that Gunung Swettenham and Sungai Ber Hot Spring had higher scores due to their aesthetic values and better protection. Brecciated limestone and bedded chert in Pos Blau area had lower scores in most of the categories of this assessment. To improve the quality of these potential geotourism spots, the study recommends the construction of basic infrastructures, including parking lots, information boards, proper pavement to the interest points, electronic monitoring devices, lighting systems, and security boundaries. Overall, the study suggests that with proper development, these geosites have the potential to attract tourists and promote geotourism in the area.

Sandstone rock outcrops in the Outer Eastern Carpathians in Ukraine: Assessment of geotourism potential by the GAM and Brilha methods

In this paper, we assess geotourism potential of sandstone rock formations in the Outer Eastern Carpathians on the territory of Ukraine. We focus on the seven sites with sandstone rock outcrops, which are popular among hikers due to their aesthetic attractiveness and historic significance. Applying the two well-acknowledged methods of geotourism potential assessment, namely the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM) and the Brilha method, we evaluate significance of the selected rock formations as geological and geomorphological sites, which can be valuable for scientific and educational use as well. In the process of the analysis, we compare the assessment methods in terms of how complementary or contradictory results they may render if they are applied simultaneously to the same cases. We find that sandstone rock outcrops in the Ukrainian part of the Outer Eastern Carpathians are underexplored as geotourism attractions and more scientific attention is required to those and similar sites in the area to fully appreciate their potential.

EVALUATION AND VALORIZATION OF GEOHERITAGE OF THE MOUNT ROGOZNA AREA (SERBIA)

Due to its unique geology, relief, and extensive hydrologic network, Mount Rogozna has been chosen as a case study for the quantification of geodiversity. The study consists of two interconnected parts. The first part demonstrates the application of the geodiversity evaluation method using the geodiversity index, whereas the second part deals with the evaluation of the geoheritage objects of the studied area. The methodology for calculating geodiversity index that was applied in this research was modified due to the size of the studied area. The geodiversity index is calculated based on the number of abiotic elements and the roughness of the relief within the studied area. Mount Rogozna, with an area of 818.26 km2, has been studied and processed using a network of spatial polygons of 500 × 500 m and using different maps. The second part of the research deals with the evaluation of geoheritage objects, applying the Geosite Assess-ment Model. The obtained results demonstrate that geoheritage objects are not always located in places with high values of the geodiversity index. This is proven by the fact that 5 out of 7 geoheritage sites are located in areas with low geodiversity values. The obtained qualitative and quantitative data with maps showing the distribution of geodiversity can serve as a starting point for the development of a planning and management strategy, but also as the example of good practice for possible further application in the quan-tification of geodiversity in this part of Serbia, and beyond its borders as well.

Geomorphosite evaluation for geotourism development using geosite assessment model (GAM): A study from a Proterozoic terrain in eastern India

Geotourism is a type of nature-based tourism of the landscape and landforms, which emphasizes the sustainable use of geosites, including geomorphosites. Geological and geomorphological landforms get scientific, aesthetic, cultural, and economic value from the human perspective are considered as geomorphosites. The objective of the study is the geotourism potential of the Proterozoic terrain of Eastern India, which is evaluated through the identification and description of geomorphosites using a 10-digit geo-coding scheme and the geosite assessment model (GAM). The studied region has vast richness in diversified landforms due to multi-phase evolution history and due to a wide range of geomorphological events that have occurred on the terrain. A total of twelve geomorphosites have been identified for evaluation. The structure of GAM has been modified in this study by adding a secondary indicator (ecological interest) in the scientific value section and a primary indicator (cultural value) in main value. The results revealed that the top five geomorphosites have high geotourism potential, and they are Ajodhya, Dalma, Gar Panchakot, Joychandi, Susunia, whereas Dhangikusum and Jharnakocha have low potential. The improvement of infrastructure and accessibility to geomorphosites will increase the additional value of the sites and also increase geotourism potential. The development of geotourism on geomorphosites emphasizes the economic and cultural utilization of landforms and geo-conservation of features of the geosphere which can potentially yield better the socio-economic condition of the region.

Geotourism and geoethics as support for rural development in the Knjaževac municipality, Serbia

Abstract The main goal of this study is to emphasise the geotourism potential and the values of geoethics as drivers of rural development in the territory of the Knjaževac municipality, which is one of the richest areas in Serbia in terms of geoheritage. Numerous objects of geomorphological and hydrological heritage stand out in an area of 1,202 km2. Despite this richness in geoheritage, the potential of geotourism development has been ignored by many stakeholders, and the geoheritage of this area has not been sufficiently explored and proposed for tourism purposes. This study makes an inventory of geosites in the municipality of Knjaževac. The selected sites were evaluated by applying the Modified Geosite Assessment Model to discover the most suitable geosites for future geotourism development, in order to select the geosite that possesses the greatest geotourism potential to support rural development. The results uncover information about the major areas of improvement for each evaluated geosite. Moreover, areas that demand more attention and better management in the upcoming period to become recognisable geotourism destinations were identified. It is pointed out that geoethical implications in geosite management can contribute to sustainable geoconservation in Eastern Serbia.

Geomorphological and hydrological heritage of Mt. Stara Planina in SE Serbia: From river protection initiative to potential geotouristic destination

Abstract Mt. Stara Planina is located in the eastern part of the Republic of Serbia and represents the westernmost part of the large mountain massif of the Balkans. Both endogenous and exogenous forces created interesting geomorphological and hydrological features for geotourism development in this area. This article proposes a preliminary list of geomorphological and hydrological sites and analyses them to reveal which geosite possesses geotourism potential. This research was carried out by applying the modified geosite assessment model. In this article, ten geosites were singled out based on the degree of their attractiveness for geotourism development. The results reveal information about the key fields of improvement for each evaluated geosite, and identify which areas require more attention and better management in the upcoming period for Mt. Stara Planina to become a well-known geotourism destination that would attract a large number of tourists in the future.

THE EVALUATION OF UNDISCOVERED ARCHEOLOGICAL GEOHERITAGE POTENTIAL – THE CASE OF RUDNA GLAVA SITE (EASTERN SERBIA)

As one of the oldest documented mines in Europe, Rudna Glava should be at the very top when it comes to geotourist visits in Serbia and the Balkans. The research goal is to point out the possibilities of geotourism development in this part of Serbia, while the findings aim to identify the existing problems for geotourism development in the area. Тhe study will analyze the geotourism potential of this archaeological site by using the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), combining the main and additional values. The GAM involves grades given by experts and provides a relatively actual image of the geoheritage state based on which it is practicable to plan and enhance the activities for the observed sites. The outcomes showed that the observed site has a high score of the main, and a low score of additional values. This means that the site should be additionally protected, and included in various tourist programs.

Assessment of the Geotouristic Values of Devil's Town, Serbia

Serbia is a country rich in geoheritage with eighty geomorphological sites now under protection. Although a canyon, the site of Devil’s Town is a unique geomorphological site in Serbia and deserves special attention. The geotouristic values of Devil's Town were assessed based on the analysis of its present state and comparison with three similar and nearby geosites on the Balkan Pennisula (the Sand Pyramids in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Stob and Melnik Earth pyramids in Bulgaria). The assessment was performed using a ‘modified geosite assessment model’ (M-GAM), which includes estimation of the main indicators and sub-indicators. Devil's Town has an average level of major and additional values. Indicators show that this geosite has great tourist, scientific and aesthetic value, as well as enough space for improving the ecological and functional values, as a basis for the development of tourism. Devil's Town displays a higher touristic value than the Sand pyramids and slightly lower than the Stob pyramids. However, in comparison with the Melnik Earth pyramids in Bulgaria, its touristic value is significantly lower. This study could serve as a guide for managing development strategies concerning decision-making and engagement in tourism of the analysed geosite, addressing the needs of modern tourists.

Exploring the potential for development of geotourism in Rarh Bengal, Eastern India using M-GAM

The Rarh Bengal of India has huge potential for development of geotourism due to its diverse landscape consisting of hills, dome shaped inselberges, tors, dams, badlands, springs, waterfall, ravines etc. The combination of vast dense forest and diverse flora and fauna with various geomorphic features has created a prosperous and complex geodiversity in the Rarh region. However, the potential of geotourism in the region has not yet fully developed. The main objective of this study is to emphasize the potential for geotourism in the Rarh region of West Bengal and to determine the existing status and geotourism prospective of geosites in this region. In this paper, the authors have proposed an inventory of geosites in the Rarh region and analyzed the vast potential of geotourism among them. A comparative analysis of the selected sites has been carried out by applying the Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM), which has exposed the most suitable geosites for the development of future geotourism. The M-GAM provided the significant assessment of both Main Values and Additional Values of the sites according to the status of each sub-indicator in the valuation model assumed by tourists. The results of this study reveal information about the major aspects of the development of each geosites and identify which sites need more attention and better management in future, so that the region becomes much attractive to larger number of tourists and becomes a well-known geotourism destination.

Evaluation of Geo-sites in the Podrinje-Valjevo Mountains with Respect to Geo-tourism Development

The Podrinje-Valjevo Mountains (located in Western Serbia) constitute the longest mountain range in Serbia and possess numerous and diverse geo-heritage sites. In prior research, this region has been poorly investigated in terms of evaluating its geo-sites for geo-tourism potential. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and compare protected geo-sites in the Podrinje-Valjevo Mountains in order to determine their current state and potential for future geo-tourism development. This is done by applying the modified geo-site assessment model (M-GAM). Eight geo-sites were analysed and evaluated: Kovacevica Cave, Tresnjica Gorge, Taor Springs, Gradac Gorge, Crna River Gorge, Petnica Cave, Ribnica Gorge, and Ribnica Cave. The research results show the analysed geo-sites possess substantial geo-tourism development potential for making the Podrinje-Valjevo Mountains a geo-tourism destination. However, there is a lot of room for improvement of additional values such as promotion, tourist infrastructure, visitor centres, tour guide services, and interpretative panels. The results also show that there are certain differences between the evaluation of hydrological and speleological geo-sites within a region. Therefore, in order to comparatively analyse with maximum relevance, it is proposed to use the model to evaluate the same type of geo-sites.

Geotourism Potentials of Geosites in Durrës Municipality, Albania

Abstract Present geological and geomorphological objects are non-living features that can enhance curiosity and increase the knowledge of Earth's history, through the development of geotourism. The municipality of Durrës, located in western Albania represents an active tectonic area with numerous landforms, an evidence of geodiversity and geoheritage. In this paper, the most typical geosites are identified mainly based on their scientific values as well as their geotourism potential. After the defining of 5 geosites, through geological and topographical map, we applied the Geosite assessment model (GAM). GAM is widely used in Europe on different areas and has given good results in the evaluation of geosites. The GAM method involves only experts’ opinions, which are essential for the preliminary development of geotourism in Albania. This method produce different main values (MV) and additional values (AV) score, which are very useful results in preservation, conservation and promotion of the area.

Examining the Spatial Variability of Geosite Assessment and Its Relevance in Geosite Management

Assessment is the initial step for experts on geoheritage and geotourism when designating geosites in a certain area. During this process, geologically interesting outcrops, formations and places are examined with the use of different criteria to see if they are suitable for geoconservation and geotourism purposes. A quantitative assessment method—Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM)—was applied in the study area, which is part of the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark in Hungary. M-GAM uses a weight factor (importance) that expresses the opinion of geotourists about 27 infrastructural, tourism and scientific indicators. This factor was examined by questionnaires at nine geosites in the area. At each site, we determined a unique importance value, which shows significant difference from site-to-site and reflects the opinions of visitors about the geosite. The M-GAM method is originally aimed at applying a common weight on each of the 27 criteria during the assessment of selected sites. While this approach is valid, we demonstrated that the method can be extended because the weights spatially vary and can be used to draw conclusions on geosite management. Practically, the evaluation of the factors obtained in this way offers an individual development plan for every site. The current state of improvement direction, the level of communication and the interpretability of the geo-objects can also be determined. In this way, we can get a more realistic development strategy for the geosites.