Geotourism Purposes Research Articles

Applied Terminology in Geodiversity and Geotourism Activity: a Sustainable Conceptual Exercise

Objective: Promoting environmental geoconservation, geodiversity and local culture, namely through tours and research on these natural environments. Theoretical Framework:t is based on modern scientific definitions used in geology, geomorphology, paleontology, culture, and for educational and geotourism purposes. Method:The literature review significantly contextualizes knowledge and broad understanding, as well as advances in the terminology most used in geotourism activity, adopted in Brazil and European references in the area.It is representativeness: relational: the suitability of the geosite to illustrate a geological process or quality, which contributes significantly to the understanding of the theme, process, characteristic or (i) representation: geological context, (ii) integrity: related to the state of conservation of the geosite, (iii) rarity: number of geosites in the geological study area, (iv) scientific knowledge. Results and Discussion:The results obtained revealed that review studies of specialized terminology applied in geodiversity and geotourism activity play a significant role in interpreting unique places where most geosites occur, attracting tourists who are increasingly surprised by geosites. Research Implications:The implications of geosite terminology do not involve universal consensus, and there are several ways to scientifically describe a geosite in the context of a type of terrestrial relief, geological structure and minerals. This interpretation should be carried out by a specialist or by experienced people who are knowledgeable about the local specificities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the terminology applied in geoscience that encompasses geodiversity and geotourism. The relevance and potential of geosites for education, scientific interpretation of geological characteristics in the central region of the North Amazon.

Comparison of geosite and geomorphosite quantitative analysis for geotourism purposes in Baturraden (Purwokerto) and Guci (Tegal) hot springs tourism area, Central Java

Baturraden (Purwokerto) and Guci (Tegal) are popular tourist attractions on the hill of Gunung Slamet, Central Java Province. Each location has an object that can be analyzed as a geotourism potential, as the manifestation of hot springs. Regionally, the research area is included in the Slamet Volcano Lava Rock (Qvls), which is composed of Quaternary andesitic vesicular andesitic lava, and Undifferentiated Slamet Volcano Rock (Qvs), which is composed of Quaternary volcanic breccia, lava, and tuff. The research was carried out using three stages of research, e.g: the literature study stage, the field research stage, and the geosite and geomorphosite analysis stage, using a quantitative assessment method, according to Kubalikova (2013). Five geosites and geomorphosite are assessed: Pancuran-7 and Pancuran-3 (Baturraden), as well as Pancuran-13, Pancuran-5, and Sigeong hot spring (Guci). The results of the quantitative analysis based on the existing parameters sequentially are 82%, 75%, 79%, 79%, and 63%. These results indicate that Pancuran-7, Pancuran-3, Pancuran-13, and Pancuran-5 sites are very feasible for geotourism-based tourist objects. The Sigeong site needs to be improved in several aspects, especially infrastructure. Parameters that need to be considered for all objects are conservation values due to disaster risk factors that already exist and disaster risk factors that are still potential and have yet to occur, such as volcanic eruptions and landslides, as well as the process of destruction that occurs in several objects that can threaten the sustainability of tourist sites. In addition, it is necessary to increase the understanding of residents and visitors who come about geological information related to the formation of hot springs, both in the form of information boards posted around the site and information displayed on local websites.

Jbel Irhoud Geosite, the Cradle of Humanity (Youssoufia Province, Marrakech-Safi region, Morocco): Evaluation and Valorization of the Geological Heritage for Geoeducation and Geotourism Purposes

Jbel Irhoud Geosite, the Cradle of Humanity (Youssoufia Province, Marrakech-Safi region, Morocco): Evaluation and Valorization of the Geological Heritage for Geoeducation and Geotourism Purposes

Evaluation Features of Fossil and Coastal Geosites: Selecting Assessment Criteria for Geotourism Purposes

Fossil deposits are among the most attractive geosites in nature parks and geoparks. The Register and Cadastre of the Bulgarian geological phenomena includes several outstanding fossil deposits estimated as geosites of national significance. However, they are assessed according to the general methodology for evaluating all classes of geosites: geomorphological, paleontological, petrographical, etc., so their specific characteristics remain in the background. This also applies to coastal geosites which are not present in the Register at all, except for a few dune fields. This article discusses indicative criteria that can be used to create an expert card to assess fossil and coastal geosites based on their common feature – fossils, and their scientific and tourist value. The aim is to identify possible common features and to develop a set of criteria highlighting the specific characteristics of the fossil and coastal geosites. In this way, their value will be enhanced beyond the basic level of significance established on the basis of general criteria such as aesthetic, ecological, cultural, etc. values that are not sufficiently indicative of the true scientific and tourist value of fossil and coastal geosites.

Geological heritage of the Taguelft syncline (M'Goun Geopark): Inventory, assessment, and promotion for geotourism development (Central High Atlas, Morocco)

The Taguelft syncline, located south of the Béni Mellal city, is one of the synclinal basins of the central High Atlas. It contains significant geological heritage that should be inventoried, valorized, and protected. The present study aimed to inventory and evaluate the syncline's geological heritage and then propose geotourism and geodidactic promotion allowing their sustainable geoconservation. This is done by applying the University of Lausanne methodology, based on the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the scientific (considered central) and additional values. Results highlight geodiversity elements with high scientific (≃0.84) and aesthetic (≃0.85) values related to the strong representativeness of the regional geological phenomena (genesis modes of magmatic bodied, tabular structure of Jbel Sgat, gabbroic intrusion of the Ait Boulmane wrinkle). The assessment also shows that the study area hosts a valuable palaeontological heritage enclosing fossil wood, ammonites, and dinosaur remains (bones and footprints). Moreover, it has underlined an important cultural and architectural interest of the tribe of Ait Sokhmane. Taken together, the diverse geological and cultural heritage identified can constitute a valuable tool for geoconservation and geotourism purposes. Due to their high touristic and educational potential, the geosites of the syncline are a preferred tourist destination for many visitors and can serve as valuable educational excursion sites for the dissemination of geosciences through different tools such as interpretation panels, digital media, leaflets, and guided tours. This exceptional geodiversity, and the rich cultural heritage, constitute a support for the development of geotourism and a tool for reinforcing local socio-cultural development. The knowledge and understanding of the different facets of the geological and cultural heritage as well as the management and planning of these resources all contribute to sustainable and developed tourism.

GEOHERITAGE POTENTIAL AS GEOTOURISM SPOT BASED ON QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS IN BANDUNG, WEST JAVA


 
 
 
 Bandung is one of area with abundant geodiversity which also indicates high geotourism potential. One of Bandung geodiversity attractive aspect is the high scientific value related to Tectono-Volcanic History of Bandung which have a good Geoheritage potential. This research intends to assess the Geoheritage potential for Geotourism purposes in Ban-dung City. Research methods such as field observation, literature study, quantitative and qualitative analysis aimed toward at seven geoheritage potentials: Sunda Ignimbrite at Goa Jepang, Sunda Ignimbrite at Goa Belanda, Lava Tube at Cikapundung River, Pahoehoe Lava at Cikapundung River, Ropy Lava at Curug Lalay, Columnar Joint Lava at Curug Omas and Lembang Fault Scarp at Keraton Cliff. Quantita-tive Analysis is based on classification for geotourism pur-poses which includes Intrinsic and Scientific Value, Educa-tional Value, Economic Value, Conservation Value, etc. Quantitative analysis indicates that Geoheritages in Bandung City have a good potential for Geotourism purposes with mean percentage score of >59%.
 
 
 

Geodiversity mapping of the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary

Abstract. Geodiversity is the natural range of elements in the physical environment. The relationships, properties, and systems of geoscientific features have an impact not only on the natural world but also on cultural and societal aspects of life. Geodiversity can be considered as a quantitative variable that is unevenly distributed all over the world. This spatial variability helps to locate areas with a high degree of geodiversity. These areas can be the basis of further nature protection and geotourism purposes: high geodiversity usually means higher scientific/cultural/ecological values in an area. We present a GIS-based workflow in which we collect, evaluate, and visualize geoscientific variables to provide information on the geodiversity of the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark in Hungary. By using mainly freely accessible data and an open-source GIS environment, we aim to develop a method that can be applied in many areas of the world. The evaluation is built up by the determination of five sub-indices per unit area, which are related to the elements of geodiversity: geology, relief, hydrology, soil, palaeontology, and mineralogy. The geodiversity index is the sum of the sub-indices. The current tourism potential is mainly found in the high geodiversity regions: the Balaton Uplands, the Tapolca Basin, the Káli Basin, and the Bakony Mountains. The results show that the current geopark infrastructure is in accordance with the geodiversity, but it took several years to reach this state. However, new geoparks are established every year and their infrastructure is yet to be planned. The method we apply helps in this process by using open-source data in the assessment and provides a workflow in areas that have not been evaluated before.

The Ordovician Foum Larjamme Tunnel Paleo-valleys from Bani Geopark Project—Assessment of Geological Heritage for Geo-education and Geotourism Purposes

The Ordovician Foum Larjamme Tunnel Paleo-valleys from Bani Geopark Project—Assessment of Geological Heritage for Geo-education and Geotourism Purposes

Stability of the bedrock of castle building for geotourism purposes

The geological structure of the Slovak Republic is very complex and varied. This fact in the course of centuries has had an impact on the castle buildings built here. The subsoil of these structures has different petrographic composition, tectonic disturbances and other geological complexities that threaten the stability of these structures and endanger the objects in their surroundings. In recent years, these structures have begun to receive deserved attention. In the past, the problems of severely disturbed blocks in the subsoil were mainly addressed and had to be rehabilitated for these reasons. These were mainly buildings whose subsoil is built with carbonate rocks. A perfect example of a long-term solution to these complex problems is also the Strecno Castle. A lot of effort and money has already been devoted to solving the stability of the bedrock, which also adversely affects the stability of the castle. However, the extensive set of works that have been carried out here over a long period of time have not brought a complete solution to the problems that occur here. For this reason, continuous work is being carried out here under the guidance of experts to eliminate the effects of erosion of the bedrock in particular. In the present work, the activities and measures that have been implemented here in stages up to the present are briefly described chronologically.

Inventory and Assessment of Geosites for Geotourism Development in the Eastern and Southeastern Lake Tana Region, Ethiopia

Geotourism is a niche form of sustainable tourism that focuses on the geological and geomorphological features of an area, and the associated culture and biodiversity. Geosites are important resources for geotourism development. The eastern and southeastern Lake Tana region in Ethiopia has several geosites with a potential for geotourism development. Despite the diversity of potential geosites and the strategic location of the area in the Northern Tourist Circuit of Ethiopia, only a few attractions such as Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls are currently being visited. The objective of this paper is twofold: to inventory geosites in the eastern and southeastern Lake Tana region and assess their potential for geotourism development; and to propose a geosite inventory and assessment methodology for geotourism purposes with adaptations from previous studies. Several studies were reviewed and finally nine of them used as the main references to prepare the criteria, indicators, and sub-indicators for this study. The indicators used for assessing the potential of geosites relate to scientific, educational, scenic, recreational, protection, functional, and ecological values. This research presents the first inventory of geosites in the Lake Tana basin. A first list of 120 geosites has been inventoried. Further screening and clustering resulted in 61 geosites, of which 17 are viewpoints. Among the major geosites are waterfalls, a lake with islands and island monasteries, a flood plain, caves and cave churches, lava tubes, a mountain (shield volcano), volcanic plugs, volcanic cones, rock-hewn churches, and viewpoints. Quantitative assessment of the geotouristic potential of these geosites revealed that clustered (complex area) geosites received higher scientific, scenic, and recreational value scores.

Digital Archiving of Historical Water Utilization Structures Using an Interdisciplinary Method

Human efforts to regulate watercourses and the use of water energy in their favour goes back into the past. Although historical water management and utilization structures are the proof of that, only a small number of such structures have been preserved. The article deals with the applied research of the use of modern geodetic laser scanning stations in combination with photogrammetric digital technologies for creating technical documentation and digital visualization of historical structures and national cultural monuments. Specifically, in this case, we will focus on the water utilization buildings – the water mill and water sawmill in the National Open-Air Museum, Rožnov pod Radhostěm, Czech Republic. Digital twins created using modern technologies may well serve not only for geo-tourism purposes but also as basis for potential future reconstruction or redevelopment projects. Keywords: 3D visualization; Digital photogrammetry; Digital twin; Industrial monuments; Laser scanning. DOI 10.35180/gse-2021-0046

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.

Geotouristic Potential of Former Quarries in Northern Bohemia

Former quarries are among the places that are interesting for geotourism: they are mineralogical or paleontological sites; some quarries are valuable from an aesthetic or environmental point of view. In the quarries where mining was stopped centuries ago, traces of earlier mining technologies can be found, having significant historical value. Despite all the listed values, it is a sad fact that most of the quarries in the Czech Republic are revitalized after the end of mining in a way that destroy the values of the geosite. If nature conservation authorities intervene, it is usually because geosite is also a habitat for endangered species of fauna and flora, not for the protection of inanimate nature. The article analyses the process of making former quarries accessible to the public. First, the geosite evaluation methodology is presented, on the basis of which the localities with the greatest tourist potential and the lowest risks are selected. The methodology is based on six synthetic indicators, which are scientific value, cultural-historical value, aesthetic value, educational value, tourist value and vulnerability of the site. The methodology is explained on two examples of former quarries in northern Bohemia: Panská skála and Hamerský Špičák. The purpose of the methodology is to select suitable geosites, whose values should be protected and used to popularize geosciences and for geoeducation. The discussion points to good examples of making former quarries accessible to geotourism from nearby regions (e.g. UNESCO Geopark Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa). On the contrary, the issue of safety of visit to the geosite is mentioned too, which is in some cases the biggest obstacle to access to quarries. The conclusion summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of the use of former quarries for geotourism purposes.

Chinyero Volcanic Landscape Trail (Canary Islands, Spain): A Geotourism Proposal to Identify Natural and Cultural Heritage in Volcanic Areas

The Chinyero Special Nature Reserve is located on the NW rift zone of Tenerife, between 600 and 1500 m above sea level. This natural setting is distinguished by a significant concentration of monogenetic basaltic volcanoes that have erupted in recent and historical times, including Garachico (1706) and Chinyero (1909). The volcanic landscapes of this protected area are part of the Canary Island pine forest ecosystem and, therefore, also feature beautiful forests colonising the newly formed layers of volcanic materials. The aim of this paper is to design a geographical route through the landscape for geotourism purposes, based on a global and coherent interpretation of the original physiognomy of a landscape that has been decisively shaped by volcanic phenomena. This nature trail represents a proposal for a new tourism product as an alternative to the traditional “sun and beach” coastal tourism product. This paper comprises a first stage, dedicated to the geographical study of the landscape, and a second stage focused on designing a geotourism route, which will identify and characterise the elements of the natural and cultural heritage of the area and its unique landforms.

MoGeo, a Mobile Application to Promote Geotourism in Molise Region (Southern Italy)

Geotourism represents a powerful and new form of sustainable tourism that has rapidly expanded worldwide over the last decades. To promote it, the use of digital and geomatic tools is becoming of increasing importance. Especially mobile information represents one of the most efficient and smart ways to bring geotourism closer to a wide audience. This applies in particular to rural and inner areas, where the exploitation of geoheritage can represent a crucial resource for eco-friendly and sustainable tourism development. With the aim to promote geotourism on a regional scale, we have implemented a mobile devise application for Molise region, tested in the Alto Molise area. This application, called MoGeo App, aims at providing diversified geotourism information that combines geologic attractions (geosites and geologic itineraries) with other possible tourist attractions (other sites of natural and cultural interest), to respond to differentiated interests and needs of a wide audience. Besides geotourism purposes, the structure of MoGeo App can be used also for other purposes such as educational targets, by adapting contents and language. It appears to be a flexible, easily updatable digital tool, adaptable to various target groups, as well as other regional contexts, both inside and outside of Italy.

La búsqueda del patrimonio Geoturístico en el Piedemonte Llanero Colombiano y llanuras adyacentes: Implicaciones para el origen del paisaje actual

En la región del Piedemonte Llanero del Departamento del Meta, en Colombia, se escogieron cinco lugares para avalar su geología con fines de Geoturismo. Con los datos recogidos en campo, la revisión de información pre existente se consiguió esbozar un modelo de la evolución del paisaje relacionado con el Piedemonte Llanero y llanuras adyacentes desde un punto de vista geotectónico, con el cual se recalca la importancia de su papel en el geopatrimonio colombiano con el entendimiento de la evolución geológica y del paisaje reciente (lapso Mioceno - Holoceno) de este sector del territorio colombiano. Con la evolución geológica se encontró una larga historia de conformación de la corteza la cual abarca desde el Mesoproterozoico hasta el Presente, y con respecto a la evolución del paisaje, se encontró que tanto el Piedemonte que es parte de la Cordillera Oriental, como los Llanos se conformaron desde el Mioceno Superior hasta el Presente.

Geotourism Of Banyuputih Catchment Area, Mount Ijen, East Java, Indonesia

Mt. Ijen, especially along the Banyupait/Banyuputih Catchment Area is located within part of 3 regencies in East Java Province which are Bondowoso, Situbondo, and Banyuwangi regencies. Geological Study at Mt. Ijen Complex was conducted to get better understand concerning Characteristics of Geology and geomorphology of Ijen Volcano Complex which compose of highly atractive places to be geotourism purposes. According to the geological study, Ijen Geotourism can be divided into three parts. Firstly, natural views inventory within the Ijen Caldera, along the Banyupait/Banyuputih Catchment Area which are closely related with geological processes; secondly, Man-made geotourism sites at Banyuputih River on the north flank of Ijen Volcano; and thirdly, Planned Buildings that can be made in the future such as a small museum and geosites in opend field including infrastructures that consist of media-tools explaining about the Ijen Volcano and a lot of geological processes related with the all natural views at around Ijen Volcano. On the other hand, the water of the Ijen crater-lake is extremely acid (pH<1). The water of the crater-lake infiltrates into the only one river called Banyupait / Banyuputih River flowing towards the north to reach the north-coast of Java at Asembagus Sub-district, where the pH at this area is still 3-4 after mixing between the acid water and normal water coming from springs within the Banyupait / Banyuputih Catchment Area. A recommended segregation of normal water from the acid water is the best alternative to produce normal water along the Banyuputih River which flows through Asembagus Village. This effort will change the Asembagus citizen to be having much better wellfare. This effort will also support the Ijen Complex to be a good Geotourism, even to lift up the Mt. Ijen Complex to be an International Geopark.

A Contribution to the Understanding of the Apennine Landscapes: the Potential Role of Molise Geosites

The paper deals with the contribution of the Molise geoheritage to make better known the central-southern Apennines landscape and to promote geotourism activities. The Molise territory is characterized by a high geodiversity and the natural coexistence and closeness of three major, highly differentiated Apennine landscape units. It offers an exemplary cross-section of the variety of landscapes/landforms that typically characterize the young, tectonically still active Apennine chain, from its core up to the Adriatic piedmont area. Based on the regional geosite inventory, we selected 31 geosites. These geosites are considered the most representative and exemplary of many of the major landforms that typically characterize the distinguished Apennine landscape sectors and are capable to illustrate several steps of their long-term evolution and/or present-day dynamics and related hazard aspects. The selected geosites are well-preserved landforms, easily and safely accessible, and observable both onsite and/or through panoramic views. They have good to excellent scenic-esthetic qualities and, thanks to the representativeness and clarity of exposed features/processes, can be easily understood by a large audience. The paper highlights the contribution that the geological heritage of a territory can provide for geotourism purposes and informal educational actions by using geosites, especially geomorphological sites, to make known the peculiarities, evolution, and present-day dynamics of its major landscape features. It wants to contribute to the dissemination and sustainable fruition of geosites that help attributing to them an effective cultural and economic value, so to encourage their conservation.

Geotourism Perspectives for Transhumance Routes. Analysis, Requalification and Virtual Tools for the Geoconservation Management of the Drove Roads in Southern Italy

The article illustrates the interest in transhumance routes, the ancient paths connecting high and lowland pastures in Southern Italy and other Mediterranean regions, as elements of particular importance for sustainable geotourism management. As a contribution to the needs of requalification of the drove roads, we propose a method of analysis for their preservation and their reuse for geotourism purposes, showing the steps and instruments necessary to organize, enhance and communicate transhumance routes as integrated cultural landscapes. Results are presented as applied to a specific case study (Molise, IT) of a geoconservation management proposal for the assessment of the state of conservation of the drove roads, of their cultural heritage and of their potential reuse for geotourism. This methodological proposal uses geographical information systems, historical sources, cartography and remote sensing techniques and includes 3D virtual reconstructions of the transhumance landscape. The article is meant to contribute to a non-stereotyped image of transhumance geoheritage, reflecting on communication and learning strategies supported by geo-historical analyses, in order to promote a greater awareness of landscapes genesis and evolution for visitors and local communities. It is argued that future challenges of geotourism relate to the ability to recompose nature and culture to an interpretive unity, both from a theoretical and operative point of view, and that the goal is to reach an integrated tourist offer focused on the relationship between man and environment with the signs of territorialisation processes expressed through economic vocations, traditional production chains, cultural values and territorial identity. To this purpose, the valorisation of the transhumance routes—for their historical-economic, ecological, landscape, patrimonial and identity meanings—seems to respond perfectly.

Attractiveness of protected areas for geotourism purposes from the perspective of visitors: the example of Babiogórski National Park (Poland)

AbstractThis article examines the tourist role of protected areas important for their unanimated nature potential. In Poland the highest form of legal protection is a national park. Babiogórski National Parks is one of 23 national parks in Poland. The aim of this article is to present its tourist attraction based on its geotourist potential considered by tourists who visit this park. At the beginning a brief history of protection of Babia Góra is presented. Based on stock-taking sightseeing method an analysis of the most important tourist attractiveness elements (like infrastructure or tourist values) is done. The focus on the values of unanimated nature is made grouping them into four main categories. As the result of research on infrastructure the most important accommodation units were indicated present at the surroundings of this National Park which is vital for its tourist capacity. For the correct functioning of tourist movement at the protected area the supporting infrastructure is important bearing a lot of functions. The function of channeling of the tourist movement as well as the didactic function are the most important for protection and correct use of geotourist values. Among the many elements of the supporting infrastructure the most important ones are tourist and didactic routes (their course and themes are presented). The most important part of the article is the presentation of the participants of the tourist movement opinions on the Babiogórski National Park tourist attractiveness. A survey was conducted and then analysed on 308 respondents in 2011. They were asked to judge both the quality of infrastructure as well as attraction of geotourist values together with their adaptation to reception by the tourist movement. The results analysis served as a base to appraise the state and perspectives for the geotourism development in Babiogórski National Park from the point of view of the receivers of tourist product i.e. the protected area.