Geopark Management Research Articles

Profiling Geoguides at Stong Geopark: Enhancing Local Expertise for Sustainable Ecotourism

Stong Geopark is a prominent natural attraction site in Kelantan, characterized by its rich biodiversity and variety of species, catering to diverse visitor interests such as wildlife enthusiasts and tourists. Geoguides play a vital role in helping visitors comprehend the significance of the geopark's geological features, the interconnectedness of the ecosystem, and the knowledge of indigenous communities. However, the tourism industry faces challenges in meeting the requirements for various forms of tourism services, including geoguiding. This study aims to profile the geoguides at Stong Geopark and better understand their areas of expertise. The research employs a quantitative approach, surveying 39 geoguides, to provide a comprehensive profile. The findings reveal three distinct clusters of geoguides' areas of expertise: Cluster 1 - Nature and Adventure, Cluster 2 - Nature, and Cluster 3 - Adventure. The study also highlights the need for the majority of geoguides to receive additional training in English communication skills and continuous professional development courses. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the profiles of geoguides at Stong Geopark, emphasizing the importance of supporting and developing local geoguides' expertise to enhance the effectiveness of geopark management and visitor satisfaction. Furthermore, the study provides a spatial understanding of Stong Geopark by highlighting the locations of active geoguides in relation to the distribution of geosites. The findings can inform policymakers, tourism authorities, and geopark management in developing targeted strategies for capacity building and professionalization of geoguides, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of Stong Geopark as a thriving ecotourism destination.

Программно-целевое управление территорией геопарков: правовые и экономические аспекты

The authors analyzed the legal problems of organizing geoparks in Russia. The research methods are the comparative legal method. The main results of the study include the fact that the authors proposed a model of the legal status of geoparks. The novelty of the work is justified by the fact that there are practically no publications in the scientific legal environment devoted to the organization, creation and development of geoparks. Attempts are being made in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to adopt regional legislation on geoparks, the provisions of which, in some cases, contradict the norms of Russian environmental and other sectoral legislation. The conclusions of the work are as follows. It is necessary to adopt a special federal law in which it is necessary to introduce the concept of "geopark". The legislation on geoparks should specify the possible organizational and legal form of the created geoparks, or the governing bodies of the created territory in accordance with the current federal legislation and the legislation of the subjects of the Russian Federation, as well as the goals of creating geoparks, namely: protection of valuable geological objects; attraction of the local population to small and medium-sized businesses. It is proposed to provide provisions on the mechanism for ensuring the implementation of investment projects by the state and private investors in the territories of geoparks, to work out the mechanism of territorial zoning of geoparks, to consolidate the system of principles of legal regulation in the field of creation, management and development of geoparks and preservation of geological heritage.

Proposal for Effective Management of Geoparks as a Tool for Sustainable Tourism in the Conditions of the Slovak Republic

Geoparks, as sustainable tourism products, embody a range of values and functions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of tourism on the landscape. The current increasing trend in establishing and supporting geoparks has extended to the territory of the Slovak Republic, which possesses valuable natural potential. However, effectively harnessing this potential requires a clearly defined management structure aligned with the goals and mission of each geopark. The paper presents the operational aspects of geoparks in Slovakia, providing a comprehensive overview of geopark management followed by a subsequent evaluation. Assessing the management approach yields valuable insights into the ongoing development of Slovak geoparks, serving as a stepping stone for their further advancement. These geoparks are in a state of continual evolution, demanding significant support to ensure their efficient functioning. The study establishes clear quality management criteria for optimal staffing. The main objective of the paper is to demonstrate the need for the professionalization of human resources in geopark management. Additionally, the article concludes with a model for a strategic approach to human resources management, covering all its areas. Geoparks, as a modern product of geotourism and territorial management, represent innovative strategies for protecting and conserving geodiversity. They are closely intertwined with knowledge dissemination, education, and fostering a broader appreciation for the Earth’s value. Moreover, they play a vital role in the sustainable development and preservation of territories.

Correlating geodiversity and mining in the seridó UNESCO Global Geopark: Spatial and impact analysis in brazilian northeast

Mining areas can provide important information for interpreting the geodiversity and geological heritage of an area, which also results in the need for special attention to conservation in terms of inventory, impact studies, and recovery plans for degraded areas. The territory of the Seridó UNESCO Global Geopark, northeastern Brazil, has several mining districts linked to the production of scheelite, gold, gemstones, dimensional rocks, and kaolin. Thus, we aimed to assess the impact of mining on the geopark's geodiversity and geoheritage. Through cartographic analysis, mineral resources and mining areas were observed, overlapping with geodiversity mapping, geosites' proximity to exploration areas, and abiotic ecosystem services generated or interrupted by mining. The results showed a wide diversity of resources and different relationships between geodiversity hotspots, geosites, and mining areas. The mineral exploitation could be fundamental for sustainable development in the geopark, considering proper conditions of ecosystem services balancing, and adequate use of international geoheritage and geoconservation policies in active mining. Furthermore, the paper presented that abiotic nature should be considered in environmental impact assessments and mining restoration plans. The geopark management should continue to develop initiatives to take advantage of mineral resources to promote sustainability.

The complex governance of protected areas: Insights from geoheritage and geopark management in China

The complex governance of protected areas: Insights from geoheritage and geopark management in China

Enhancing Educational Strategies for Sustainable Tourism in the Geopark Area: A Case Study Geopark Maros Pangkep

Tourist destinations in ecologically sensitive areas face significant challenges in balancing visitor management with conservation efforts. The Rammang-Rammang Karst Area in Maros District, part of the proposed UNESCO Global Geopark Maros-Pangkep, exemplifies these challenges. This study investigates current visitor management strategies in Rammang-Rammang, focusing on physical, regulatory, economic, and educational approaches. Methodologically, the research employs a qualitative descriptive analysis through a case study approach. Data collection includes on-site observations, interviews with key stakeholders such as local tourism authorities, Geopark management, community-based tourism groups, and tour guides, supplemented by document analysis. Triangulation of data ensures reliability and validity. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of existing strategies in managing visitor impacts on both the environment and local culture. Challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure and inconsistent enforcement of regulations. Educational initiatives show promise in raising visitor awareness but require enhancement. The study concludes by recommending integrated strategies that strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve infrastructure, and enhance visitor education to achieve sustainable tourism practices in Rammang-Rammang. This research contributes insights applicable to similar karst landscapes globally, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches that harmonize conservation goals with socio-economic benefits. By addressing these challenges comprehensively, this study aims to support the long-term sustainability and resilience of ecotourism in Rammang-Rammang and comparable geological formations worldwide.

An Investigation of Willingness to Pay for Geopark Management and Conservation: A Case Study of Geotourists in the Greater China Region

Willingness to pay (WTP) for geological protection is essential for market-based geopark conservation tactic formulations. Whether geotourists are willing to pay and how much they prefer to pay might be influenced by different determinants. The present study aims to (1) investigate the probability of paying and the payment amount for geopark conservation and (2) examine how factors influence the intention and amount to pay for the upkeep of geoparks. The results suggest that geotourists would contribute financially to geological conservation and geopark management. The findings also revealed that geotourists’ intentions and payment for conservation were associated with educational background and monthly income level. In addition, geotourist attachment and satisfaction concerning visiting geoparks positively affected intention and payment. This study might provide empirical references for geopark management and conservation in the Greater China Region.

Structure of Sustainable Management of Geoparks through Multi-Criteria Methods

Geoparks, as a modern product of geotourism and territorial management, currently represent a new way of protecting and preserving geoheritage, which is closely related to knowledge and education. They increase general awareness of the value of the Earth and, on the other hand, represent the support and development of the territory. The fulfillment of geopark goals, together with their purpose and activities, emphasizes the need for an effective management structure and function of the whole. This research aimed at clarifying the management issues of geoparks, and defined management areas derived from essential geopark functions. Based on determining management areas and their specifics, the task is to define a suitable management structure applicable in geoparks, representing a supporting link in creating plans and management methods. The task involves a multi-criteria decision-making method to define an appropriate management structure for the geopark. This method helped to define three key areas of management, such as marketing management, cooperation management and, last but not least, destination management. Of course, this does not mean that other areas of management are not important, as they represent an inseparable support structure in management. The usability of the results of this article can serve as support in the creation of management plans, and also indicates priorities in deciding which way to proceed in the management of geoparks as specific entities.

Understanding the Determinants of Geologically Responsible Behaviour among Geotourists: A Multi-Destination Analysis

This study explores the drivers of geologically responsible behaviour among geotourists in three geoparks in the Greater China region: Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark in southern China, Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, and Yehliu Geopark in northern Taiwan. On-site questionnaire surveys were conducted, collecting over 800 respondents in these geoparks, and structural equation modelling was applied for our analysis. The findings reveal that geologically responsible behaviour is positively associated with environmentally responsible attitudes, in line with some previous research. Notably, place attachment and visitor satisfaction were not directly related to geologically responsible behaviour but were positively correlated with environmentally responsible attitudes. This suggests that emotional connections to geoparks and visitor satisfaction indirectly nurture environmentally responsible attitudes, subsequently leading to geologically responsible behaviour. These results offer practical implications for geopark management practices. Providing informative guided tours and quality informational materials can enhance visitors’ geological knowledge and foster environmentally responsible attitudes. The improvement of the visitor experience, combined with the dissemination of accurate environmental knowledge and conservation messaging, can enhance visitor satisfaction, deepen attachment to geoparks, and, ultimately, encourage more geologically responsible behaviours. Understanding these relationships can assist geotourism destinations in promoting geological resources’ conservation while enhancing the visitor experience.

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.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GEOPARK MANAGEMENT SYATEM IN SOUTHWEST CHINA BASED ON GIS

Abstract. Geoparks contain various geological relics and peculiar geological landscapes, which have good ornamental value and are non-renewable precious wealth. Today, with the deterioration of the natural environment and the impact of human activities, the geopark has been destroyed to a certain extent, but the current research methods on the geopark are still mostly traditional propaganda methods with a single method. This study takes the geoparks in Southwest China as the research object, establishes a geopark management system, realizes the display, query, statistical rendering, distribution analysis and impact factor analysis of geoparks in the region, not only intuitively reflects the distribution of geoparks, The GIS analysis method is also introduced to explore the regularity of their distribution and the factors affecting the distribution, so as to provide reference for the protection, planning and construction of subsequent geoparks.

Evaluation of Geosites from the Perspective of Geopark Management: the Example of Proposed Zemplín Geopark

Recently, geotourism has enriched the range of tourism products with its relatively new attraction—geoparks. In addition to high-quality management, geoparks must also offer excellent geological attractions (geosites). Several scientific works dealt with the geoheritage management and geosite evaluation procedure. The paper evaluates geosites from the geopark management point of view while considering the needs of such geoparks. Using newly created methodology, we have selected the limiting criteria that indicate the usability of geosites in the geopark. The management and the methodology above were tested at the proposed Zemplín geopark. The results indicate the importance of such an evaluation throughout all the phases of the geopark creation process.

Exploring Greek UNESCO Global Geoparks: A Systematic Review of Grey Literature on Greek Universities and Future Research Avenues for Sustainable Development

The relationship between humans and the environment in the modern world is challenging. UNESCO Global Geoparks are current holistic approaches for protecting and managing geographical areas that emphasise local communities and sustainability. This paper attempts to review the grey literature of Greek universities through their academic repositories, regarding the research field referred to as Greek UNESCO Global Geoparks from 2000 to 2022 and using the keyword “Geopark” to determine possible future research directions. Through the systematic literature review methodology, from 138 bibliographic sources, 28 were selected, which met the predefined criteria. In general, there is a growing scientific–academic interest in Geoparks, which mainly concerns the aspects of geotourism (n = 7), geology (n = 6), management (n = 4), and education (n = 4). Future research directions may focus on promoting the socio-economic and cultural aspects of Geoparks, investing in collaborative management and governance of Geoparks, facing climate change and environmental challenges in Geoparks, and enhancing Geoenvironmental Education in Geoparks. Such approaches may serve the United Nation’s Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals and cultivate cognitive and emotional bonds between local populations and the geoenvironment.

Stakeholders collaboration management of Rinjani Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark: social capital perspectives

Background: The Executive Board of RLUGGp Management Agency, officially, is the designated technical organizer for Lombok Rinjani Geopark, established by the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara. However, in reality, it needs more authority to manage the Lombok Rinjani Geopark area. The Executive Board of RLUGGp Management office can only fulfill its functions with jurisdictional control over regional management. Purpose: This research aims to investigate the forms of collaboration among the actors involved in managing Geopark Rinjani Lombok. Methods: It is a qualitative and explorative case study, with data collection through In-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis. Results: Stakeholder classification according to geopark management: (1) stakeholders based on their connection to the areas within the delineation of Geopark Rinjani Lombok; (2) stakeholders based on their hierarchical position within the government structure; (3) stakeholders who are part of the internal staffs of Geopark Rinjani Lombok Management Board; and (4) stakeholders supporting the management of Geopark Rinjani Lombok. The voluntary formation of interpersonal connections and the cultivation of trust among stakeholders, who are social actors within a social system, serve as the foundation for collaboration, coordination, and communication. Conclusion: Communities are pivotal in the successful execution of diverse development programs within Rinjani Lombok Geopark. Additionally, the Rinjani Geopark Youth Forum (RGYF) serves as the most substantial additional force in the execution of all programs. Implications: The dissatisfaction of each actor will hinder the achievement of the program objectives. Effective managerial communication should be practiced by a leader with authority and a significant role in the management of Geopark Rinjani Lombok.

Geospatial analysis of the distribution of the Megalithic to colonial cultural features at the Karangsambung-Karangbolong National Geopark, Kebumen, Indonesia and its surrounding area

The Karangsambung-Karangbolong National Geopark, Kebumen, Indonesia, and its surrounding area contain numerous cultural sites. Such cultural sites are generally located not only for cultural reasons but also for geological conditions and geodiversity. We examine the relationships in space between these sites and the geology and geomorphology. There are 11 Megalithic era cultural sites, 12 Hindi - Buddist sites, 31 Islamic sites, and 83 colonial sites in the research area. We look at the geospatial distribution of the sites concerning seven geological criteria: lithology, elevation, slope, landscape, mining materials, distance from rivers and groundwater using an overlay process using Geographical Information System applications. The geospatial analysis of site distribution allowed us to find that the leading choice for site location was on alluvial deposits. Mining potential was not a significant correlation to site placement. Elevation (<50 m) and slope (<7%) were the primary choices in all areas. Fluvial landscapes were the top landscape type, followed by denudational landscapes. Most sites are located less than 750 m from a river and underlain with large productive aquifers. Combined geological and cultural research can strengthen a site's meaning and significance if carried out spatially so that the main geological parameters that influence the formation of the culture of an area can be identified. The main benefit is knowing the relationship between geological and cultural diversity so that it can be used in geotourism development, site assessment, and geopark management. Locations that need to be followed up for management and local government include a group of sites in the Gombong sub-district (mainly K-58, along with others such as K-59, K-60, K-61, K-52, K-64, K-65, K-67, K-68, K-69, K- 70, K-71, K-72), Rowokele sub-district (especially M-1, M-2, K-81, others K-79, and K-80), Ayah sub-district (HB-2), Buayan sub-district (M-9, HB-9), Karanganyar sub-district (especially K-48, and others such as K-49, K-52, K-54, K-55), Pejagoan sub-district (K-39, K44), Klirong sub-district (especially in the Gebangsari Pottery Tourism Village: M-8, HB-6, I-9), Petanahan sub-district (I-13, I-15, I-16), Buluspesantren sub-disistrict (M-4, I-27), Ambal sub-district (especially K-11, and others such as K-12, K-13, and K-14), Kebumen sub-district (especially HB-5, I-1, K-16, K-17, and others such as I-2, I-4, I-6, I-16, K-18, K-19, K-20, K -21, K-22, K-23, K-24, K-26, K-27, K-37), Alian sub-district (especially K-33, and others such as K-32, K-31), Kutowinangun sub-district (especially K-8, and others such as K-9, K-10), Prembun sub-district (especially the K-1 site, and others such as K-2, K-3, K-5).

Sosialisasi Bayah Geopark untuk menjadi UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGG) Pada Komunitas Geopark Youth Forum (GYF)

UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGG) are single and unified geographic areas where sites and landscapes of international geological importance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Geopark Youth Forum (GYF) is a community formed under the guidance and supervision of the Bayah Dome Geopark Management Agency, Lebak Regency, Banten Province. Its main task is to assist the Management Body in educating and promoting the Bayah Dome Geopark tourist area and managing its geosite tourism. GYF members already have the ability to use digital technology, but optimizing this digital technology to manage the tourism sector is still inadequate. This Community Service activity aims to provide socialization for GYF members to understand the concept of UGG and become the basic goal for Geopark Bayah to become part of UGG (UNESCO Global Geoparks) so that it automatically becomes a means of promoting the Geopark Bayah Dome tourism area. The hope is that the socialization of UGG will encourage enthusiasm to help manage the tourism sector so that it can improve the regional economy in a sustainable manner. Community service activities begin with the problem identification stage, discussions with partners for the preparation of work programs, implementation and evaluation. The results of the implementation of community service show that there has been an increase in understanding of the importance of Bayah Geopark being part of UGG. The results of the pre-test of the abilities of the training participants showed that as much as 100% agreed that Bayah Geopark would become part of UGG so that it would become an encouragement for this GYF in assisting tourism management at Bayah Geopark.

Online Marketing of European Geoparks as a Landscape Promotion Tool

In the current post-COVID-19 era, online marketing is a supporting tool in marketing. The potential visitors to tourism destinations, such as geoparks, are increasingly guided and oriented by the rules of online marketing as the online space represents the main source of information. Geoparks should take this as a key fact. The research concentrates on the issue of geopark marketing from the view of the available information that geoparks present in the online space. The fundamental is to point out the information that is available on geopark websites. The method used in the research is based on an evaluation matrix that served as a basis for searching for information on websites. Based on the results of the analysis, geoparks in the EGN network present information of a general nature to a sufficient extent on their websites; they lack a better offer of product packages, online sales and orientation to new social networks that are used by the young generation. The clear answer is the professionalization of marketing, which would undoubtedly represent an effective step in the management of geoparks as well as the promotion of the country that the geopark represents.

RENCANA AKSI BADAN PENGELOLA KAWASAN GEOPARK KABUPATEN NATUNA DALAM PENGEMBANGAN PARIWISATA MENUJU UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK (UGGp)

The Natuna Islands will be proposed as a UNESCO geopark site through a Letter Of Intent (LOL) that Indonesia will submit to the UN organization at the end of 2019, which is submitted by the Head of the Agency for the Study and Policy Development (BPPK) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The purpose of this study is to see and find out the Action Plan from BPKGN as the authorized agency which is planned in geopark management to improve the status of the Natuna National geopark to become a UNESCO Global Geopark. The research uses qualitative research methods which aim to put more emphasis on the process and meaning by describing something. This research is descriptive, namely to describe the reality of the events studied by using a sampling technique, namely Purposive Sampling. His research is based on the reference of Presidential Regulation which describes 2 planning dimensions, namely implementing guidelines and amenities. From the results of the analysis, it can be concluded from the findings that it can be explained that from the dimensions of the Implementing Guidelines, it is found that there are still many findings from the Planned Action Plan. This is due to the weakness in the budget sector which still relies on CSR funds. Furthermore, in its implementation, the majority still involve district government structural officials so that in managing geoparks there is no focus, in determining the delineation boundary it is not yet specific in each existing geosite, land status is still unclear, because it is still community property, and there is no Masterplan so that it still relies on action plans. regions and the lack of education about geoparks, so there is a need for socialization about the existence of geoparks. Furthermore, in the Amenity dimension, there are still many incomplete ones, only the sandstone geosite is complete, and the majority of cooperation partners still rely on local communities.

Creative strategies of local resources in managing geotourism in the Ijen Geopark Bondowoso, East Java, Indonesia

This paper aims to explain the process of developing creative strategies for empowering community capabilities and local resources in managing geotourism in the Ijen Geopark development area of the Bondowoso region. The location is in the Ijen District as a depiction area for developing the Ijen Geopark. The perspective used in this study is a resource-based view with valuable, rare, imitable, non-substitutable (VRIN) analysis to identify the effectiveness of the performance of local geotourism resources. The results showed that the daily management of geoparks has collaborated with institutions in rural areas in building sustainable competitive advantages to manage geotourism oriented to VRIN criteria in the delineation area of the development of the Ijen Geopark.

Study on the Development and Protection Strategy of Geopark of Geological Relics Based on the Idea of Sustainable Development

Taishan tourism economy is the pillar industry of Tai'an's economic development and the "leader" of local industry. According to the tourism development strategy of Tai 'an City, the tourism of Mount Taishan is the core and the tourism of surrounding areas is the supplement. With Mount Taishan driving the surrounding areas and tourism driving other industries, we can realize a comprehensive tourism economic structure of common development and common prosperity. Strengthening the protection, rational development and utilization of geological relics will promote the development of tourism industry and regional economy, and improve the living standard and scientific and cultural quality of residents where geological relics are located. As the world's first "World Natural and Cultural Heritage" site, Mount Taishan has rich research resources and protection and development prospects in environmental landscape, geological structure and plant ecology. Based on the idea of sustainable development, this paper establishes a standardized management mechanism, coordinates the management responsibilities of various departments, strengthens the professional training of employees in geoparks, holds special seminars on the construction and management of geoparks, and strengthens the exchanges with other industries to make up for the lack of knowledge and experience of geoparks, so as to promote the healthy and sustainable development of Taishan World Geopark.