National Geopark Research Articles

Geodiversity, Geoconservation and Sustainable Development in Qian’an National Geopark (Hebei, China)

Geodiversity, Geoconservation and Sustainable Development in Qian’an National Geopark (Hebei, China)

Assessment of Physical, Social, and Economic Vulnerability to Landslides Disaster in the Karangsambung Karangbolong National Geopark, Indonesia.

Abstract The Karangsambung-Karangbolong National Geopark (GNKK) is administratively located in Kebumen Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The GNKK area has an area of 543,599 km2 which includes 12 sub-districts with 117 villages. The morphology of the GNKK area consists of hills, valleys, and plains to the coast. The morphology of hills and mountains is an area that is prone to landslides. Assessment of physical, social, and economic vulnerability needs to be carried out so that disaster risk analysis and mitigation can be carried out in the future. The aims of this study are 1. To determine the spatial distribution of physical, social, and economic vulnerabilities in the Karangsambung Karangbolong National Geopark Area, 2. To analyze the physical, social, and economic vulnerability to landslides in the Karangsambung Karangbolong National Geopark Area. Assessment of physical, social, and economic vulnerability using the Spatial Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE) method. The results of the main study of the GNKK area have high, moderate, and low classes of physical, social, and economic vulnerability to landslides. However, most GNKK areas are classified as moderate. The community’s social conditions in each village significantly affect the areas prone to frequent landslides. The strategy for disaster mitigation by a landslide is increasing human resources for disaster knowledge with disaster mitigation training and using infrastructures such as installing landslide-prone signs and trigger lines.

Analisis Vegetasi Tumbuhan Tingkat Pohon di Kawasan Geopark Silokek Kabupaten Sijunjung

Silokek Geopark Area is a geopark area that is being appointed into a national geopark consisting of 25 geodiversity, 12 biodiversity, and 17 cultural diversity sites. The objective of the study is to determine the composition and structure of vegetation of trees in the Silokek Geopark area, Sijunjung Regency. This research has been conducted from September to December 2022 by using the transect method. The plot was made of 10 plots with a size of 10x10 meters for vegetation that is placed alternately on both sides of the transect. Identification is carried out at the Andalas University Herbarium. Based on the research results, 15 families, 19 genera, 22 species, and 30 individuals were found. The co-dominant families are Moraceae (20%), Ebenaceae (16.67%), and Euphorbiaceae (13.33%). The highest important value index of Ficus Stricta was obtained at 57.86% and the lowest in the Nephelium Lappaceum at 7.36%. The plant diversity index in this area is classified as moderate (H '= 2.85). It is recommended that the government to controlling the diversity of plants in the Silokek Geopark area, considering that this area is a tourist area.

Zircon U-Pb Dating, Geochemistry, Lu-Hf Isotope Characteristics, and Geological Significance of Volcanic Rocks in Zhenghe Fozi Mountain National Geopark, Fujian, China

Fozi Mountain National Geopark is located in Zhenghe County in the northern region of Fujian Province, where the volcanic rocks of the Zhaixia Formation of the Shimaoshan Group are exposed. Zircon U-Pb dating and geochemical analysis were carried out to constrain its age and tectonic environment. The results show that three zircon U-Pb dating samples have attained ages of 99.2 ± 1.0 Ma, 99.6 ± 0.8 Ma, and 99.7 ± 2.0 Ma. Volcanic rocks in the core scenic area of Fozi Mountain were formed during the Late Cretaceous period. Elemental analysis showed that these volcanic rocks were dominated by the shoshonite series. They include gray dacite porphyry, grayish-white breccia tuff, volcanic agglomerate, and gray tuffaceous sandstone. These rocks were characterized by high silicon, high alkali content, and rich potassium levels. Lu-Hf isotope analysis of zircons revealed that their εHf(t) values varied from −8.7 to −6.8. The corresponding TDM2 values were primarily distributed in the range of 1.71 Ga to 1.59 Ga. These findings indicated that the magma primarily originated from the partial melting of the Mesoproterozoic crystalline basement, accompanied by a small number of mantle-derived materials. Tectonic environment analysis indicated that these rocks were formed in the post-orogenic intraplate extensional environment, which was associated with the back-arc extension or lithospheric thinning caused by the subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate beneath the Eurasian plate. The formation of these volcanic rocks was attributed to post-orogenic magmatism.

Arcyria similaris: A new myxomycete species from China

ABSTRACT A new myxomycete species, Arcyria similaris, was reported herein. The specimens were found and collected in the field on dead bark from Jingangtai National Geopark in Henan Province of China. This species has distinct and unique morphological characteristics, including dark grayish olive sporothecae that fade to smoke gray with age, shallow saucer-shaped cups with marked reticulations and thick papillae on the inner surface, a netted capillitium with many bulges, uniformly marked with low, dense, and irregular reticulations, and spores (8.0–)9.3–10.1(–10.9) μm in diameter, marked with sparse small warts and grouped prominent warts. Apart from a comprehensive morphological study, partial sequences of the nuclear 18S rDNA and elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α) genes were also provided in this study. This new species was described and illustrated morphologically. The specimens are deposited in the Herbarium of Fungi of Nanjing Normal University (HFNNU).

Evaluation of student perspectives and awareness regarding Kenyir Geopark

Kenyir Geopark, a National Geopark, showcases Malaysia’s diverse geology, rich biodiversity, and significant cultural heritage. This study surveyed public awareness of Kenyir Geopark, focusing on students to ensure the younger generation understands natural heritage. A questionnaire, developed and pilot-tested for clarity, included questions on demographics, awareness, information sources, extracurricular interest, and Earth science enjoyment. The survey was distributed at the “Program Jom Kenali Kenyir Geopark” at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jenagor, a partner school of Kenyir Geopark. Participants had 20 minutes to complete it, and data were analyzed statistically. The survey revealed that while 64.1% of students recognized Kenyir Geopark, only 11% frequently visited natural parks. Although they valued conservation, notable gaps in awareness and interest in earth sciences were identified. This highlights the need for improved educational programs to enhance student engagement and understanding of geopark activities. The proposed educational framework for Kenyir Geopark, which focuses on contextual learning, interactive tools, and collaborative teaching, cultivates a strong sense of ownership and responsibility among young people. Through immersive, hands-on experiences, this approach empowers them to actively participate in preserving and sustainably developing the park. By strengthening the connection between young people and Kenyir Geopark, these initiatives can promote long-term sustainability and community involvement in preserving this unique geological and cultural landscape.

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

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

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

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

Bayah Dome Geopark Information System Based On Website Using Prototype Method

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

The Role of Promotional Media in Developing Sustainable Mining Heritage Tourism

Open Pit Nam Salu tourist area, a Belitung National Geopark that has received recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark, is one of the mining heritage-based tourist attractions visited by tourists from several countries from all continents of the world. For this reason, this research aims to analyze the role of promotion media in developing sustainable tourism on mining heritage. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative using the Systematic Literature Review method, supported by interview and documentation methods. The study was conducted in Belitung, Bangka Belitung Province, Indonesia. The results show that promotional media is essential in helping the development of sustainable mining heritage tourism. The dominant promotional activities the Open Pit Nam Salu tourist attraction management carries out are advertising and digital/internet marketing. Then, regarding the sustainability of mining heritage tourism, at least three pillars must be met, starting from the environmental, social, and economic pillars.

Multi-Track Diplomacy of the Joint State Actor and Non-State Actor Proposed the Maros Pangkep Geopark to Become a UNESCO Global Geopark

The Maros area has been initiated to be developed into a national geopark in 2015, then to maintain,protect, preserve and be recognized globally. The Maros area is proposed to become a UNESCOGlobal Geopark in 2021. This research aims to understand the process of the government,stakeholders, and the community around the geopark proposed that the Maros Geopark become aUNESCO Global Geopark (UGG). This research used a qualitative method with a descriptivenarrative approach from various sources, articles, websites, and news. The findings from this researchthrough multi-track diplomacy, which focuses on track one (state) and track two (non-state actors),showed that the relevant actors succeeded in turning the Maros Pangkep Geopark into a UGG. Theannouncement was made at a council meeting in Thailand on September 4, 2022, followed by anofficial announcement on May 24, 2023, based on decisions taken at the 216th UNESCO ExecutiveBoard Session in Paris.

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

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

Tourists’ Perceptions of Popular Science Education in Tianshan Tianchi National Geopark in Xinjiang

Tourists’ Perceptions of Popular Science Education in Tianshan Tianchi National Geopark in Xinjiang

Kajian Pengembangan Pariwisata Berkelanjutan di Geopark Silokek, Kabupaten Sijunjung, Sumatera Barat

Geopark Silokek is National Geopark located in Sijunjung Regency, West Sumatera that comprises potential attractiveness for regional as well as national tourism sector. Tourism development in Geopark Silokek has been done since 2004 in order to improve local community economy and reduce environmental dergadation. Tourism development has focused on obtaining the positive impact in economic dimension and tends to ignore the sustainability of environmental and socio-cultural dimensions so far. The aims of this research are to describe changes on tourism development in Geopark Silokek as National Geopark and to examine sustainability of tourism development in Geopark Silokek as tourism destination. The approach used in this research is qualitative. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and document study. Collected data were analyzed by qualitative-descriptive analysis method. The result of this research showed that tourism development in Geopark Silokek as National Geopark change to be better. The condition of tourism at the period before Geopark Silokek legitimated as National Geopark was not optimal while at the period after it is approved as National Geopark the quality getting enhancement, both in terms of attraction, amenities, accessibility, and ancillary. Furthermore, sustainable tourism development has not implemented integrally in the development of Geopark Silokek becoming tourism destination. The tourism development in Geopark Silokek does not show the sustainability in environmental dimension, socio-cultural dimension, nor economic dimension.

LG and LGA’s Collaboration in SDGs Implementation of the Geopark of Sawahlunto City, Indonesia

This article elucidates the significance of collaboration between the Local Government (LG) and the Local Government Association (LGA) in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation within Sawahlunto City Geopark, Indonesia that aims to explore the role of diverse stakeholders in shaping policy implementation in Indonesia, particularly in the context of Geopark tourism in Sawahlunto. The central issue at hand concerns how LGA can assist in surmounting challenges and bolstering Sawahlunto City's aspiration to elevate its status from a National Geopark to a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG). This research employs theoretical frameworks and adopts a qualitative approach using the quadruple helix investigator model. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews and the acquisition of information from primary and secondary sources, including Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD), Geopark documentation, Project Documents, and more. The research findings underscore the pivotal role played by UCLG ASPAC, as an LGA, in collaborating with LG to optimize the involvement of other stakeholders in advancing RPJMD, particularly in the realm of tourism aligned with SDG 11.4. Furthermore, this collaboration is crucial for aiding LG in realizing its aspiration to attain UGG status. Additionally, it emphasizes the imperative for regional governments with geopark potential to develop their regional assets.

Study on Influencing Factors of Willingness to Pay for Tourism Eco-Compensation in Danxiashan National Geopark

The detrimental effects of tourism on ecosystems are becoming increasingly clear as industries develop rapidly. The relationship between tourism growth and environmental preservation can be balanced through a tourism eco-compensation mechanism, which is a key institutional mechanism. The academic community has become a popular scientific topic. Developing a tourism eco-compensation mechanism can be based on knowledge of the public’s willingness to pay for it and the variables that influence it. This paper is based on the theory of planned behaviour and uses the Danxiashan National Geopark as an example. A questionnaire was used to gather data for this study. SPSS (version 26.0) was then used to analyse the data and determine how variables affect the WTP for ecotourism work. The findings demonstrate that environmental values and sensitivity are the key factors influencing the willingness to pay for tourism eco-compensation. This study concludes by offering solutions and ideas for building an eco-compensation mechanism for tourism.

Collaborative Communication Model for MSEs Business Sustainability at Pongkor National Geopark

Purpose: Local economic development is part of the development of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the Geopark area which distinguishes them from MSEs with the Geoproduct concept, namely products that have a geoliteracy. Collaborative communication in development communication requires the involvement of stakeholders in the development process from planning, implementation to monitoring and evaluation to realize the sustainability of MSEs business. The research objectives are: (1) analyzing the characteristics of MSE actors and MSE business conditions in the Pongkor National Geopark area; (2) analyzing the perceptions of stakeholders and their influence on MSE business sustainability; (3) formulating a collaborative communication model that describes the variables that affect MSE business sustainability.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was conducted using a Mix Method approach, namely sequential exploratory, with the first order of quantitative methods and the second order using qualitative methods. The qualitative research method was conducted with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The quantitative research method was carried out with the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method to determine the communication model of MSE business sustainability in the Pongkor National Geopark.
 Findings: The results showed that the characteristics of MSE actors have secondary education with a generally culinary business and have joined the community. There are differences in perceptions from stakeholders related to factors that affect business sustainability which include competitive products, competent human resources and collaborating stakeholders; and the collaboration communication model shows that collaborative competence is influenced by digital competence, stakeholder support and interest in Geopark and Geoproduct, and collaborative competence affects MSE business sustainability in Pongkor National Geopark. Based on this, it is found that the collaborative communication model has not been effective because the level of understanding of collaboration by stakeholders, especially MSE actors, is not optimal.
 Implications/Originality/Value: So in the future, the collaborative communication model can be improved through rational choices from the use of digital communication that can eliminate space and time barriers, especially for MSE actors.

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).

Index active tectonic relative of Karangsambung geopark area, Central Java, Indonesia: assessment for developing geological disaster-based areas

Karangsambung as a “subduction fossil” of the Cretaceous-Paleocene on the island of Java, has a complex geological structure. The current subduction process in the south of Java with a north-south compression force has contributed to the reactivation of the geological structure in Karangsambung. The index active tectonic relative (IAT) of the Karangsambung area reflects the current level of tectonic activity. IAT is obtained from quantitative calculations of geomorphic indices, including streams length - gradients index (Sl), the ratio of valley floor width to valley height (Vf), basin asymmetry (Af), basin shape (Bs). mountain front sinuosity (Smf), the hypsometric integral (HI), and drainage density (Dd). The index active tectonic relative (IAT) calculation with an average IAT value of 2.37 indicates that tectonic activity is in the medium/moderate category. In addition, an attempt was made to compare the regional neotectonic activity with the relative tectonic activity of the study area. Based on this geomorphic analysis, the study area may have a lower seismic risk but needs to be evaluated more carefully for regional seismic hazards. The IAT value can be used as an initial reference for geological disaster assessment, especially earthquakes hazard in the development of the Karangsambung National Geopark Area.

서해안권 국가지질공원 안내판에 대한 고등학생들의 시각적 주의 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the visual attention of vocational high school students on the national geopark information boards, and to find the reformation for the descriptive contents and layout of the geopark information boards.&#x0D; Methods For this, we collected and analyzed data on fixation duration, gaze plot, and transition of fixation while vocational high school students (N=13) read three types of geopark information boards using a eye tracker (Tobii Pro Glass 2 model).&#x0D; Results The results were as follows. First, high school students tried to understand the geological structure by focusing on texts rather than images while reading the geopark information boards. Second, high school students' eyes generally scanned from left to right, top to bottom on the geopark information boards but their visual attention were influenced by the importance of the object. Third, high school students actively transfered their visual attention to the image area, focusing on the text area explaining the geological structure on the geopark information boards.&#x0D; Conclusions Therefore, according to the visual attention of high school students, the text area should be placed in the middle of the information boards, the area that actively transfered to the text area should be disposed close to the text area. And the learning contents should be arranged in the order that matches the gaze plot on the geopark information boards. The results of this study can substantially help to produce a geopark information boards in the future and improve the environment of earth science education in the national geopark.