Protection Of Geoheritage Research Articles

Spatial patterns of Geological Culture Villages (Towns) and their influential factors in China

Geological Culture Villages Towns (GCV(T)s) serve as rich repositories of geological resources, embodying significant historical and cultural values that mirror the dynamic interplay between Earth's evolution and human societies. Despite their importance, the theoretical underpinnings of GCV(T)s have not been thoroughly explored and elucidated. This study explores the relationship between geological culture and societal development, revealing the linkage between geological culture and societal advancement with the aim of promoting a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the environment. Focusing on 96 GCV(T)s in China, this study employs spatial analytical techniques such as the nearest-neighbor index, kernel density analysis, geographic connectivity, and geographic detector to scrutinize the spatial distribution patterns and identify key influencing factors. The findings reveal that (1) GCV(T)s exhibit uneven distribution, with concentrations in the Yangtze River Delta region, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and Shanxi-Gansu and Ningxia Provinces. (2) These sites tend to be situated in areas characterized by active geological formations, abundant geological relics, higher elevations, gentle topography, and ample rainfall. (3) The establishment and evolution of GCV(T)s are shaped by a complex interplay of geological heritage, natural factors, and human interventions. While the selection and spatial arrangement of these sites are predominantly influenced by geological and natural factors, the innovative development of their geological cultural heritage is driven by humanistic considerations. Overall, the distribution and evolution of GCV(T)s stem from multifaceted interactions among diverse factors. Recognizing this intricate web of influences is crucial for safeguarding geocultural diversity and formulating conservation strategies for geoheritage protection. The development of GCV(T)s transcends mere geoheritage preservation, it embodies a pivotal stride toward safeguarding the varied and multi-dimensional global geoheritage.

From Geoparks to Regional Sustainable Development: Geoheritage Protection and Geotourism Promotion of Geoparks in Hebei Province, China

From Geoparks to Regional Sustainable Development: Geoheritage Protection and Geotourism Promotion of Geoparks in Hebei Province, China

Geoheritage and Geoconservation: Some Remarks and Considerations

Topics related to geoheritage research, protection, and conservation, as well as the enhancement and dissemination of geoheritage knowledge, have experienced an important increase in interest regarding the perspectives of both research and management policies. In geoheritage and geodiversity management, geoconservation is a term that encompasses a series of actions dedicated to conservation, research on and the protection of geoheritage, and the enhancement as well as dissemination of knowledge in this area. Geoconservation is a kind of container, with several compartments dedicated to different aspects that identify geoheritage and geodiversity, including scientific, technical, administrative, didactical, and political aspects. These aspects are necessarily different according to (i) objects directly or indirectly involved in geoconservation actions; (ii) the area of application (protected and unprotected natural areas; emerged, submerged, or mixed areas; and urban, urbanized, and/or anthropized areas); (iii) final goals; and (iv) the final end users. This paper presents a schematization of geoconservation concepts and applications as expressed in the literature and as a result of personal experience in addressing issues related to geoheritage management.

Discovery and recovery of an exceptional accumulation of Carboniferous echinoids at Hook Head, Wexford

Geoconservation is a burgeoning area of activity within the Earth sciences and the preservation of significant fossil finds remains crucial for the advancement of palaeontological knowledge and protection of geoheritage. Here, we report on the discovery of an unusually large and remarkably well-preserved cluster of Carboniferous echinoids at Hook Head in County Wexford, Ireland. The fossil accumulation was located in the upper part of the Ballysteen Limestone Formation, which is Tournaisian in age and records sedimentation on a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic shelf/ramp. The fossil record of Paleozoic echinoids is generally poorly sampled; however, the fossil cluster from Hook Head includes at least 250 partially imbricated echinoid specimens in close association and preserves features such as the spines, Aristotle's lantern and peristomal plates. The fossil-bearing surface was precariously located on a coastal outcrop and at serious risk of being removed by storm activity, prompting an emergency rescue operation. The successful recovery of this important fossil find, which included securing official permission for extraction of the slab and its lodgement with the National Museum of Ireland, represents something of a first for Irish geological conservation.

Discovery and Recovery of an Exceptional Accumulation of Carboniferous Echinoids at Hook Head, Wexford.

Geoconservation is a burgeoning area of activity within the Earth sciences and the preservation of significant fossil finds remains crucial for the advancement of palaeontological knowledge and protection of geoheritage. Here, we report on the discovery of an unusually large and remarkably well-preserved cluster of Carboniferous echinoids at Hook Head in County Wexford, Ireland. The fossil accumulation was located in the upper part of the Ballysteen Limestone Formation, which is Tournaisian in age and records sedimentation on a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic shelf/ramp. The fossil record of Paleozoic echinoids is generally poorly sampled; however, the fossil cluster from Hook Head includes at least 250 partially imbricated echinoid specimens in close association and preserves features such as the spines, Aristotle’s lantern and peristomal plates. The fossil-bearing surface was precariously located on a coastal outcrop and at serious risk of being removed by storm activity, prompting an emergency rescue operation. The successful recovery of this important fossil find, which included securing official permission for extraction of the slab and its lodgement with the National Museum of Ireland, represents something of a first for Irish geological conservation.

Evaluation of Potential Geo-tourism Based on Geo-diversity Towards Sustainable Tourism at Citarum River

The research aims to identify and map geodiversity as excellent potential for geo-heritage and geo-tourism attraction, also classify them into geo-tourism destination. Research used qualitative method with descriptive analysis, with data collection through desk study, field observation and analysis of geodiversity and getourism. The main result identified that there are 43 geo-diversity in the upper Citarum River with geo-heritage and potential geo-tourism. The research classified geo-sites into three geo-tourism destination, which are: primary geo-tourism destination, secondary and supporting tourism destination. The Citarum river is one of the main rivers in West Java, which has become a vital source of water and economic activities for West Java community. Citarum river area has geodiversity with a geo-heritage potential which are scattered throughout the region. Environmental degradation has occurred in the area, protection of geo-heritage is important for the geo-tourism. Citarum river area has a potential as the main geo-tourism destination in Bandung City. Therefore, conservation of geo-heritage requires a good planning and policies.

Blue Ice, Meteorites, Fossil Penguins and Rare Minerals: The Case for Enhanced Protection of Antarctica’s Unique Geoheritage – An International Legal Analysis

Its isolation and extreme climate means Antarctica is one of the world’s richest regions for untouched geoheritage. The potential of mining in Antarctica is often talked of in public discourse as a future threat to Antarctica even though the prohibition on mining is absolute and is likely to stay so indefinitely. As such mining does not pose a realistic threat to Antarctica’s geoheritage. The impacts of scientific research and tourism pose more pressing challenges to Antarctica’s geoheritage. This paper considers emerging debates in the Antarctic Treaty System on the need for further protection of Antarctica’s geoheritage. After considering the concept of geoheritage the paper considers key threats to Antarctic geoheritage. The role of Antarctic Specially Protected Area system in the protection of Antarctica’s geoheritage is then considered as is the draft code of conduct on geosciences field research currently being developed within the Antarctic Treaty System. The final part of the paper then goes on to examine how the Antarctic Treaty system could in part draw on the experience of other international initiatives, including the frameworks associated with the UNESCO Global Geoparks movement in developing an Antarctic System for protection of geoheritage.

International legislation as an important instrument in the creation of geoparks in Ukraine

The article considers international legislation as an instrument in the process of establishment of Geoparks in Ukraine. Because the notion “geopark” is relatively new to Europe, and even newer to Ukraine, it is necessary to study the legal aspects of this issue. It was determined that the establishment of geoparks in Ukraine is hindered by numerous problems, particularly: absence of target-legislation, unproductive dialogue with authorities, from local to national and difficult economic conditions. We found that solving the problems should start from the assessment of state and international normative-regulatory acts and characterization of the impact of the latter in the legal field of Ukraine. We found that domestic scientific works do not have many references to the international legislation. Therefore, the necessity arises of developing an international “legal map” in the issue of protection of geoheritage. For this purpose, we analyzed 14,335 international documents relevant for the territory of Ukraine with their respect to their relationship to the protection of nature, natural and cultural heritage, out of which 79 were analyzed in detail. We determined the peculiarities, according to which the international legal acts can be identified and can characterize them by 3 groups: Treaties between states on collaboration; Treaties between states on particular natural objects; important international documents. We determined that 48 of them have different levels of importance in the issue of establishment of Geoparks. We determined that many international documents recommend, encourage, obligate the authorities to support protection of nature, the natural heritage, including geoheritage. With active use of such documents, it is possible to significantly advance in solving the abovementioned problems of establishing Geoparks. Most characterized normative-regulatory acts which are directly or indirectly related to natural objects and territories that could be included in future Geoparks, making them an important tool in preservation of geoheritage. The presented results correspond to all the recent changes in the legislation as at the beginning of 2019. The results can be used by scientists in the process of establishment of real Geoparks in Ukraine, as well for preservation of geological heritage in general.

Levantamento do patrimônio geológico na “APA da Escarpa Devoniana” em Ponta Grossa, Sul do Brasil

This paper presents a geological heritage survey of the ‘Environmental Protection Area (EPA) of the Devonian Escarpment’ within the boundaries of Ponta Grossa (Southern Brazil), a region of notable geodiversity where socio-environmental conflicts are aggravated. The EPA is a conservation unit that embraces part of the Campos Gerais do Paraná, a rich geodiversity area that holds the last remnants of natural grasslands of the region. Consisting of the primordial stage of a geoconservation strategy, the survey for the inventory becomes an important tool to affect the geoheritage protection. Sixty geological interest sites are presented with their main features, use recommendations, and were classified in geological thematic categories. These actions can guide the next steps for geoconservation of this special area.

Geoheritage and Sustainable Development in Yimengshan Geopark

The protection of geoheritage, popularization of geoscience, sustainable development of local society, and economic growth are the most important reasons for establishing a UNESCO Global Geopark. Yimengshan Geopark is an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark. To date, no study has comprehensively described its geoheritage or put forward suggestions about its protection, sustainable development, and community involvement. In this paper, the geoheritage in Yimengshan Geopark is thoroughly investigated and described based on the classification of stratigraphic vestiges, rock relics, tectonic vestiges, landforms, water bodies, cultural significance, and other aspects. To achieve this analysis and address existing problems, a comprehensive SWOT analysis is conducted to examine variable situations. Further suggestions are subsequently put forward about the protection of geoheritage, education programs, geotourism, and sustainable regional development of this geopark. Finally, the prospect of the sustainable development of the geopark is briefly described.

Speleotourism in Slovenia: balancing between mass tourism and geoheritage protection

Abstract Slovenia is considered as the cradle of karst geotourism as cave tourism started there as early as the Middle Ages. To date more than 12,000 caves were discovered from which 22 have the status of tourist caves. From these, 10 were assessed using the M-GAM model (Modified Geosite Assessment Model) to gain information for better future management strategies. The results show that visitors of Slovenian tourist caves mostly appreciate their natural values, as they prefer caves without major tourism infrastructure and they pay attention to their protection status. The model also confirmed that the two most important tourist caves (Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves) have the leading geotourism role and that the management of tourist caves via a regional park as is the case of Škocjan Caves is an example of good practice.

The concept of geoheritage

Geoheritage is the inherent element of global natural heritage, which should be preserved for future generations. Scientific information on evolutionary features and processes of our planet is the main value of natural heritage. The significant feature of natural heritage is the human’s install of the values, which can change over time. Geoheritage is someway similar to historical and cultural heritage, as it is not always associated with natural spaces, and in many circumstances, geological interest can be closely related to historical and cultural elements. It is a part of the natural heritage of a certain site formed by geodiverse elements with particular geological value, thus worth being protected by present and future generations. Geoheritage may cover both the elements underlying where they were formed and the elements removed from their original location (geological samples collection) with paleontological, geomorphological, mineralogical, petrological or stratigraphical merit. Geoheritage is the object of geotourism. Geotourism is a comparably new term used to designate travel devoted to the unique culture and history of any region, travel carrying and accentuating geographical knowledge of the site, its environment, heritage, culture and prosperity of the local population. Geotourism is closely related to geoheritage protection: numerous geotourist attractions are under the protection of the law at the same time. In such cases a special schedule of sightseeing is arranged – the admission to these objects or their specific parts is limited, tourist movement is directed by the explicit and marked routes, the tourist load is controlled, and the other ways to preserve them are applied. Initiation of the European Association for the Conversation of the Geological Heritage became a remarkable event of international importance. Regional working groups were launched in Europe, and Ukraine is the member of the Central European one. Key words: geoheritage, geoconservation, geodiversity, geotourism.

Inventory and Assessment of Palaeontological Sites in the Sousa Basin (Paraíba, Brazil): Preliminary Study to Evaluate the Potential of the Area to Become a Geopark

The Rio do Peixe rift basin developed during the Lower Cretaceous (Neocomian) and comprises the Sousa, Uirauna-Brejo das Freiras, Pombal and Vertentes basins. In these basins, there is an abundant ichnofauna mainly composed of theropod, sauropod and ornithopod dinosaur trackways that represent the palaeontological heritage of the region. As the majority of the fossiliferous areas are located in the Sousa basin, an inventory and assessment of the scientific, educational and touristic values, together with the vulnerability of 25 palaeontological sites, is here presented and discussed. The aims of the study are to guide the strategies of geoheritage protection in the Sousa basin and to evaluate the scientific potential of the area as a geopark. In general, the geosites of the Sousa basin have low scientific and touristic values, moderate educational value and high vulnerability. The fossiliferous areas are suffering from strong natural and anthropic threats and are at high risk of degradation. For these reasons, based on the quality of the palaeontological sites, the region currently has little potential to become a geopark.

Quantitative Evaluation of Geoheritages in Bayan Nur National Geopark

Geoheritage are important resource for human to understand the Earth's history. The geoheritage study has practical significance in the effective protection of geoheritage, the local ecological environment, the popularization of science of the earth, the promoting of local economic in the way of sustainable development, and so on. This paper using AHP and comprehensive evaluation (weighted sum of multi-index comprehensive evaluation model), and expert consultation combining three types of evaluation method, calculates the geoheritage resources and acquires a quantitative result. And the result provides reference for the protection,development and construction of Ningcheng National Geopark.

Towards sustainable development-recommendation of actions for geoparks

From 27th to 29th,May,2011,the participants of the 2nd International Forum on Geoparks from 5 countries gathered in Taining,Fujian Province,China.The participants discussed developing and preserving our Geoparks and Geo-heritage in sustainable ways.The forum recognized that the Geopark Program initiated by UNESCO is an efficient tool for geo-heritage protection,recreation,education and economic development.The role of capacity building in achieving sustainable development of Geoparks is significant and the potential for capacity building has not been fully realized.

Quantitative Assessment of Geotopes as an Effective Tool for Geoheritage Management

A quantitative methodology for the assessment of geotopes that can be used for the sustainable management and conservation of the geological heritage of an area is here presented. As sustainable development, education and conservation are core issues for the successful management of any protected area, this study focuses on the development of specific indexes necessary for determining values concerning the tourism, educational and protection requirements of geotopes. The proposed methodology is based on a series of criteria that cover not only the geological and geographical importance of a geotope but also its scientific, ecological, cultural, aesthetic and economic significance. Based on these criteria, the resulting scientific, ecological, cultural, aesthetic, economic and potential for use scores of each geotope are used to estimate, respectively, the touristic, educational and protection-need value indexes for each geotope on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. This methodology was implemented and tested in two areas in the island of Crete, namely the Psiloritis Natural Park, a European and Global geopark, and the Lassithi Mountains, producing reliable results, which are in agreement with the geopark’s activities and values. The proposed quantitative assessment method is, therefore, a useful tool. It serves the requirements for the adequate management and protection of geoheritage within a territory as it can reveal priorities for sustainable tourism development, including geotourism and educational tourism activities and the conservation of geotopes.

Geoheritage protection of Serbia: Present situation and perspectives

Neglected for decades in relation to the biodiversity and cultural heritage protection, the geoheritage protection has become a new concept, having more and more supporters in the world. The middle of the 1990s marked the beginning of the systematic geoheritage protection in Serbia. The basic components of that process are represented in the paper with the aim of evaluating the situation and noticing the key problems.

Promoting UNESCO Global Geoparks for sustainable development in the Australian-Pacific region

Geotourism is a growth industry taking off in a new direction based upon Geoparks, now in Europe, China and Iran, with others intended worldwide. The Geopark concept that began around a decade ago in Europe underpins the creation of sustainably managed geological places for geoheritage protection, education, research, tourism and creation of jobs, even health and well-being programmes. Through agreements with UNESCO, a European Geopark Network and then a Chinese-based Asia-Pacific one have come into being. UNESCO now organises an Advisory Group of Experts for Geoparks within the Ecology and Earth Sciences Division. Global Geopark Guidelines (see http://www.worldgeopark.or) are provided to enable suitably managed sites to apply and be assessed. Australia and its Pacific neighbours have great potential for creating Geoparks because site planning and infrastructure are already in place. An Australian-Pacific network of interested parties began in 2002 and the first selection for possible Australian Geoparks included palaeontological sites with viable management structures. One area is now deemed as the first Australian Geopark and is working towards application for UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2006. The informal Australasian-Pacific Geopark Network now in existence links and encourages people from the spheres of geoscience education and geoheritage, and those already managing sites. It also provides support for identifying key sites, in outlining policy for future directions, management and explaining the implications for local communities.