UNESCO Geopark Research Articles

Drone-Based Geological Heritage Conservation and Exploration: Insights from Copper UNESCO Geopark

Drone-Based Geological Heritage Conservation and Exploration: Insights from Copper UNESCO Geopark

Spent Coffee Grounds-Based Thermoplaster System to Improve Heritage Building Energy Efficiency: A Case Study in Madonie Park in Sicily

This study reports on the application of an innovative plastering system that reuses organic waste, namely spent coffee grounds (SCG), to improve energy efficiency in historical buildings according to the European Green Deal. The case study was conducted in the village of Polizzi Generosa, selected from 21 small villages located in the extensive UNESCO Geopark of Madonie Park in Sicily. Over time, traditional plasters used in Madonie buildings have shown durability issues due to thermal and hygrometric stresses caused by significant temperature fluctuations in the area. Moreover, much of the considered architectural heritage lacks energy efficiency. Given the global increase in coffee production and the need for more sustainable waste management systems, this investigation proposes an ecological method to reuse SCG in plaster formulation, thereby enhancing the circular economy. To achieve this, many thermoplaster formulations were developed, and the best-performing one, considering both material and aesthetic compatibility with historical buildings, was selected for a real-world application. Additionally, virtual modeling and energy simulations were conducted to test the energy performance of a traditional building in Polizzi Generosa using SCG-based thermoplaster in comparison to traditional lime mortar and commercial alternatives. The real-world application demonstrated the technical feasibility of the process, and the energy simulations showed an improved building masonry energy performance of 0.788 W/m2K and an 11% improvement compared to traditional plaster. Results clearly indicate that SCG can be successfully reused to produce eco-friendly bio composite plasters, providing a more sustainable housing option. This approach offers a durable and cost-effective alternative for housing solutions that meet regulatory requirements for energy efficiency, serving as a smart, highly sustainable, and long-lasting choice for the construction sector. Finally, this result supports the research goal of transforming the 21 municipalities of Madonie into smart and green villages, with the “Smart Coffee-House” exemplifying intelligent rehabilitation processes of existing heritage buildings.

Digital Promotion of Geoheritage along a Tourist Route in M’Goun UNESCO Geopark (Central High Atlas, Morocco) and Visitor Typology Analysis

In the digital era, highlighting the heritage resources of a mountainous region involves describing and advertising them to promote their visibility and attractiveness. Previous studies mainly assess the natural resources of such regions through a multi-indicator descriptive evaluation. This study aims to develop an effective evaluation of such indicators along the main tourist route of the M’Goun UNESCO Global Geopark, located in the central High Atlas of Morocco. The implementation of an experiential method to assess the tourism characteristics of this region is a notable aspect of our study. It includes analyzing the criteria for choosing this destination by segmenting tourists’ consumption experiences. Statistical data analysis has identified five dimensions of destination choice and four visitor groups. Additionally, we created an interactive map and made it accessible online to promote the natural geoheritage of this region. This article proposes to discuss the findings of this research and their applicability in terms of tourism destination management and decision-making, which can assist local governments in allocating tourism resources and land use rationally.

Degree of Self-Understanding Through “Self-Guided Interpretation” in Yeoncheon, Hantan River UNESCO Geopark: Focusing on Readability and Curriculum Relevance

Degree of Self-Understanding Through “Self-Guided Interpretation” in Yeoncheon, Hantan River UNESCO Geopark: Focusing on Readability and Curriculum Relevance

Canadian Geoscience Diplomacy in Collaboration with IUGS, UNESCO IGCP Geoparks, and World Heritage Geosites: Past, Present, and Future

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of IUGS and the 50th anniversary of IGCP, the 2022 symposium entitled “IUGS, Geoparks, and IGCP – Retrospection, today and the future” was coordinated at the GAC-MAC-IAH-CNC-CSPG 2022 Conference in Halifax (16–18 May) with the companion Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark field trip (19–21 May). Canadian leadership within IUGS and IGCP includes J.M. Harrison as the first president of IUGS in 1961, Antony Berger’s work publishing “Episodes”, which is the IUGS’ quarterly international scientific journal, and Canadian leadership on multiple IGCP projects summarized here. Two panel discussions examined the future of geosciences, UNESCO Geoparks and World Geoheritage Sites in Canada. The need for improved communications with politicians, policymakers, and the general public through education and outreach was emphasized in these panel discussions. UNESCO Geoparks (such as the Cliffs of Fundy), UNESCO World Heritage Geosites and significant museum displays represent vehicles for improving communications with the general public about geosciences and potentially inspiring future geoscientists. This report provides a summary of the symposium and explores some of the many themes that it addressed.

Inventory and assessment of geosites and geodiversity sites of the Ait Attab syncline (M’goun unesco Geopark, Morocco) to stimulate geoconservation, geotourism and sustainable development

The Ait Attab syncline, in the southwestern part of the Moroccan Central High Atlas (CHA), is a vast basin characterised by an exceptional geodiversity illustrating the complete sedimentary series in the CHA. This series offers the opportunity to study regional palaeogeography, transgressive and regressive megasequences, Jurassic-Cretaceous volcanism and Atlas tectonics, and various fossils, including dinosaur footprints. The study area also harbours considerable landscape and cultural wealth that can play a significant role in sustainable geotourism and geoeducation development. To promote and protect this geoheritage wealth, the present work provides the first quantitative and qualitative inventory of geosites of interest by adopting Brilha’s (2016) method. Thus, 3 geotrails covering 8 geosites and 11 geodiversity sites have been selected. The evaluation of these sites confirms their scientific and educational importance, which helps understand the geological, tectonic and palaeogeographical evolution of the Ait Attab syncline. The tourist value of these sites is also high, explained by the high interpretative potential of the geosites and their location as a gateway to the M’Goun Unesco geopark. The degradation risk assessment showed that most of these sites have a medium risk, except for palaeontological and magmatic sites, which have a high degradation risk.

The Impacts of Destination Personality and Electronic Word-of-Mouth on Tourists Destination Choice

The main aim of this research is to examine the influences of destination personality and electronic word-of-mouth in the context of destination selection decision-making. It also examines the influence of environmental sustainability on individuals’ sense of satisfaction and the mediating role of satisfaction in the context of destination choice and its subsequent effect on revisit intention. Langkawi’s designation as a UNESCO Geopark underscores its significance in terms of environmental sustainability, which is a primary focus of this study. The findings indicate a significant roles of personality traits of a destination and the electronic word-of-mouth communicated by individuals in decision-making process for selecting a destination. Additionally, the findings reveal that satisfaction plays a mediating role in the relationship between destination selection and the desire to engage in future visits

Methodological proposal to determine the potential of a territory to become a UNESCO Geopark: case study of Nevado del Ruiz Volcano initiative, Colombia

Methodological proposal to determine the potential of a territory to become a UNESCO Geopark: case study of Nevado del Ruiz Volcano initiative, Colombia

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.

Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity in Ecuadorian Amazon—Case Study: Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Geopark

Geodiversity is considered the abiotic equivalent of biodiversity; it can be explained in three main fields such as scientific, educational, and tourism. In sixteen geosites of Napo Sumaco Geopark, a quantitative assessment of geodiversity was carried out using the methodology proposed by Brilha (Brilha, Geoheritage 8:119–134, 2016). This work has a field data collection phase in the geosites Shunku Rumi and Pungarayacu Quarry, where for the first time a geological sketch and stratigraphic columns were made. Regarding the quantitative assessment, it was found that the geosites Sumaco Volcano and Guagua Sumaco Lagoon and Outlook have a high scientific value, the geosite Pungarayacu Quarry has a high potential for educational use, and the Puerto Misahualli’s Bookcase has a high potential touristic use. In terms of degradation risk assessment, Pungarayacu Quarry and Hollin River geosites have a high and moderate degradation risk respectively. The remaining fourteen geosites show a low risk of degradation because there are no activities that cause degradation, and are protected by the people of communities and local guides. Finally, this work shows the need for more scientific research, improvement in the security conditions, promotion of the geosites, and development of didactic material.

Projecting Development through Tourism: Patrimonial Governance in Indonesian Geoparks

Research on governance of tourism development predominantly focuses on sustainable management of a tourism destination, pinning hopes on the market and individual entrepreneurs. In Indonesia, this mission has been codified in post-reformation era (1998–2014) policies of land-use change promoting tourism and environmental conservation. One of these is the introduction of the UNESCO Geopark charter as a tool to realize the image of a modern state and “modernizing” regional economies. In this, a particular patrimonial governance arrangement appears to govern land use distribution to accrue the potential value of land from different use. This particular clientelist order will be analyzed in this article, namely by examining how finance, state power, and informal interactions between the national and regional structures of governance mesh in arranging land-use conversions for tourism purposes. Based on 4 months of ethnographic fieldwork and 32 interviews with various stakeholders in the Gunungsewu and Ciletuh UNESCO Geoparks, the paper will show how Indonesian post-reformation decentralization policies induced regional clientelism in the production of tourism destinations. This includes hierarchical relations between the local elite, private business owners, and governments representing asymmetric loyalty relations, negotiated subordination, and dominance. The more recent re-centralization attempts from the national government under Joko Widodo’s regime seem only to encourage this clientelism as a form of resistance to the state. This evidences that the Indonesian patrimonial governance and the production of tourism destinations in geoparks run counter to the ideals in governance as promoted for destination development.

Het Pollino Archaeological Landscape Project (PALP)

The Pollino Archaeological Landscape Project. The authors report on a new project, the Pollino Archaeological Landscape Project (PALP) that focuses on landscape and archaeological research of the Pollino mountains. This range is located on the border of the provinces of Basilicata and Calabria in southern Italy and is part of the Pollino National Park, founded in 1993 and declared a UNESCO Geopark in 2015. The objective of the PALP is to reconstruct transhumance routes and to map related seasonal pastoral habitations and facilities in the uplands that were still in use in the recent past, and to study the socio-economic connections with the lower-lying, permanently inhabited parts of the landscape. The results will increase the interpretative potential of archaeological patterns in the landscape studied by GIA researchers in the framework of the Raganello Archaeological Project, of which PALP is an extension.

The Kula–Salihli UNESCO Geopark: Spectacular records of Quaternary volcanism, fluvial and landscape evolution and Quaternary environmental change

The Kula–Salihli UNESCO Geopark, western Turkey, is a tectonically and volcanically active region in which the most recent eruptions of basaltic lava, associated with scoria cone formation, were during the latest Pleistocene and the Holocene. Much older volcanism within the same volcanic province is also in evidence, with some of the older lavas capping mesa-style uplands, such that they have preserved underlying poorly consolidated sediments that would otherwise have been lost to erosion. Beneath these hill-capping lavas, above the Neogene sediments representing endorheic basin-fill, are the early gravels of the River Gediz system, forming narrowly separated terraces (separation by a few metres) thought to have been formed in response to the ~41 kyrs obliquity-driven climate cycles of the Early Pleistocene. The rarity of terrace preservation from this early part of the Quaternary makes this a very valuable part of the geopark, in which there is also evidence for the progressive incision into the landscape, and for periodic damming of the river system by lava eruptions, bringing about lacustrine phases that can be recognized from lake sediments and deltas that were built into the former lakes. The combination of volcanic and drainage evolutionary evidence has few if any parallels elsewhere. The geopark, which also contains sites of archaeological and historical importance, is managed sustainably in order to maximize its educational, economic, touristic and heritage value.

The Geotouristic Project “the Geological Adventure” to the Rescue of an Iconic World Heritage Geosite, the Ammonites Slab of Digne-les-Bains (National Geological Nature Reserve of Haute-Provence and Unesco Global Geopark, France)

Protected under National Nature Reserve, managed by the Departmental Council of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, and labeled UNESCO Geopark, the Ammonites Slab of Digne-les-Bains (SE France) exhibits 1,550 ammonites over a large open-air surface. Despite the virtual absence of special enhancement for the visitors, this spectacular geosite of high scientific and heritage value has played an important role in the years 1990–2000 in the emergence of notions of geological heritage, geological nature reserve, geotourism, and Geopark. Due to its exposure to mountain weather conditions, the Slab suffers from significant conservation issues. Several studies have shown that its condition was much worse than expected. Without major restoration work, the Slab was in danger of collapse in the short term. Given the high cost of the needed rescue work, the geotourism project “The Geological Adventure” was developed under European Interreg ALCOTRA funding. More broadly, this project aims to develop a sustainable experiential geotourism around the geoheritage of the Southwestern Alps cross-border (France–Italy), partly in situ and thanks to digital tools (22 geosites concerned). An important place is given to scientific pedagogy. Concerning the Ammonites Slab, the project consisted of (1) stabilizing and ensuring the sustainability of the fossiliferous layer; (2) planning and developing the overall geosite (parking area, reception area, observation platform); (3) allowing accessibility for people with disabilities; and (4) offering progressive and immersive educational mediation to make scientific culture accessible to as many people as possible.

The Blue Cave in the Vis Archipelago Paradise, Croatia’s First UNESCO Geopark in the Adriatic

The Blue Cave in the Vis Archipelago Paradise, Croatia’s First UNESCO Geopark in the Adriatic

Global Youth Engagement in Promoting Community Empowerment in Indonesian Geoparks Development: Prospects and Challenges for Indonesia Geopark Youth Forum

Geoparks are a fairly new concept, raising to popularity only around the very end of the twentieth century with the formation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Global Geoparks Network (UNESCO GGN). Indonesia currently has six geoparks designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks, as well as fifteen national geoparks and several aspiring geoparks. The National Committee for Indonesain Geoparks which is headed by three coordinating ministries and three technical ministries with twelve other ministries and agencies as members of the committee has identified that youths hold a critical role in the development of geoparks in Indonesia. This was stated clearly in the National Action Plan for Indonesian Geoparks in Ministry of National Development Planning No. 15/2020. In 2021 the Ministry for National Development Planning sought out to realize this by forming the Indonesian Geopark Youth Forum, a youth-led organisation where representatives of Indonesian geoparks help actualize the development of Indonesian geoparks and their local communities. As IGYF continues to develop in its infancy with the hosting of the 1st UNESCO Geopark Youth Forum in Jeju Island, South Korea resulting in the election of Indonesia as the host country and chairman for the UNESCO Geopark Youth Forum for 2021-2023, the author in this paper attempts to give an analysis of the role that IGYF has as a new actor catalyst in the sustainable development of communities in the geopark areas through the unique approach that geoparks have, with great focus on community empowerment as the foundation for the development of the three pillars of geoparks; education, conservation, and sustainable economic development.

Preservation of the Geoheritage and Mining Heritage of Serifos Island, Greece: Geotourism Perspectives in a Potential New Global Unesco Geopark

Serifos island is characterized by rich geodiversity, industrial and cultural heritage. The present paper focuses on the geological and mining heritage of Serifos, with the aim of integrating the island in the international environment of Geoparks, in the near future. In this geopark, Serifos can highlight the rich geological heritage of the island combined with the rich industrial heritage as expressed by mining activities since prehistoric times and the mining facilities of iron and copper mines. During the present study, six geotrails have been developed to link these cultural and ecological sites with the geological heritage. Along the routes, the geodiversity is explained, including its relationship with the surrounding biodiversity, and the historical and cultural aspects of the region. In the proposed geocultural routes (geotrails), the dialectic relationship between Humans and Nature is determined by historical conditions and by the record of the process that transforms space into a landscape. The geological-mining heritage of Serifos will attract people from all over the world with different kind of interests and will make it known to alternative tourists. The results of this paper are intended to constitute a valuable tool for enhancing and raising awareness of the geological heritage of the island of Serifos.

Geoheritage of a Brazilian Semi-Arid Environment: the Seridó Aspiring UNESCO Geopark

Geoheritage of a Brazilian Semi-Arid Environment: the Seridó Aspiring UNESCO Geopark

UNDERSTANDING OF ECOLITERATION AND PERCEPTION OF TOURISM AWARE GROUPS ON CHSE (CLEAN, HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIROMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY) IMPLEMENTATION IN CILETUH GEOPARK AREA, PALABUHANRATU

Ciletuh Palabuhanratu is a tourist destination area that has received a UNESCO Geopark certificate. However, the people in it still lack awareness and concern for cleanliness, health, safety, and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness and concern for the environment. The application of environmental awareness in the CHSE (Clean, Health, Safety & Environmental Sustainability) program needs to be carried out in every tourism service unit through the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis). The question posed in this research is how is the perception of Pokdarwis members and the community towards the implementation of CHSE in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark Area? The method used is a survey with 90 respondents. The results showed that the perception of Pokdarwis members and the community towards the implementation of CHSE was relatively good. Researchers recommend making strict rules to maintain environmental sustainability and security in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Global Geopark Area.

Proposed Strategy for the Development of a Local Geopark at Mui Ne Red Sand Dunes, Phan Thiet, Vietnam - based on Tourist Perceptions and Experience from Taiwan

Vietnam attracts many tourists owing to its unique and diverse geological landscapes. The Vietnam tourism development strategy until 2030 sets a target to make tourism a more sustainable economic sector, in which the advantages of natural resources and development of a variety of tourism products are promoted. Binh Thuan province in central-south Vietnam, hosts many high potential geosites including Mui Ne Red Dunes. Although this is a popular tourist destination, there is no clear tourism strategy for this site and local communities now regulate tourism in an unsustainable way. Online comments from review databases (TripAdvisor and Google reviews) are analysed to find themes in tourism perceptions after a visit to the Red Sand Dunes. Main themes are found that negatively affect tourist perceptions, such as the extended pollution of the dunes, theft reports and disturbance by jeeps, ATV’s and motorbikes. Many tourists recommend that this site should be better managed. To conserve this area in the future, the development of an all-inclusive local geopark is suggested, based on the tourism perceptions and previous studies assessing this landscape. This strategy is adapted from the UNESCO geopark framework and an example of a recently established local sand dune geopark in Taiwan is discussed. Implementing a local geopark, following the steps described in this study, can be beneficial for sustainable development and local communities in this area, while also promoting environmental education and enhancing disaster risk reduction.