UNESCO Global Geopark Research Articles

Community Engagement in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks: Case Studies from Mount Hakusan in Japan and Altai in Russia

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) and the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) are two themes in UNESCO’s Natural Science Sector. Biosphere Reserves of the MAB Programme are more focused on building international, regional, sub-regional, and ecosystem-specific cooperation as “learning places’’ for sustainable development with a focus on biodiversity. The IGGP supports research and capacity development in Earth Sciences and comprises two sub-programmes: the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme (UGGP). UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) use a bottom-up approach to engage local communities in capacity building, via tourism development, with the common goal of promoting and protecting the area’s geological and cultural heritage. Here, we present the results of comparing local involvement from two case studies from Japan, the Mount Hakusan Biosphere Reserve and the National Mount Hakusan Tedori-river Geopark, along with two case studies from Russia, the Altaisky Biosphere Reserve and the regional Geopark Altai. In this study, we found more involvement by local community members in the Geopark than in the Biosphere Reserve in Japan. The Russian case studies show a complete opposite result with more involvement of local communities in the BRs, and less participation in Geopark management. The purpose of this project was to provide information to improve local involvement in both Japanese and Russian Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks through changes in education and management styles.

THE ON-SITE VOLCANIC CAVE CONSERVATION MUSEUM AT THE DAK NONG UNESCOGLOBAL GEOPARK

The Krong No volcanic caves at the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark (Dak Nong UGGp) were discovered in 2007. Between 2017 and the present, they were comprehensively studied and evaluated for heritage value from the perspectives of geology, biology and cultural studies. These primitive, endogenic caves are characterized by rich and diverse interior formations, representing seven types of geological heritage as classified by the UNESCO and its GILGES classification system. The applicable types are A (Paleontology), B (Geomorphology), C (Paleo-Environment), D (Rock), E (Stratigraphy), F (Minerals), and I (Tectonics). The cave system’s wildlife is highly diverse and includes a number of newly discovered species endemic to Krong No. Thanks to research and excavation work, many types of archaeological artifacts have been discovered in the Krong No volcanic caves, including relics of residence, a tool-making site, burial artifacts, a makeshift hunting camp, and some artifacts possibly expressive of religious ritual. All of these are unique, valuable and rare. The various types of heritage discovered in the Krong No volcanic caves constitute the premise of an on-site conservation museum, established to promote heritage of value, teaching and scholarship, as well as community education and recreation. This article introduces a new direction for further research, related to the development of an on-site conservation museum of the volcanic cave heritage in the context of sustainable socio-economic development.

Geotourism Hazards and Carrying Capacity in Geosites of Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Karst, Indonesia

The protection of resources and the safety of visitors are two essential elements in the sustainability of any tourism destination. The Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat karst has the potential to be developed as a UNESCO Global Geopark based on the diversity and unique nature of its geological heritage. Proper management efforts should be carefully planned to ensure sustainability of the geosite. Intact natural conditions can be a potential hazard to visitors and, conversely, the presence of visitors can interfere with the natural preservation of the sensitive karst area. Physical, biological, and human activities that may endanger visitors should be identified and limiting the number of visitors received by each geosite should also be considered. This paper aims to identify the potential tourism hazards of physical, biological, and human activities and to calculate the tourist’s carrying capacity of three geosites (Tewet cave, Nyadeng lake, and Bloyot cave) in the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat karst. The identification of potential hazards was conducted in each geosite and analyzed and assessed using management options referencing UNEP, NPSA, and APEC, whereas the carrying capacity was assessed with reference to the Cifuentes formulation. Meanwhile, the carrying capacity was assessed at three levels, namely physical carrying capacity (PCC), real carrying capacity (RCC), and effective carrying capacity (ECC). The highest physical and biological hazards were the ravines in the Tewet cave, as well as a moderate level of risk, such as slippery, steep terrain and the presence of crocodiles. Meanwhile, the potential hazards faced by Nyadeng lake and Bloyot cave were classified as low risk. The carrying capacity assessments indicated that Bloyot cave is able to accommodate the largest number of visitors on a daily basis. Therefore, the carrying capacity results of each geosite can serve as a reference for managers to limit the number of visitors to the site in order to ensure the sustainability of Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat geosites.

Quantitative Assessment of the Geosites of Chelmos-Vouraikos UNESCO Global Geopark (Greece)

The assessment of the geosites of Chelmos-Vouraikos UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) was carried out based on an established methodology for the evaluation of geoparks’ geosites. Such assessments should be used for sustainable development and geoconservation in geoparks. The selected methodology is based on a wider range of criteria concerning the overall value of each geosite, compared to other locations. Each criterion was scored and then three indices, Vedu, Vprot and Vedu were estimated for each geosite. The application of this methodology at Chelmos-Vouraikos UGGp has produced results which not only highlight the value of each geosite, but also provide ways for their utilization. The assessment of the 40 geosites of the geopark, identified geosites with high educational and touristic value (such as Portes–Triklia and the Cave of the Lakes), while geosites with increased protection-need value (the Tectonic Graben of Kalavryta) were also highlighted. Therefore, the assessment results will be used by the geopark to plan the effective management of the geosites based on their strengths and weaknesses, and which thus will promote the geopark and will contribute to the sustainable development of the local communities. The proposed methodology uses all possible criteria for its impartial application and despite a few minor problems that have been identified, it is considered appropriate for the assessment of geosites in Geoparks. The application of such evaluation methodologies is considered crucial for the development, protection and touristic promotion of geoparks.

New approaches to geoconservation in desert environments

Deserts are areas of great landform diversity and distinctiveness. In the past there was a shortage of desert World Heritage nominations. This situation persists, though shows some improvement. However, there are also desert landform complexes associated with mixed World Heritage sites and sites on various national World Heritage tentative lists. There are also two desert UNESCO Global Geoparks, both of which are in China. In recent years there has been the development of geotourism in arid regions and this has led to a greater interest in the economic value of geoconservation. However, there are various landscape threats that need consideration and management, including off-road driving, military activity, urbanization, river diversions, quarrying and mining, development associated with energy industries, and anthropogenic climate changes. In this paper, the concentration is on warm desert landscapes, and on conservation of geomorphological features, rather than, for instance, sites of particular stratigraphic or paleontological value.

Geoconservation initiatives for caves, karst, and springs

In this paper the focus is on the surface landforms that are found on carbonate karst, on caves within carbonate karst, and on the springs that discharge from carbonate karst. Around 20.3 million km2 of the earth’s land surface is characterized by the presence of carbonate rocks. Most is potentially karst. These areas have distinctive surface landforms of high geodiversity value, together with over 10,000 km of cave passages, most of the largest springs on Earth, and many smaller springs. Karst areas and caves commonly have high aesthetic value and high biodiversity value, hosting many endemic and threatened plant and animal species. Carbonate karsts are present in 75 World Heritage Properties, 67 UNESCO Global Geoparks, 151 Biosphere Reserves, and 124 Ramsar Sites. However, the areal extent of karst in these and other protected areas, and the extent of cave and karst geodiversity, are rarely documented. There is a clear need for inventories to inform geoconservation. Two recent IUCN resolutions have important implications for cave and karst geoconservation, and new guidelines for cave and karst protection will be published in 2022.

Transnational water resource management in the Karawanken/Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark

PURPOSE: The management of cross-border natural resources has been the focus of research in different disciplines. Nonetheless, beyond theoretical insights, empirical evidence of successful cross-border management or governance of natural resources is still limited, even in the European Union (EU), where a range of instruments are provided to foster cross-border cooperation between its Member States. This is where our paper departs, providing evidence from an example of cross-border cooperation between two Member States of the EU, Austria, and Slovenia, adding to the analytical framework to identify the drivers of successful cross-border cooperation. METHODOLOGY: Drawing from the example of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Geopark Karawanken we evaluate the success factors and limits for transboundary cooperation encompassing different forms of cooperation. Furthermore, based on empirical evidence of workshops with local, regional, and national stakeholders, we investigate the potential of the EGTC organizational framework to provide for the successful cross-border management of water resources within the Geopark area. FINDINGS: Our analysis of project bundles, joint ventures/consortia, and EGTCs as possible forms of transboundary cooperation indicates that EGTCs have various advantages over looser forms of cooperation. Higher operational costs for the organization are contrasted by enhanced governance of transboundary activities, in accordance with legal frameworks and representation on both sides of the border. This increases acceptance and facilitates decision-making. Furthermore, it increases the potential for receiving funds in accordance with planned activities and regional requirements, while decreasing the individual financial risk for partners. The genesis of the Karawanken/Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark (Geopark Karawanken) indicates that looser forms of organization, for instance, project bundles, enable stakeholders to get to know each other without great institutional effort. In the course of increasing integration, the organizational form can be more complex. The experience in developing transboundary, water management instruments shows that even in a more sophisticated form of cooperation like an EGTC, there are remaining obstacles in managing transboundary natural resources. Obstacles result from e.g., national laws and regulations, data standards, monitoring techniques, and soft factors such as language barriers. IMPLICATIONS: The example of the Geopark Karawanken shows that cross-border public authorities can be significantly supported with the introduction of an EGTC. Still, an EGTC tends to exclude private companies or societal actors because they cannot be active members of the Board. Exploring further options for closer integration of the private sector in Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) models may be useful to maintain the opportunity to include much-needed private skills and resources. The experience of the Geopark Karawanken suggests that EGTCs can and will be a significant form of organization in Europe for a number of activities, for example, in the field of cross-border resources, cross-border protected areas, or cross-border predicate regions. This will support the achievement of the goals of EU programs to face the climate and biodiversity crises through transnational agreements, e.g., the Green Deal or the Biodiversity Strategy. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: This article provides a concise overview on transnational water resource management in the European Union in the context of an EGTC, and raises points for practitioners about potential challenges for the successful introduction of an EGTC. While the analysis of common experiences of various EGTCs could lead to the development of a European standard and guideline for the successful foundation of this territorial cohesion tool, this paper provides the first step, paving the road for future research.

Geoheritage Conservation Developments in Ireland – An Update

This paper outlines the development of Irish geological heritage as supported by Geological Survey Ireland through the county geological heritage audit scheme, UNESCO Global Geoparks and other geoheritage and geotourism initiatives. This paper also considers potential developments in Ireland in the context of the growing awareness and understanding of geoheritage at European and international levels, including the recent developments in geodiversity awareness, which culminated in the first International Geodiversity Day on 6 October 2022 being proclaimed by UNESCO at the 41st General Conference 2021. The Geological Heritage programme was established in response to EU legislation transposed in Irish law under the Wildlife Amendment Act 2000 and a need to designate significant geological sites as Natural Heritage Areas. An initial partnership to explore this requirement expanded and changed focus to include the Heritage Council and local authorities through their heritage officers, resulting in a process of county geological heritage audits. These county audits were completed over the intervening years with only counties Cork and Kerry remaining unaudited in 2022. The result of this work is an almost complete national dataset of geological heritage sites in Ireland. This national dataset will provide a significant opportunity to develop new initiatives in the area of geoheritage and geodiversity, not least to highlight the national subset of sites that have been recommended as Natural Heritage Areas to National Parks and Wildlife Service, which will help fulfil the original purpose of the Geological Heritage programme in Geological Survey Ireland. The full dataset will further benefit and support Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks, geotourism initiatives, cultural heritage, local communities and economies, and provide scientific and educational supports and a deeper understanding of the basis on which our biodiversity is built: geodiversity.

Geoparks: Model Regions for Sustainable Development?

Geoparks are seen by UNESCO as model regions for sustainable development, which are to combine protection and regional economic value creation in an extensive bottom-up participation process with the help of a holistic concept. Geoparks are regions that have high quality geopotentials, a unique earth and landscape history as well as a strategy for sustainable regional development, scientific research, environmental education and education for sustainable development. The Geopark movement is comparatively young. The European Geoparks Network has existed since 2000, National Geoparks in Germany since 2002, and UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) since 2015. The extent to which geoparks can live up to the expectations placed in them as model regions for sustainable development and which similarities and differences exist to large-scale protected areas such as national parks and biosphere reserves is presented in general form as well as in more detail for the case study of the UGGp Swabian Alb.

The Local Community Participation in Support the Existence and Sustainability of Ecotourism Development Geopark Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu

This paper is the result of an exploratory study on the ecotourism development of the Ciletuh-Palabuanratu Geopark in the Sukabumi Regency. Especially observing the involvement of local communities as one of the main stakeholders who will determine the sustainability of these ecotourism development activities. The Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark has been designated by UNESCO as a global geopark because it is considered to have advantages and uniqueness in geological diversity, biological diversity, and cultural diversity. To support the sustainability of this geopark, the local government has been developing Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu tourism with the principles of conservation, community empowerment, and collaboration to become an international-class tourist destination. This tour is managed by the Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark Management Agency (CPUGGp) under the Sukabumi Regency Government, West Java

Forest Wellness Tourism Destination Branding for Supporting Disaster Mitigation: A Case of UNESCO Global Geopark Batur, Bali

Forest Wellness Tourism Destination Branding for Supporting Disaster Mitigation: A Case of UNESCO Global Geopark Batur, Bali

Collaborative Mapping on Sustainable Development Goals in Latin America UNESCO Global Geoparks

Collaborative Mapping on Sustainable Development Goals in Latin America UNESCO Global Geoparks

Water as a Significant Resource in UNESCO Global Geoparks Results of an International Survey

Water as a Significant Resource in UNESCO Global Geoparks Results of an International Survey

ОЦІНКА ТУРИСТИЧНОЇ ПРИВАБЛИВОСТІ ГЛОБАЛЬНИХ ГЕОПАРКІВ ЄВРОПИ

The article provides an inventory of geoparks from the list of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. It is noted that geoparks as important tourist attractions have been the subject of scientific attention of many authors, but the data presented in these publications are outdated and can not claim to be relevant to the current state of the geoparks network, as it is quite dynamic and changes every year. The research of the chosen topic in the scientific domestic and foreign literature is characterized. The insufficiency of the tourism research of the UNESCO geoparks system is pointed out. The structural-territorial analysis of the distribution of objects is performed: absolute and relative indicators of the number of objects by macroregions are established. A cartographic model of the distribution of objects on the planet is presented. Monitoring of a specific set of geotourism attractions within each of the geoparks is done taking into account the following thematic types: geological and geomorphological (geological and geomorphological formations - the mountains, intermountain basins and gorges, craters and cones of volcanoes, river valleys, deltas and canyons, lakes, waterfalls, sea coasts, deserts and aeolian, glaciers and glacial, karst and pseudo-karst landforms, geological forms and phenomena - the minerals, rocks, structural and tectonic formations, paleontological fossils, geothermal phenomena; geological and geomorphological processes - volcanic eruptions, geyser explosions, avalanches, coastal processes on sea and lake coasts, melting glaciers, dune movements, erosion processes); industrial (the open and underground mine workings, clay and sand quarries, pits, exploratory shafts, drain lines, rock dumps, tunnels, catacombs, surface and underground military objects, engineering and geological activities, construction of tunnels, construction of roads and highways, use of geothermal water); cultural and cognitive (works of material culture are different buildings made of natural materials and the elements of their arrangement, stone pyramids, rock cities and temples, the stone artefacts, the stone elements of urban infrastructure, the works of art, jewellery, museum and other expositions, open-air expositions, such places of fossils, supporting stratigraphic sections, places of minerals and rocks location); tourist and infrastructural attractions (availability of the geopark for the access by several types of transport, several tourist accommodation options, currency exchange offices, recreation facilities, parking lots, places for tents; Tourist Information Centres; marked tourist routes for the needs of several types of tourism (cycling, green-, caving, water- tourism); marking of tourist attractions (information stands. Information support of tourism (creating internet portals of the geopark, mobile applications); accessibility of the geopark to the inclusive tourists). According to the indicators of occupancy of various thematic blocks, geoparks were ranked according to the scale of levels of attractiveness.

Quantifying the impacts of non-carbonic acid (NCA) stress on dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) generation in the granitic-hosted watershed, Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, China.

To better understand the impacts of non-carbonic acid (NCAs, including sulfuric, nitric and organic acids) stress on DIC generation during chemical weathering, this study investigated the water chemistry and stable isotope composition (δ13CDIC) from a granitic-hosted watershed at Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, China. The results show that the dissolved loads of the watershed are dominated by both silicate and carbonate weathering. As a region with greatly distributed acid soil and high occurrence of acid rain, the evolution of the dissolved loads and δ13CDIC show that DIC generation in carbonate dissolution is promoted by H2SO4, reduced by HNO3 and little disturbed by organic acids. The reduction is due to CO2 release in carbonate weathering by strong nitric acid formed by nitrification in acid soil. New participating proportions of NCAs in rock weathering yielded by the multiple linear regressions between major ions, DIC and δ13CDIC are introduced into calculations of DIC yields. The overestimated DIC yields by silicate and carbonate weathering by NCAs account for about 34% of total DIC yields calculated with the assumption that all carbonates and silicates are dissolved by H2CO3 alone during a year. The results imply that the modifications of DIC generation by NCAs, especially HNO3 formed in acidic silicate soil, could consequently partly counterbalance the natural CO2 sink in the granitic-host region.

Brand Association of Ciletuh - Palabuhanratu Geopark Towards COVID-19 Pandemic and Sustainable Tourism

The purpose of this research is to investigate brand association of Ciletuh – Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark towards the COVID-19 pandemic and sustainable tourism. This research employs a qualitative research method with a case study and descriptive statistics model. The data used in this study are primary and secondary ones in which the techniques of data collecting is by observation, purposive random sampling with Likert scale, as well as literature studies. The results of this study show that Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark is not only a strategic place for tourism activities in the COVID-19 pandemic since it has characteristics to comply health protocols but also able to meet the tourism recovery during the pandemic. The tourism activities provided by Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark sites meet the concept of quality adventure tourism and in line with sustainable tourism with concerns on balancing the environmental conservation, local economic empowerment, as well as local social and culture preservation. The brand association of Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark is shown by its tourism product scope and quality which are associated to sustainable tourism, moreover the use occasion is line with the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The attributes of UNESCO Global Geopark also create the values of tourism activities during and after COVID-19 pandemic which meet the points of sustainable tourism activities and recoveries.

Exploring Causal Relationships for Geoheritage Interpretation \u2014 Variable Effects of Cenozoic Volcanism in Central European Sedimentary Tablelands

Modern conceptual approach to geointerpretation and geoeducation emphasizes the holistic understanding of the environment and attends to linkages between various abiotic, biotic, and cultural components. In this paper, we highlight multiple relationships between Cenozoic volcanism and host sedimentary rocks, mainly sandstones of Cretaceous age, which can be explored in the context of geotourism and geoeducation in several Central European geoparks (Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark, Land of Extinct Volcanoes Aspiring Geopark, Ralsko National Geopark) and their surroundings. These include the effects of magmatism on sandstones, with further consequences for landform development at different spatial scales, the origin of mineral resources, underpinning of biological diversity, and specific land use contrasts. Existing interpretation provisions are reviewed, and a three-tiered framework to show these different linkages is proposed. It is argued that different, but complementary themes can be addressed at the landscape, landform, and individual outcrop (geosite) level.

Promoting geo-tourism at UNESCO global geo-park Belitong through geo-product development in small medium enterprise

The research aims to understand: how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) develop geo-product to promote geo-tourism and identify the supporting also inhibitory factors. The method used exploratory survey method, quantitative and qualitative method also where data is obtained through survey questionnaire, interview and FGD to SMEs and stakeholder. The research findings: geo-products are interpretations of attractions (geodiversity, culture-diversity and biodiversity) in geo-tourism activities, the supporting factor in geo-product development are loan procedure, leadership and marketing skills. The inhibitory factors are: employees’ lack of skill, limited market access, and financial reporting skill. The stakeholders played a role in supporting geo-product development, such as providing training program and implement geo-tourism events to showcase geo-product. Private companies support SMEs through by enhancing product quality and civil society organization has contribution in capacity building. The research contributes to the knowledge development on geo-product, and its role in promotion of geo-tourism activities in the UNESCO Global Geo-park Belitong.

National Park and UNESCO Global Geopark of Chelmos-Vouraikos (Greece): Floristic Diversity, Ecosystem Services and Management Implications

This study highlights the importance of including detailed (local-scale) biodiversity and ecosystem services data for land-use management and promotion of protected areas using the National Park and UNESCO Global Geopark of Chelmos-Vouraikos (Greece) as a case study. Along with the conducted field surveys and literature review for the National Park’s flora documentation, ecosystem type mapping and assessment of ecosystem services have been performed, following National and European Union (EU) guidelines for the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) implementation across EU Member States. Main results include floristic diversity indicators, ecosystem type mapping and assessment, and ecosystem services identification and assessment of their actual and potential supply. By this, a scientifically informed baseline dataset was developed to support management and policy needs towards a holistic National Park management and a sustainable spatial planning for protected areas. Additionally, local scale ecosystem type and ecosystem services data have been produced as input for the MAES implementation in Greece and the EU.

Mentoring and Training in Developing Gunung Ireng Geotourism, Patuk District, Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region

Gunung Ireng geosite is an excellent geoheritage that is also a part of the Gunungsewu UNESCO Global Geopark in Pengkok, Gunungkidul Regency. It is widely recognized as an experiential leisure tour destination with the sunrise, sunset, and milky way watching as its activities. The primary attraction is the natural museum of Tertiary submarine paleo-volcanic miniature that was developed during the Early Miocene (±20-23 million years ago). Mentoring in utilizing the resources is necessary. The local community has agreed to develop geotourism as an effort to conserve the cultural, biotic, and geological environment. The certified instructors or mentors and professionals used mentoring methods to increase the local community’s abilities in preparing, managing, and evaluating the geotourism, including management, advertisement, marketing, guidance, web hosting, culinary, and accommodations.. The results are the status of the geoheritage area (by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 13 K.HK.01.MEM.G.2021), the viral of the local Gunung Ireng’s Spot Festival, the local culinary facilities, the CHSE certificate, as well as up to 300% increase in visitors per month before the pandemic and 200-300% increase during the pandemic. Other results that have successfully developed the supporting attractions are the Ahad Pon traditional market, the footsteps flashback of the great da'wah Sunan Kalijogo on Gunung Ireng and the Geological Natural Track of the Ancient Volcano of Gunung Ireng. Those three attractions are the efforts to improve the local community's economy, nature, and cultural conservation as the solid implementations of geotourism activities. Qualitatively, these various efforts are now starting to show impacts, with the increased motivation of the community to focus more on developing this destination, and the increasing attention of local governments to support these conservation activities, although quantitatively it has not to be measured yet.