Journal of Geoconservation Research
Volume:6 Issue: 2, Summer-Autumn 2023

The idea of a geoconservation chain is applied to the ‘End of the World Road’ which is part of an Argentinian tourist development program called La Ruta Natural (The Natural Road). To conduct a comprehensive and specific analysis, this itinerary was divided into six segments and sieved through the steps and substeps of the framework. The diagnosis step – carried out by multidisciplinary groups of academics – turned out to be the most developed one whereas the conservation link of the chain was the weakest, lacking the participation of decision-makers, environmentalists, and legislators. In terms of promotion, success was largely achieved indirectly, after the intervention of educators and tourist entrepreneur, because the georesources analyzed are mainly used for tourism. The program highlights less than a third of the natural attractions that are already inventoried. If some of these attractions were incorporated into the itinerary, this could reinforce the use of the road and would make georesources more visible and so would become geoconservation targets. The case study presented here shows a reciprocal relationship between geoconservation and tourism. Wise use of the End of the World Road contributes to geoconservation and at the same time, geoconservation is essential for nature-based tourism.

Sumaco is the easternmost active volcano in Ecuador, and is in the sub-Andean zone, towards the northwest of the country, and located in the Pleistocene Napo Uplift. Together, the tectonic setting of the eastern Andes and Amazonian plain is the main regional feature determining high ecological, landscape, geological and biological diversity. In addition, indigenous cultures of the Amazon have acquired a special status associated with their ancient and contemporary history, transforming it into a mystical element for locals and visitors. These natural and cultural conditions are the perfect framework for adventure tourism and geotourism activities. Community tourism is one of the main economic livelihoods of the Pacto Sumaco community, which has managed to interact with various local and national actors through its Community Tourism Center, creating strategies for sustainable use, conservation, control, monitoring and maintenance of the core area of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, being considered an ideal example that demonstrates good practices of local-based tourism. This article discusses holistically the main criteria that have made it possible to strengthen geotourism activities in the Sumaco volcano: geodiversity, biodiversity, ecosystem services, cultural and historical heritage and community participation, as well as key institutional elements, and infrastructures for management and tourism development.

Even though geoconservation has advanced significantly in the last few decades, general awareness of its importance is limited, especially in Brazil. Here, we present an overview of geoconservation actions and initiatives in the state of Paraná. We highlight geoscientific aspects since the 20th century, the installation of interpretative panels, and key findings from the inaugural geological heritage inventory for the state, the second in the country. We also present two examples of pioneering geoconservation and scientific communication initiatives: the creation of the Curitiba Sedimentary Basin geosite (a municipal conservation unit within the urban territory) and the Paleontology Museum of Cruzeiro do Oeste’s research station. Despite the concerted efforts of academic research groups, the state geological survey (Mineropar, now defunct) and the national geological survey (CPRM-SBG), current initiatives remain limited to academic research. Overall, there are not enough systematic public policies to protect the state and national geological heritage. Regrettably, geodiversity and geoconservation remain the least known components of the state’s natural heritage. A long-standing concern has been the absence of geological content in the curriculum of the Brazilian basic education system. Overcoming this problem will require the incorporation of geology and geoconservation concepts into school curricula and educator training, and the effective communication of their significance to society at large.

The recognition and valorization of geological heritage in Uruguay is an incipient and developing process. The International Union of Geological Sciences designated the deposits of amethysts of Los Catalanes Gemological District, in northern Uruguay, as one of the first 100 “Geological Heritage Sites” on October 22, 2022, in the Mineralogy category, the first in Uruguay. It is part of one of the most important continental flood volcanism episodes on Earth (end of Jurassic to Early Cretaceous). The Paraná igneous province, a dominant tholeiitic basaltic and scarce acidic province that extends into parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay, contains amethyst and agate deposits of unique international significance because of frequent mega-geode concentration, enormous reserves, and gemstone quality of varied size and forms. Although quartz-filled geodic cavities are common in the southern Serra Geral Formation in Brazil (Ametista do Sul, Quaraí), the more intense purple amethysts in giant geode deposits are found in the Arapey Formation in the lower-middle basin of the Catalán Grande stream in Uruguay. This contributes to the empowerment and pride of the local population as well as raising awareness of the need for the conservation of part of this mineral resource. Further, there was a recent inventory assessment that contributed to the understanding of the real scientific value of this designation.

The number of geoconservation studies in Costa Rica has been increasing in the last 10 years. The Poás Volcano National Park has been characterized as one of the most visited places in Costa Rica where many tourists come to see one of the most emblematic volcanoes in the country and Central America. This study documents the process of recognizing five key geomorphosites of volcanic origin where Principal Crater stands out as the site with the highest overall value. Other places of interest are the Botos Cone and Von Frantzius Cone, whose proximity to the Principal Crater is a scenic attraction that many visitors take advantage of to enjoy the landscape that the volcano offers. All the geomorphosites have cultural and historical relevance as Costa Ricans have a strong sense of belonging to this volcano. The zoning of the National Park is very restrictive and protects the geomorphosites from human disturbance, which is why Public Use Zones should be used to access the geomorphosites proposed in this article. We evaluate the geomorphosites in the Poás Volcano National Park and how it has influenced the Costa Rican population, having been an inspiration for artists and scientists who developed artistic works and several studies related to this volcano.

Colombia boasts extensive geodiversity thanks to complex geological processes that have shaped its landscape over geological time. The eastern region of the country is characterized by ancient rock formations, covered by a substantial layer of sediments, influenced by tectonic and erosive forces. These forces have given rise to unique geoforms that qualify as geosites. Thirteen sites were identified based on their geological context, accessibility, visibility, and tourism potential, by assessing their geoscientific and scenic interest. A methodology was applied, drawing from various experts in Geological Heritage both in Colombia and globally. Geosites in the east of Colombia encompass geological outcrops, structures, mountain ranges, reservoirs, karst formations, waterfalls, and archaeological and mining sites, all of significant geoscientific, educational, and scenic value. Each site was rated on a scale of 1 (low) to 3 (high), resulting in an average scientific value of 2.42, indicating a moderate to high geoconservation value. Geosites with the highest geoconservation rating (3) include the Structural Slopes of Guateque, El Encanto Hot Springs, Upín Salt Flats, Cerro Azul and the Orión Gate. The Mountain Ranges of San Luis de Gaceno, karstic dissolution sinkholes, and the Pink Plants of Tranquilandia fall into the moderate to high-value category (rated at 2.5). Other sites, such as the Eroded and Stepped Escarpments of Las Juntas, La Esmeralda Reservoir (Chivor), Sedimentary Slabs of Guejar River, Sandstone Tables, and the Love’s Waterfall, also hold geological importance. We recommend implementing geoconservation policies for these geosites to preserve and develop them, taking into account their considerable geotourism potential. These efforts should be carried out with a keen awareness of the current resource usage and land management practices to ensure a sustainable strategy.

Paraguay’s first geopark began in 2017 and work is ongoing. The project is managed by a committee comprised of key stakeholders from state and municipal entities, universities, and local communities, to promote and generate sustainable local development strategies. Paraguay has significant geodiversity, particularly in the eastern region, with rocks ranging from the Paleoproterozoic to Quaternary sediments. Appreciation of this extensive geodiversity only began a decade ago with a focus on heritage value and preservation of certain geological sites. The methodology presented here involves a qualitative inventory of geosites and geodiversity sites (GS) with scientific, educational, and tourist value. Additionally, it considers their fragility and vulnerability within the territory of the Geoparque ÑandeYvytykuera, covering the departments of Central, Cordillera, and Paraguarí. The GS with the highest scientific value is the columnar sandstones of Cerro Koi. Those with superior educational qualities include the GS Ñemby Hill, Perõ Hill, and Yaguarón Hill. Tourism value is highest at the GS San Bernardino Beach. As for fragility and vulnerability, the Itauguá Fossiliferous Shales GS stands out due to the deterioration and loss of its geodiversity, attributed to a diverse array of unique marine fossils. In conclusion, we recommend adding more locations as a geoconservation strategy, and expanding studies that incorporate quantitative methodologies to provide more precise data and further these and other investigations.

Nature is an essential public resource that provides food, clean water, energy resources, minerals and shelter for human life. To face environmental changes and the exploitation of natural resources, it is crucial to understand and manage the ecosystem services (ES) that benefit humanity and preserve the natural processes that create them. In the Amazon region, the research area chosen for this study, rural communities have a way of life and social organization recognized as traditionally linked to nature; however, they do not benefit from ES due to several factors discussed in this paper. The contributions of ecosystems to human well-being are well accepted, but the services provided by geodiversity (abiotic) are often neglected in the classification systems of ES. This study identifies the importance of the relationship between geodiversity and ES, elucidating its role in the well-being of local populations. Three geological-environmental domains were identified and subdivided into five geoenvironmental units covering the geosystem services described in “Nature‘s Contributions to People (NCP)”. The domains contained the following groups: regulatory, material and non-material. This research concludes that the ES provided by geodiversity plays a crucial role in supporting natural resources essential for local communities and that their conservation is vital for environmental sustainability and the quality of life of riparians.

Natural disasters are rather unpredictable and can interrupt human life, cause economic damage and even take lives. Even though they are mostly unpredictable, there are methods for assessing the risks of natural disasters, one of which is the Fine-Kinney, which was originally used for assessing industrial accident risks. Even though the method has been applied to natural disasters, the results are not very rational and precise because of the dissimilarity between both phenomena. Here we adapt the Fine-Kinney method by fuzzification to produce fast and reliable results in the building environment for natural disasters, even in situations where there is limited data. Both standard and fuzzy Fine-Kinney methods are applied to the Mustafakemalpaşa district in Bursa, Turkey, as a case study. The results of this case study are compared with the risk maps provided by the local government, to prove the accuracy and reliability of the method. While both methods produced similar and reliable results when compared to the risk maps, the Fuzzy Fine-Kinney results were more realistic because of the nature of fuzzy logic.

Earthquakes are disasters that occur because of tectonic movements under the ground, causing great damage and loss of life. Post-earthquake fires, tsunamis, floods, avalanches, landslides, soil liquefaction, and volcanic eruptions also have devastating effects. Here, we investigate basic analysis methods and specialized methods used for these disasters in academic studies. The study aims to determine and classify the analysis methods developed for post-earthquake disasters that are used in academic studies. Analysis methods are summarized from academic data, classified, and assessed using bibliometric methods. Different analysis methods were used in each post-earthquake disaster and new methods were developed, with a combination of analysis methods in some disasters. There are many academic studies on post-earthquake fires and landslides, and analysis methods have improved. Inadequacy of academic studies on post-earthquake avalanches has been observed.

Mandro in Sahibganj District of Jharkhand State, India is known for its abundance of petrified wood and floral impressions from the Rajmahal Traps of Albian–Aptian age. This locality is among the 34 Geological Heritage Sites identified by the Geological Survey of India. The scientific importance of the site is vested in the intricate preservation of petrified wood and floral impressions in a single locality. The plants were transported by pyroclastic volcanic activity, and the tuff and crystal-laden pumice helped preserve the fossils, including upright tree stumps with intact root systems. Such an association of floral fossils with ignimbrite is of high scientific relevance and is one of its kind in India. At present, the Geoheritage Site, Mandro is compromised by the lack of legislative provisions guiding conservation of the site. Our study highlights bottlenecks in the development of the Geoheritage Site and suggests the formulation of an integrated–sustainable tourism circuit combining natural, anthropological, cultural and historical touristic components. We advocate operating the circuit through community participation, ensuring trust and capacity building among the local People. The circuit is an exclusively local tourism engine that could address socioeconomic disparities while developing as a hub for research and innovation across different disciplines. Paramount to these efforts is attaining Sustainable Development Goals and global recognition for the Geoheritage Site and the Circuit.

In a recent review article, Lima & Meneses (2023, Geoconservation Research, 6 (1): 114–127) reported on the Azores Geopark, introducing a new geosite for São Miguel Island. We here express our concerns regarding the data presented in this review article. In our commentary, we focus mainly on the use of older bibliographic sources and inaccurate age estimates for some islands, as well as the absence of important references, which results in a poor revision of the published literature on the geology and paleontology of the Azores Archipelago. Furthermore, and over ten years since the successful application to UNESCO for the implementation of the Azores Geopark, we stress the urgent need to re-evaluate the list of geosites selected by the Azores Geopark team, a task that we suggest could be done involving the collaboration of an expert and multidisciplinary scientific team.