Geoconservation Research (Geoconserv. Res.)Geoconservation Subjectivity Evaluation: A Case Study of a Management ToolkitVolume 7 (2024)Issue 1, June 202420240407Geoconservation Subjectivity Evaluation: A Case Study of a Management Toolkit10.57647/j.gcr.2024.0701.01ENJakeRA CrispDiscipline of Geography and Spatial Science, School of Technology, Environments and Design, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Newnham Drive, Tasmania, 7250, Australia0000-0001-5038-6392JoannaC. EllisonDiscipline of Geography and Spatial Science, School of Technology, Environments and Design, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Newnham Drive, Tasmania, 7250, Australia0000-0003-0692-8347Journal Article20240407Conservation efforts, such as geoconservation, involve some degree of subjectivity, compromising the objective data and verifiable evidence required for effective decision-making. Geodiversity, which comprises the non-living components that underpin life, is increasingly at risk from human activities and is frequently overlooked in conservation initiatives. Here, we develop a novel subjectivity evaluation tool and management framework, implemented as a case study at a Tasmanian mountain site using a geoconservation toolkit approach. Our assessments show that Mounts Dial (102) and Gnomon (124) are highly geodiverse, while Mount Duncan (31) is moderately geodiverse. Further, scientific, tourism, and conservation values are determined to be most representative of geoconservation significance, with Mounts Duncan and Gnomon ranking highest. However, the novel subjectivity evaluation tool reveals highly subjective data and outcomes for geodiversity and geoconservation assessment (25) attributed to a lack of scholarly literature, limited interdisciplinary engagement, and evaluator input into criteria ranking. Therefore, the subjectivity framework recommends measures to mitigate this subjectivity, by enhanced interdisciplinary engagement of expert stakeholders using objective hierarchical methods, combined with remote sensing or GIS statistical validation. Overall, the study demonstrates the usefulness of the subjectivity evaluation approach to identify parameters hindering geoconservation outcomes. The novel subjectivity approach has global implications, in improving subjectivity management in geoconservation assessment and allowing better alignment of comparisons between practitioners and sites.
Geoconservation Research (Geoconserv. Res.)Assessment of Geoeducation Program for Indigenous Students in Kenyir Geopark, Terengganu, MalaysiaVolume 7 (2024)Issue 1, June 202420240408Assessment of Geoeducation Program for Indigenous Students in Kenyir Geopark, Terengganu, Malaysia10.57647/j.gcr.2024.0701.02ENDonyAdryansyah NazaruddinMarine Geoscience Program, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia0000-0002-3282-4253NorhayatiAb ManafInstitute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MalaysiaJournal Article20240408Kenyir Geopark in Terengganu, Malaysia, was recognized as the country's ninth national geopark on May 30, 2023. Many stakeholders are now prepared to support conservation and development efforts in the geopark area. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) as a local public university has taken some initiatives to develop local and indigenous communities in the geopark area through education programs focused on geoscience, called geoeducation, in collaboration with the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG) Terengganu and other agencies/institutions. The most recent Sungai Berua Geoschool Project (SBGP), is part of a series of geoeducation programs dedicated to indigenous communities, primarily for school kids living in the Sungai Berua village, Hulu Terengganu district, and coordinated under the Service Learning Malaysia University for Society (SULAM) initiative. This project provided an opportunity for UMT lecturers and students, as well as related partners, to teach basic geoscience and geopark knowledge to indigenous students through a variety of teaching modules including pre- and post-program questionnaires, presentations by facilitators, geoeducational games, coloring pictures of the geopark, and creating geoproducts. This study had three main objectives: first, to investigate the interest of all involved parties in geoscience and geopark topics; second, to examine teaching strategies and approaches to attract people to learn basic geoscience and geopark; and third, to analyze the project's benefits. This kind of project has the potential to be organized continuously to encourage the engagement of local or indigenous communities to improve their quality of education and economic level.
Geoconservation Research (Geoconserv. Res.)The Partisan Glade Geosite (Western Greater Caucasus) as an Important Resource and Rising Tourist AttractionVolume 7 (2024)Issue 1, June 202420240408The Partisan Glade Geosite (Western Greater Caucasus) as an Important Resource and Rising Tourist Attraction10.57647/j.gcr.2024.0701.03ENAnnaV. MikhailenkoSouthern Federal University, Bolshaya Sadovaya Street 105, Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Region 344006, RussiaDmitryA. RubanSouthern Federal University, Bolshaya Sadovaya Street 105, Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Region 344006, Russia0000-0002-9944-3973SvetlanaO. ZorinaKazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya Street 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, RussiaFatmehTahhanKazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya Street 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, RussiaKonstantinI. NikashinKazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya Street 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, RussiaJournal Article20240408Geoheritage is an important resource for contemporary society, and the inventory of geosites remains an urgent task, especially in geologically rich, but poorly known regions. The present study offers a systematic description of the Partisan Glade geosite, which is a large, elongated locality in the western Greater Caucasus. There, tourist activities have accelerated significantly in the past decade. This geosite represents Lower–Middle Jurassic deep-marine siliciclastics, and it shows Upper Jurassic carbonates, unusual landforms, landslides, and tectonic structures. The geosite is heterogeneous, and it consists of five parts with different properties. The Partisan Glade geosite is important for geological research and education. It can also be employed in geotourism development. The multiple scenic views and fascinating landscape contribute to the importance of this geosite as a rising tourist attraction. Some practical implications concerning conservation and planning issues are specified.
Geoconservation Research (Geoconserv. Res.)Analysis of Geosites and Proposal for Expansion: Journey towards UNESCO Status for Călimani National ParkVolume 7 (2024)Issue 1, June 202420240508Analysis of Geosites and Proposal for Expansion: Journey towards UNESCO Status for Călimani National Park10.57647/j.gcr.2024.0701.04ENVasilicaValentina IsopescuAlexandru Ioan Cuza, University of Iași, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Department of Geography, Iași, Romania0009-0001-8513-6251Journal Article20240508The exploration and identification of new geosites in the Călimani Mountains region heralds a significant opportunity to establish Romania's first UNESCO volcanic geopark. This ambitious initiative aims to meticulously evaluate both natural and anthropogenic geosites across the area, highlighting their scientific, educational, and touristic significance, as well as their deep connections to the region's rich history and tradition. Utilizing an adaptation of the geosite analysis framework initially developed by Pralong, researchers in the country have tailored the methodology to better suit the Carpathian region. This study provides a detailed assessment of the criteria applied to the geosites in the Călimani Mountains, emphasizing their essential roles and underlining the need for their conservation through their integration into the Călimani National Park and the expansion of its boundaries. Through the quantitative and qualitative approach of this project, the goal is not only to protect and preserve these valuable geosites but also to promote them as sustainable and educational tourist resources.Geoconservation Research (Geoconserv. Res.)Geointerpretation of the Maricá Sandy Barriers System (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): A Contribution to GeoconservationVolume 7 (2024)Issue 1, June 202420240629Geointerpretation of the Maricá Sandy Barriers System (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): A Contribution to Geoconservation10.57647/j.gcr.2024.0701.05ENVâniaCláudia de AssisUniversidade Federal Fluminense, Department of Biosystem Engineering Graduate Program, Niterói; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil0000-0003-1068-2765FábioF. DiasUniversidade Federal Fluminense, Department of Geoenvironmental Analysis, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil0000-0003-2078-7405DanielS. SantosUniversidade de São Paulo, Department of Mineralogy and Geotectonics, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil0000-0003-3855-7480Journal Article20240629The Maricá Coastal Plain, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is formed by a sandy barrier system, up to 120,000 BP, covered by Atlantic Forest coastal vegetation. Its central area is designated as the Environmental Protection Area (APA) of Maricá. Here, we develop a digital poster (interpretation board) to highlight the geological importance of the site. Such geiointerpretation aims to provide opportunities to experience landscapes indirectly through the use of secondary sources of spatial information. The digital poster is a tool to be used by the site management site to assist public awareness of environmental issues through geographical and geological interpretation. The starting point of this project was a drone survey to acquire aerial photographs of APA Maricá to generate high-resolution 3D images through image processing at low cost. To represent the geomorphological characteristics of the APA, an orthomosaic and digital elevation model were produced, onto which the vectorized geomorphological map was projected. Also, to represent the Maricá plain through time, sea level maps were produced, using satellite images, maps and graphs of sea level oscillations. We gathered this information together to produce a digital resource, with geomorphological information to connect the drone aerial images, maps, and texts, connected with embedded links and animations to show the geomorphology in association with plants and key human features such as roads and habitations of the municipality of Maricá.Geoconservation Research (Geoconserv. Res.)Current Trends and Future Directions for Geoheritage Assessment Methodology in MoroccoVolume 7 (2024)Issue 1, June 202420240629Current Trends and Future Directions for Geoheritage Assessment Methodology in Morocco10.57647/j.gcr.2024.0701.06ENMustaphaEl HamidyGovernance of Territories and Societies Research Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Safi, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco0000-0001-9244-8539EzzouraErramiGovernance of Territories and Societies Research Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Safi, Cadi Ayyad University, MoroccoAymaneElkaichiGeodynamics, Geoeducation, and Geological Heritage team, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, El Jadida, MoroccoJournal Article20240629Inventorying and assessing geoheritage is a prerequisite for developing measures to preserve unique geological and geomorphological sites. Several researchers have developed methods for assessing and determining the value of geological and geomorphological sites. Given rapid environmental and climatic changes, it is crucial to improve the state of geoheritage assessment and inventory development. This overview presents an analysis of research on geoheritage assessment conducted in Morocco over the past 14 years (2008–2022). The objective is to provide an overview of the main methodological approaches. The analysis is based on a search of the Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify publications dealing mainly with Moroccan geoheritage sites. We find that most studies have concentrated on the identification and characterization of various geoheritage sites across the country, employing only the descriptive method. However, as the field has progressed, earth scientists are applying quantitative inventory and assessment methods, with some initiatives to propose new methods adapted to the Moroccan context.