Geo-tourism and Geodiversity of geoparks – a demonstration at Penghu Marine Geopark

Abstract

The aims of this study is to demonstrate the adaptation of geopark concept for the geo-tourism and geodiversity at Penghu Marine Geopark.

By adopting the idea of geopark from the UNESCO, Taiwan revised the Cultural heritage preservation law to add geopark concept in 2016. Penghu Archipelago was designed as marine geopark since 2020. By law, it is a way toward to local sustainable development.

To promote geo-tourism, the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration, as management agency of geopark, is trying to introduce landscape explanation software and to improve the knowledge of local community associations, tour guides and volunteers. The goals are to transform the Penghu Islands into a high-quality geopark and ensure sustainability.

 

This paper tries to discuss what is the way for local geo-tourism. Penghu Marine Geopark is a typical example. The methodology used in this paper are:

• To review the natural background and potential hazards of the environment. Because of tropical marine environment, Penghu owns unique basaltic landscape and a kind of geodiversity. However, it is important to find a way for landscape conservation, to prevent and reduce the impact of natural hazards, such as coastal erosion and landslide.
• To promote local community to enhance the capability of promoting geo-product. Penghu is famous for its marine environment and good quality fish product. It is an important natural resource for whole community.

 

This paper tries to demonstrate:

• How Penghu islands adapt winter monsoon and summer tropical cyclone. During extreme weather condition, the needs for water resources, electricity and food will be the first priority.
• Coastal erosion is another issue. To reduce the impact of coastal hazards, how local people and government try to introduce such concepts through environmental education to raise the capability of resilience.
• For water resources, desalination facilities are getting more and more important engineering for the Penghu islands. It is a necessary to prepare such engineering works in advance. Local geo-tourism can only achieve after the problems are solved. For local sustainable development, it will need technical support including water, energy and food resources. It is also need to reduce the damage from the impact of climate change and natural hazards to meet the SDGs goals.