Awareness is increasing amongst decision makers that societal challenges such as climate change, water resource management, biodiversity loss, poor soil health and air quality are interlinked. In contrast the holistic approach to Nature by pioneering 18^th century natural scientists where biotic and abiotic components were interdependent, modern western science has evolved into specialised scientific disciplines. Today, science influenced global accords such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and numerous United Nations Sustainable Development Goals place great emphasis on the biotic components of the natural world. Strategies and legislation at national level generally follow this trend and influence natural heritage management approaches.

Case studies from the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark in France illustrate the impact of a transdisciplinary approach to natural heritage management where both biotic and abiotic factors are considered. The explicit inclusion of geodiversity informed stakeholder decisions over matters such as the choice of legal conservation measures, the definition of protected area limits and content for public communication programs. Different decisions were taken as a result of this inclusive approach to Nature in the municipalities of Montriond and La Baume. The ongoing work in the Chablais region confirms the need for scientists, natural heritage managers and politicians to share a common understanding of nature and ecosystems that explicitly includes geodiversity.

How to cite: Justice, S.: Geodiversity in Nature: Improving Natural Heritage Management , EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-8489, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-8489, 2024.

One of the first steps for geopark establishment is the recognition of geoscientific locations of interest (geosites), their description and geoconservation design. Such works can scientifically recognize their uniqueness in both regional and global scales. However, the description often requires direct identification and observation of the main sites of geoscientific relevance, which is a time-consuming, resource intensive and expensive procedure. Hence, the utilization of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a practical first order tool for the calculation of geodiversity values for the recognition of geosites to minimize a search area for direct observation and description of the diversity and the geoheritage of a studied region.

Quantitative assessment in these days is one of the most popular methodologies developed to identify geodiversity hotspots of area of interests in various of spatial scales. This type of approach uses indices for defining the diversity of geoscientific variables (however the applied spatial variables can vary from method to method) over the unit-sized regions of the sample area. Hence, quantitative assessment depends on the availability, accuracy, and scale of data. In this research, we used geological, pedological, geomorphological, and hydrological data that were processed within QGIS. The geodiversity index is produced by summing the normalized variety of thematic features (thematic cell value divided by the maximum cell value of that thematic variable) over a spatial unit (geology, pedology, geomorphology) and with an additional expression of the hydrological variables. By using normalization, the overrepresentation of subindices is eliminated.

Rooting from this, qualitative-quantitative methodology was created to enhance the recognition of potential geosites (hotspots) utilizing less data, a case common in remote or understudied and/or large areas geological mapping is not performed beyond 1 to 50,000 scale. The qualitative part of methodology is an evaluation system specifically tailored for each element of geodiversity included into assessment, where their (elements) number demonstrate the quantitative part of equation. Currently, the methodology utilizes three elements of geodiversity: geology, geomorphology, and hydrology calculated in QGIS software, while only geological map required for assessment. Each element has been described to emphasize features required for geosite recognition, which are rock type rareness, slope angle, and Strahler stream order for mentioned elements respectively. The result demonstrates the hotspots areas of potential geosites located in the studied region.

Both methodologies have been used for the region of Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark to recognize potential geosites. Methodologies have been represented with the same 2.5*2.5 km grid size evaluated to a 5-point system to recognize their differences. Additionally, both models have been compared with the main geosite locations within an active and operating Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark. The result of the project demonstrates that the similarity between the two methodologies is only 30 %, and similar areas mostly located in the “low” value areas. Moreover, quantitative methodology catching 42 already known geosites, while qualitative-quantitative recognizing 31 (for areas with high and the highest value).

How to cite: Zakharovskyi, V., Pál, M., and Németh, K.: Comparison of quantitative and qualitative-quantitative geodiversity assessment-based geosite recognition in the Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary/Slovakia, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-353, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-353, 2024.

Recently, noteworthy advancements in geodiversity studies have emerged, due to the capabilities provided by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and increasingly accurate digital data from diverse sources. New methods of geodiversity assessment have been proposed and research on validating aggregated geodiversity ratings has emerged. Thus far, scant consideration has been given to selecting the suitable shape and size for the spatial assessment unit. This conference paper presents the outcomes of a study investigating the impact of the shape and size of primary spatial assessment unit on the final map of geodiversity. Additionally, the reliability of the assessment was evaluated through spatially explicit uncertainty analysis (UA) for three national parks in Poland representing one of three morphogenetically different landscape types: mountains, uplands, and lowlands.

The geodiversity assessment was based on global and local spatial multicriteria analysis (Weighted Linear Combination and Local Weighted Linear Combination). As part of the approach, the assessment input data, comprising geodiversity factor ratings and weights, were obtained through crowdsourcing. A GIS-based web application called the geo-questionnaire was used to collect data from Earth science expert volunteers. The study was conducted for three national parks in Poland – Karkonosze National Park (KNP), Roztocze National Park (RNP), and Wolin National Park (WNP). For each of the parks, the averaged ratings from respondents were aggregated across four selected primary assessment units, namely watersheds, geomorphological features, and grids in two dimensions: 100 x 100 m and 1 x 1 km. For each map, uncertainty analysis was conducted to account for the influence of inputs on the variability (uncertainty) of the model output. As a result, four classes were calculated representing categorical outcomes for geodiversity and its uncertainty. The evaluation of the selected primary assessment units refers to the percentage of the study area characterised by the most desirable result - a relative high geodiversity and low uncertainty, in comparison to the class of relative low geodiversity and low uncertainty.

Shape and size of the spatial assessment unit can significantly impact the final result of the assessment and, consequently, limit the practical applicability of the resulting maps for managing protected and conserved areas (PCAs). In the case of KNP, the selection of watershed as a basic unit proved to be unfortunate. Due to the transboundary nature of the park and constraints related to obtaining consistent data for the entire Karkonosze massif, delineated watershed boundaries do not accurately reflect reality. The Polish part of the park covers the northern slopes of the Karkonosze Mts., which also influenced the elongated shape of many units. The use of grids as the basic assessment units in geodiversity analysis did not show significant differences in this regard for any type of the studied landscapes. 

How to cite: Najwer, A., Jankowski, P., and Zwoliński, Z.: The influence of the spatial assessment unit on the final outcome of the geodiversity value, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-909, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-909, 2024.

Geodiversity is expressed as a geographical index. It aims to quantify the diversity of the non-living environment. Like all diversity index it serves complex analyses and comparisons. For example, comparing geodiversity and biodiversity helps to understand the relationship between the living and non-living environment and to protect it in a coordinated way. In this study, we had a similar objective: the relationship between geodiversity and land cover diversity was explored to find out the dynamics between the two indicators.

The study area is in the northern part of Albania, near Shkodra, on an area of about 1800 km², and covers a geographic environment that is diverse in almost all respects: coastal, agricultural, urban, riverside, mid- and high mountain. These make the area remarkable for both its geodiversity and biodiversity, and although the former is not emphasised, the Theth National Park in the area aims to preserve these values.

The study was conducted using open-source GIS tools (QGIS and SAGA) at a medium scale, which also determined the 2x2 km cell size of the grid over the area. For the geodiversity index we used geological, soil, morphometric categories, and paleontological and mineral sites from published sources. For surface coverage, the 100 m cell resolution Copernicus Global Land Cover 2019 data for vegetation were used. Land cover diversity was expressed by the Shannon’s diversity index averaged over each 2x2 km cell. In addition to diversity, we also examined the connectivity of land cover categories and the degree of spatial autocorrelation. The latter was assessed for the 4 km² tiles by the global Moran index.

The results were evaluated separately for low- and medium-altitude (<850 m a.s.l.) tiles and for high-altitude areas. The analysis was performed using Pearson correlation test. Geodiversity and land cover diversity showed a positive correlation in the lower regions, but a negative correlation in the high regions. The relationship between geodiversity and connectivity is marked by a negative correlation in low areas and a positive correlation in mountain areas. Only in low areas was there a very weak negative correlation between Moran index and geodiversity.

Consistent with previous research, our results confirmed that there is a correlation between geodiversity and land cover diversity in certain areas (low and medium altitudes). However, the negative correlation we show in high altitudes is a new result. In other words, in low altitude areas, geo- and land cover diversity go together, while in the mountains, geodiverse areas are not characterized by land cover diversity.

Connectivity plays an important role in ecological studies. Low connectivity areas with high land cover diversity at low altitudes correspond to cultural landscapes (urban, and rural areas mixed with natural habitats), which deserves special attention because of the human factor. When coupled with high geodiversity, these areas also make ideal geotourism destinations.

How to cite: Albert, G. and Kraja, D.: Exploring the dynamics of geodiversity and land cover diversity in Northern Albania, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-4057, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-4057, 2024.

Urban geomorphology focuses on the changes to the natural landscape caused by human activities in cities. Cities have different geological-geomorphological substrates, and several human activities have been operating within them in different times. Humans as “geomorphic agents” have been generating anthropogenic erosion and accumulation, moving a “tremendous amounts of soil and rock” since the Paleolithic [1].

Study of urban geomorphology helps understanding the natural, historical and anthropogenic landscape evolution, the changes imposed by settlements in relation with natural morphologies, and the effects of the development of cities on natural geomorphological processes.

Quantitative geomorphodiversity [2,3] describes the variety of landforms and morphological processes characterizing the landscape, representing a valuable tool for landscape classification in urban areas [4,5].

Geomorphodiversity maps can be prepared using heterogeneous spatial data, at different geographical scales. The land surface diversity index (GmI) of Italy [6] is a quantitative geomorphodiversity index, considering multiple input quantities to describe geological constraints and geomorphological processes. It uses moving windows for focal statistics operations, to calculate local diversity of slope, lithology, drainage density and terrain forms, and eventually combines these ingredients in an individual, classified raster map.

The GmI approximates field-based geomorphological maps, containing accurate representations of landforms in the real world. One relevant example of the latter, in Italy, is the geomorphological survey recently carried out in Rome, with a method that integrated field surveys, historical maps, aerial photographs, archaeological and geomorphological literature [5].

In this work, we compare the land surface diversity index, obtained with a simple and objective approach [6], with real-world geomorphological maps of 3 locations describing the rural-urban gradient of Rome urban area to understand the representativeness of the GmI, in general, and its advantages and limitations, in urban areas. The methodological approach is a simple overlay of the GmI and geomorphological dataset, in a first approximation. For the comparison, we implemented different spatial analysis techniques to build suitable density functions from both datasets, to pin down to a common ground the five diversity classes, in the GmI, and the number of landforms mapped in the field, in the geomorphological map. Most notably, the latter distinguishes natural and anthropogenic landforms along the rural-urban gradient in Rome, allowing an assessment of GmI from these substantially different points of view.

The results of this work are relevant to understand the applicability of geomorphodiversity indices for landscape classification in a data-rich area. It has the potential of paving the way for larger scale analyses of the natural and human-made landforms in rural and urban areas in Italy [7], to gain insight on how to plan and maintain a resilient urban environment.

[1]Bathrellos G.D., Bulletin Geol Soc Greece (2007). https://www.pmf.unizg.hr/_download/repository/clanak_1%5B1%5D.pdf

[2] Benito-Calvo et al, Earth Surf Proc Land (2009). https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.1840

[3] Melelli et al., Sci Tot Env (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.101

[4] Vergari et al., Rendiconti Online Soc Geol Ital (2022). https://doi.org/10.3301/ROL.2022.09

[5] Del Monte et al., Journal of Maps (2016). https://doi.org/10.1080/17445647.2016.1187977

[6] Burnelli et al., Earth Surf Proc Land (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5679

[7] Alvioli, Landscape and Urban Planning (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103906

How to cite: Pica, A., Melelli, L., Burnelli, M., Del Monte, M., Vergari, F., and Alvioli, M.: Geomorphodiversity indices and geomorphological mapping: complementary contributions to landscape classification in urban areas, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-20385, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-20385, 2024.

By compiling and reviewing data on traditional sunken groundwater-harvesting agroecosystems in aeolian sand (SGHAS) in Iran, Egypt, Gaza Strip, Algeria and Iberia we analyze the motivation, function, crop-type and abandonment of recently excavated Early Islamic- to early Crusader-period (late 9th-mid-12th century) Plot-and-Berm (P&B) agroecosystems situated along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The SGHAS and the Early Islamic P&B agroecosystems were affiliated with nearby towns. The SGHAS enrichened the sandy substrate with local organic material, while the Early Islamic sites used local urban refuse. The extensive long-term investment in earthworks to form SGHASs was proven profitable due to prime water security in the form of continuous shallow, ~0.6-2  m deep groundwater availability coupled with rainfall for agriculture and groundwater replenishment. The SGHAS crops are mainly a wide range of vegetable types, watermelons, date palms, and grapes.

The spotty appearance of SGHAS temporally lags after the abandonment of the Early Islamic P&B agroecosystems. They appear to have independently developed since the 15^th-16^th century until the 19^th-early 20^th century. These late/post-medieval to early modern times are characterized by an unprecedented growth in the variety of food and textile crop types due to the introduction of species from arid Muslim-controlled regions and from the newly discovered Americas. This convergence exemplifies the appearance of local ingenuities derived from growing agricultural and technological knowledge and experience, crop variety and pressing needs for capital and food security. Such engineering agriculture demonstrates entrepreneurship usually supported by local administrations.

Our finds do not support a successive spatial-temporal dissemination process since Early Islamic times as occurred for qanats in western Asia, Arabia, North Africa and Iberia. The Early Islamic agroecosystems were significantly ahead of their time, possibly explaining why they were never reestablished following their abandonment. This understanding implies that the Early Islamic crops were probably partly different from those of the later SGHAS counterparts and maybe also provided inedible, profitable crops like cotton. This study demonstrates the importance of traditional analogues for interpreting archaeological research gaps of past agricultural engineering landscapes and provides a focal point for reestablishing traditionally-based, community, and sustainable agricultures.

How to cite: Roskin, J., Robins, L., Sanchez, R., Ostrowski, A., Bookman, R., and Taxel, I.: From Iran to Iberia: character and evolution of sunken groundwater-harvesting agroecosystems in aeolian sand since Early Islamic times until today, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-192, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-192, 2024.

When doing geomorphosite inventories, one important issue concerns the spatial delineation of the sites themselves. Several authors have proposed classifications of geomorphosites depending on their size and degree of complexity of the processes involved. Depending on the geomorphological conditions of the studied area, the perimeter of a geomorphosite can include a single landform, a cluster of landforms that may be more or less interconnected, as well as large portions of landscape (geomorphological systems). However, these typologies, and the related spatial delineation, do not take into account the possible future evolution of landforms and more in general their management and their evolution.

Indeed, in many cases, threats to the integrity of sites, be they natural or anthropogenic in origin, come from outside the perimeter of the site itself. Morphogenetic processes acting in a more or less extensive area around the geomorphosite influence its evolution and eventually its degradation. Therefore, in assessing the risk of degradation of geomorphosites and their management, one should analyze a wider area than the single perimeter, that is, the whole geomorphological system in which the site is located. In this research, the identification of a second perimeter for each geomorphosite, i.e., a "management perimeter", is proposed to be considered for the assessment of the degradation risk and geoconservation. The extent of the “management perimeter” depends on the characteristics and specificities of the geomorphosite. In some cases it may correspond with its own perimeter, in other cases it may encompass a very large area where processes influence the geomorphosite itself. The proposed approach is tested in two different areas: a mountain context – Val d'Hérens (Valais, Switzerland) – and a coastal context – Liguria (Italy). In conclusion, a typology of geomorphosites into categories for which the identification of the “management perimeter” is more or less homogeneous is proposed. This research highlights how the management and conservation of geosites should be approached with a systemic view, so as to understand how the main features of a geomorphosite interact with the active processes, natural and anthropogenic, acting in the surrounding area.

How to cite: Ferrando, A., Faccini, F., Coratza, P., and Reynard, E.: The spatial delineation of geosites: an approach for effective management and geoconservation, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-6207, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6207, 2024.

Keywords: Historic mines, Near-surface geophysics, Montan-archaeology, Mining heritage

The Ore Mountains are known for a considerable number of mineral deposits that have played an important role in the development of human activities at least from the early Bronze Age to recent times. This long period of prospecting and mining led to the creation of a unique mining landscape, recognised today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The underground mining relics, which have often been disused for hundreds of years, are an interesting target for mining archaeology and can often be converted into a mining museum. Many historic mines have an uncertain or unknown location, which, combined with the complicated relief of the mining landscape, makes excavation and further investigation a challenge. In one of the tin mining districts in the village of Hřebečná, we have investigated several sites where shallow mines from the early modern period are suspected, using a range of near-surface geophysical methods, the evaluation of historical sources, and terrain analysis. We have used microgravity survey in combination with electrical resistivity tomography and ground penetrating radar. We describe the entire process from the planning phase, including the evaluation of prior historical and geological knowledge, through to processing of observed field data. Then we discuss general capabilities of each geophysical method for the detection of voids in different states of preservation. Special attention is paid to complex interpretation in the case of conflicting results from different methods and to the determination of the most likely locations of the structures. In addition, we examine the possibility of creating density models through different modelling strategies and the reliability of models in case of significant measurement errors. The modelling includes forward modelling of the response from different scenarios with added noise according to our measurement error to estimate the detection chances for the empty, partially filled and filled mining adit, as a feasibility study, and interpretation modelling based on observed data as well.

How to cite: Beránek, R., Mrlina, J., Klanica, R., and Vošvrdová, E.: Near-Surface Geophysical Investigation of Historic Mines in Ore Mountains, Czechia, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-8050, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-8050, 2024.

Many glacial landscapes on all continents are inscribed on the World Heritage List. Due to climate change, most of the glaciers are retreating rapidly, thus questioning their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Ice loss could indeed reduce or modify the heritage values of the UNESCO World Heritage properties where glaciers are the core of the OUV and even question their inscription on the World Heritage List. In a future with fewer or without glaciers, at least two components of the OUV of World Heritage glacial landscapes could be affected: the aesthetic value (criterion vii), which could be reduced if glaciers disappear, and the geoheritage value (criterion viii), which is partly based on current glaciological processes that would no longer exist without ice.

This presentation aims to clarify what constitute the heritage values of glacial landscapes and outlines how they could evolve in a future with less (or without) ice. For two sites in the UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch property (the Great Aletsch Glacier and the Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley), we describe the evolution of the glacial landscape using a Past-Present-Future framework. We then evaluate the present and post-glacial heritage values according to criteria used in the literature on geomorphosites.

We outline two main issues:

1. The two sites are characterized by a very high palaeogeographical interest: the inherited glacial landforms around the Great Aletsch Glacier and Lake Oberhorn have allowed the reconstruction of Holocene glacial stages. In the future, the inherited landforms of high palaeogeographical interest and the para- and periglacial processes that develop in post-glacier conditions are likely to gain interest, while the dynamics of the glacier itself, which is an important part of the current geoscientific value, will decline and even be lost when the glacier disappears. As glaciers retreat, the geoscientific value will therefore depend more and more on the inherited glacial landforms, which allow the understanding of the Earth and climate history, and less and less on the glacier itself and its dynamics. As the inherited landforms can be fragile, are non-renewable and will become more central to the heritage value, their protection is an issue.

2. The aesthetic value of glacial landscapes could decrease because of the disappearance of the glacier (landscape greying). One possible adaptation could be a shift from glacier tourism, which is mainly oriented towards the contemplation of an aesthetic landscape, to geotourism, where the understanding of landscape evolution is proposed to the public.

How to cite: Bussard, J. and Reynard, E.: Conservation of World Heritage glacial landscapes in a changing climate: The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch case, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-16650, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-16650, 2024.

Geotourism is one of the fastest growing areas of thematic tourism worldwide. Geology interpretation centers and trails (so-called ‘geotrails’) are often used as a tool to implement geotourism activities, also contributing to the sustainable development of a region. Well-designed interpretation centers and geotrails play indeed a significant role in linking geoheritage with informal geoscience education and diversifying tourism. Furthermore, the use of “citizen science” in Earth Science experienced a substantial rise in the last decade, with the goals of making research more relevant to society and increasing public awareness of environmental issues.

As part of this effort, a study was conducted on geotourism opportunities in the French Alps. Specifically, this case study includes (i) the "Glaciorium” interpretation centers at Montenvers / Mer de Glace in Chamonix (Mont-Blanc massif), a historical tourist attraction (the first visits by tourists to the Mer de Glace date back to the year 1741) which focuses on the history and the functioning of the main French glacier in the Alps; and (ii) the "Sentier des Maîtres du Mont Déserté" and "Sentier des Tannes et Glacières" in the Bauges massif (within the Massif de Bauges UNESCO Global Geopark), which focus on geohazards and deal with the effects of climate change on iced caves respectively.

The study evaluates the synergy between popular and scientific knowledge along these interpretation center and geotrails. This integration is particularly noticeable at the geotrail stops and within the interpretation center, where the significance of the various geosites is explained to visitors. The consistent integration of vernacular wisdom and scientific knowledge offers visitors a richer experience and enhances their understanding of the take-home messages.

Simultaneously, this research investigates the use of participatory approaches throughout the development of the geotrails, covering design, monitoring, and the creation of interpretive panels. A comprehensive examination of participatory methods reveals their effectiveness in enhancing community engagement and communicating geological insights to local residents, ultimately improving the dissemination of the key message to tourists.

This dual analysis highlights the importance of public participation in sustainable geotourism initiatives and provides a model for the development of a new participatory Geotrail (“The path to sustainability”) situated at the base of Monte Rosa within the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy). The geotrail will connect alpine landscape viewpoints, scientific observatories, geosites and cultural sites to the Walser culture interpretation center. The initiative will integrate popular and scientific knowledge, as well as active community participation. Consequently, studying existing geotrails not only serves as a valuable point of reference, but also facilitates international cooperation and networking, thus preparing the ground for the development of new and effective research initiatives.

How to cite: Guerini, M., Hoblea, F., Giardino, M., and Ravanel, L.: Enhancing community engagement in geotourism: French Alpine interpreted landscapes as a model for an innovative participatory geotrail in the Sesia Val Grande Geopark (Italy), EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-1648, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-1648, 2024.

Managing geoparks ---Practical and application

Lin, Jiun-Chuan, Department of Geography, National Taiwan University

Su, Shew-Jiunn, Department of Geography, National Taiwan Normal University

Wang, Wen-Cheng, Department of Geography, National Taiwan Normal University

Liu, Ying-San, Department Natural Resource and Environment, Tong-Hua University

Abstract

This paper mainly focuses on managing geoparks in Taiwan.

There are 10 geoparks according to the Cultural Preservation Law in Taiwan and formed a Taiwan Geoparks Networks (TGN).

Geo-heritage is a combination of geology and physical processes as well as the cultural characters. The awareness of the value of geo-heritage is getting more and more important in Taiwan after designation of geoparks.

The methodology to conserve the geo-heritage is rather unclear before 1985 in Taiwan. However, through designation of geoparks, the conserving geo-heritage, in terms of landscape conservation, became clearer for local people to practice.

This study demonstrates some typical ways of conserving landscapes in Taiwan geoparks. First of all, through environmental education; second, through legislation; third, through local participation on geopark affairs; fourth, through guided tour by local interpreters.

According to Environmental Education Law, everyone including all departments of different level of government workers and schools have to take 4 hours’ environmental education course every year. It helps to enhance the awareness of environment conservation including conservation of geo-heritage. By Cultural Heritage Preservation Law, the designation of geoparks and natural monuments are the tools to conserve the landscapes. Local participation as local guard on geoparks are also the ways to prevent further damages. Through interpretation on the aesthetic/ scientific value by local licensed guides for visitors, it is a way to prevent further damage by human activities.

This study demonstrates the such progresses at Taiwan Geoparks.

Key words: geo-heritage, geo-conservation, environmental education, Taiwan geoparks

How to cite: Lin, J.-C.: Managing geoparks -Practical and application , EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-3130, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-3130, 2024.

Areas of the Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark are considered to be the most underdeveloped parts of Hungary and Slovakia from a socio-economic view. The paper provides an overview of the results of the regional development realized by the Geopark after more than ten years of operation, and whether it is reflected in the subjective well-being of the local society and its knowledge of geopark’s values. More than 260 completed questionnaires were collected among the inhabitants of the geopark settlements and 14 in-depth interviews were conducted with those who contributed to the establishment, organization, and operation of the geopark. The results based on the obtained database clearly show that local people are aware of the values of their environment, have a close relationship with the nature around them, and are proud of it, but they are typically unaware that these are also geopark values. Many people do not know that they live in a geopark area, and the proportion of those who directly benefit from the geopark's presence is minimal. The population seemed more "geopark-conscious" in the surroundings of the geopark or tourism-related investments. The information from the in-depth interviews gives reason for optimism, as geopark-related education or dissemination of knowledge is present in the area, so it can be assumed that the growing generation is more aware of their geopark environment than those interviewed in the study.

How to cite: Pappné Vancsó, J., Németh, N., and Bertalan, L.: Social well-being and knowledge of geopark values in the settlements of Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-6638, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6638, 2024.

Caves, as subterranean geological formations, hold scientific, cultural, and environmental significance. Show caves stand out as carefully curated destinations, providing an opportunity to explore geological processes, appreciate their aesthetic beauty, and recognize their ecological importance. This study explores the significance of show caves as subterranean geoheritage sites and focuses on their potential for sustainable cave tourism. Our primary objective is to comprehensively assess caves, while developing practical growth strategies. We introduce a novel methodology and have tested it in evaluating nine show caves in Switzerland, involving literature review, field surveys, assessments and stakeholder consultations. Addressing potential challenges and negative impacts, we analyze current tourism development and propose mitigation strategies. The Extended Show Cave Assessment Model (E-SCAM) represents a new version of SCAM (Antić et al., 2022), consisting of four groups of indicators: speleological value (SV), monitoring value (MV), infrastructure value (IV) and touristic value (TV). All indicators have their own sub-indicators that are given values (grades) from 1 to 5. The assessment process comprises two distinct stages. In the initial phase, experts evaluate and provide importance factors for each sub-indicator within the assessment model. The importance factors are average scores given by experts (1-5) in surveys. Each sub-indicator has its own importance factor, representing the experts' collective assessment of its significance within our model. For SV, the importance factor has already been determined in a previous study (Antić et al., 2022). Thus, the assessment of SV in this paper excluded the first stage of the assessment process, since we used the importance factors of SV from the previous study. Subsequently, in the second stage, authors assess and assign scores to the show caves in Switzerland. To calculate the final ratings for the explored show caves in this paper, the authors' ratings are multiplied by the previously established importance factors determined by experts. Therefore, the final ratings incorporates both the authors' opinions and the input from experts in the fields of speleology, climate, show cave infrastructure and tourism. This approach was chosen to gain a more detailed and expert-driven understanding of the significance of show cave tourism values. The study culminates in three distinct matrices: the Speleological- Touristic Value (SV-TV) matrix, the Monitoring-Touristic Value (MV-TV) matrix, and the Infrastructure-Touristic Value (IV-TV) matrix. These matrices compare the speleological, monitoring, and infrastructure values of show caves with their corresponding tourist values. The findings underscore the need for immediate action in addressing the lack of sustainable lighting systems for preservation, while highlighting generally robust infrastructure. However, concerning monitoring values, there is a significant deficit, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced climatic monitoring. The study suggests improving tourist values by implementing clearer rules of conduct, strategic marketing, enhancing guide service quality, and educating tourists on the fragility of cave ecosystems.

Keywords: show caves; cave tourism; Switzerland; geoheritage; geointerpretation.

References

Antić, A., Tomić, N., & Marković, S. B. (2022). Applying the show cave assessment model (SCAM) on cave tourism destinations in Serbia. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 10(4), 616-634.

How to cite: Antić, A. and Reynard, E.: Cave Tourism in Switzerland: Implications for Preservation and Interpretation of Subterranean Geoheritage, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-6702, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6702, 2024.

The realm of science and its outcomes is frequently perceived as esoteric by individuals outside the scientific field. This perception largely stems from the presentation of results, as scientists often convey their findings in a refined manner using strong technical terminology. However, this approach can be challenging for individuals with diverse backgrounds, both within and outside the scientific field. The absence of comprehension isolates such scientific work from our everyday life experiences, resulting in limited applicability and utilization of its findings. Hence, it is crucial to discover means of conveying research and findings in a more accessible and engaging manner. Achieving this can foster greater societal involvement in research, promoting participatory science—an integral yet often undervalued scientific endeavour.

Geoheritage bridges geoscience and society, facilitating the accessible communication of geoscientific results. In our study, we create three levels of simple and clear explanations (doing, seeing and theory) to illustrate one of the most useful techniques in studying the rock-forming process, AMS (Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility), to all based on their background. AMS is an extremely useful technique with diverse applications, including identifying strain and flow sense in rocks. We studied three distinct volcanic settings serving different visitor contexts—wild trekkers, beach visitors, and walkers and created an inventory that includes both tangible geological features of outcrops and intangible elements (AMS results). The M-GAM technique enabled us to create a comprehensive geoheritage inventory and to identify the most likely candidates for presenting these results effectively to the community, ensuring an optimal strategy for subsequent outreach and interaction with both tourists and locals. This method could be useful for studies involving a wider public, using their input in the simple explanations stage to con-construct a narrative that can then be consolidated with the inventory alongside the science.

How to cite: Shajahan, R., van Wyk de Vries, B., Zanella, E., and Harris, A.: Bridging the gap between intangible science and society through geoheritage, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-9525, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-9525, 2024.

With the establishment of the European Working Group on Earth Science Conservation in 1988 and the ‘First International Symposium on the Conservation of our Geological Heritage’ held at Digne-les-Bains (France) in 1991, geodiversity conservation emerged onto a global stage. By 1993 the working group had evolved into ProGEO, the International Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage (www.progeo.ngo). Meanwhile, the concept and practice of geological heritage had begun to be recognised elsewhere with the establishment of UNESCO’s Earth Science division and the development of the concept of Geoparks and, in collaboration with IUGS, the development of the initial concept of Global Geosites, both in the 1990s. With a formal acceptance of Global Geoparks as a UNESCO programme in 2016, the potential contribution of geological heritage to sustainable development has now been fully realised in around 195 areas across 48 countries (https://www.unesco.org/en/iggp/geoparks/about).  Meanwhile, IUGS’s new International Commission for Geoheritage (ICG; https://iugs-geoheritage.org/) has launched its Geological Heritage Sites programme, celebrating the best of global geodiversity, with the first 100 sites being listed in 2022. ProGEO, however, continues its work of promoting the philosophy and practice of geodiversity conservation, at all levels from local the global, and as an independent NGO. Of particular importance in this context was the establishment of the journal Geoheritage in 2009 as a collaboration with Springer (www.springer.com/12371) with over 1000 published papers across 86 countries having now been published – with nearly 140,000 downloads in 2022 alone. Crucially, as a partnership, ProGEO receives an annual payment from Springer, which supports its continuing activities. In addition, ProGEO has been an ongoing collaborator with partner organisations to lay the foundations for the recognition and protection of sites of geoscientific importance at every level from national to global, by establishing formal motions and recommendations through IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), hence influencing conservation practice across more than 160 countries. Currently under development through the Geodiversity Specialist Group (https://www.iucn.org/our-union/commissions/group/iucn-wcpa-geoheritage-specialist-group) of IUCN’s World Commission for Protected Areas is a programme for the recognition of ‘Key Geodiversity Areas’ (KGAs) – effectively ‘Global Geosites’ within the original 1990s concept. This project aims to establish a comprehensive and systematically selected global network of geosites to safeguard the most important stages and processes – both physical and biological - of planet Earth’s long history and ongoing evolution. Despite the quite distinct aims for KGAs from World Heritage, UGG and GHS selection and management, there is still a lot of work to be done to bring UNESCO, Global Geopark, IUGS and IUCN initiatives together towards developing mutual support and goals. In the meantime, however, the benefits for geosciences are clear if a global recognition of the importance of geosites, and geodiversity in general, can be established through international conservation designations, not least the contribution of those sites to understanding how better to sustainably manage our only planet for the benefit of future generations. Aspects of all these activities will be discussed and a vision for the future of global Geoconservation endeavour synthesised...

How to cite: Page, K.: Geoconservation, Geoheritage, Geosites – and sustainable development - the role of ProGEO at a global level, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-11754, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-11754, 2024.

Impact craters are rare and important geosites: 

Asteroids are constantly colliding with our planet. Some of them have enough energy to form impact structures that can vary in size from tens of meters (e.g., Kaali in Estonia: [1]) to hundreds of kilometers (Vredefort in RSA: [2]). Due to their rarity (~200 terrestrial impact sites are known: [3]) and a certain level of mystery and attractivity provided by their extraterrestrial genesis, impact craters are prime locations for teaching about Earth and planetary sciences. 

Museums and/or geoparks were built near many impact sites e.g.: Chicxulub museum [4], Kaali Meteoritics and Limestone Museum, Meteor Crater Barringer Space Museum, Odessa Meteor Crater Museum, Ries Crater Museum Nördlingen [5], Meteorite Museum, Rochechouart. Most impact sites, even if they are formally protected, are not associated with a museum. 

Morasko craters: 

Morasko impact site [6] consists of a group of seven craters located in central Poland. All of them formed at the same time ~5 ka, due to fragmentation of an IAB asteroid during passage through the atmosphere. The largest structure is 100 m in diameter. Multiple fragments of the impactor were found. It is one of only six known strewn fields on Earth, and the only one that is located within a large city limits (Poznan) and and next to an international airport. 

Morasko is currently utilized for educational and tourist purposes to a limited degree. The site is formally protected (Morasko Meteorite Nature Reserve), and there is a slightly deteriorated, but well designed educational path. Some pieces of Morasko meteorite (along with a collection of other meteorites) are curated in the nearby geological museum of Adam Mickiewicz University, however, access to this display is possible only for a couple of hours a week (upon previous appointment).

The goal: 

As a newly formed committee, within the next 10 years, we plan to establish a museum of natural sciences at the Morasko site. We want to make use of this amazing site to teach people about the: planetary geology, astronomy and natural hazards. 

During the conference we would like to present the case for Morasko, and receive advice and support in order to make this plan a reality. 

[1] Losiak et al. 2016. Dating Kaali Crater (Estonia) based on Charcoal emplaced within proximal ejecta blanket. MAPS 51:681–695.

[2] Huber et al. 2023. Can Archean Impact Structures Be Discovered? A Case Study From Earth's Largest, Most Deeply Eroded Impact Structure. JGR:Planets. 128 (8).

[3] Osinski et al. 2022. Impact Earth: A review of the terrestrial impact record, Earth-Science Rev. 232:104–112 

[4] Urrutia-Fucugauchi et al. 2020. Chicxulub museum, geosciences in Mexico, outreach and science communication – built from the crater up. Geosci. Commun. 4:267–280, 

[5] PöSges 2005. The Ries Crater Museum in Nördlingen, Bavaria, Germany. MAPS 40:1555-1557.

[6] Szokaluk et al. 2019. Geology of the Morasko craters, Poznań, Poland —Small impact craters in unconsolidated sediments. MAPS54:1478–1494.

How to cite: Losiak, A., Kryszczyńska, A., Muszyński, A., Oszkiewicz, D., Szczuciński, W., Szokaluk, M., and Wierzbicka, A.: Geosites that are out of this world: an example of  planned development of Morasko (Poland) impact crater educational activities, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-21186, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-21186, 2024.

Geosites comprise geomorphological sites and geological sites with significant scientific value. Geotourism promotes such natural landscapes and opens opportunities for regional development with economic benefits. NEOM is a new regional development, part of the Vission 2030 of Saudi Arabia, born from sustainability, conservation of nature, development and tourism. In the absence of adequate data on geosites, this study aims to assess various geological, and geomorphological sites in NEOM. Fourteen geosites were identified from fieldwork, and a description card was prepared. The scientific, educational, tourism, and degradation risk value of geosites has been analysed. Based on qualitative study, inventory developed on key landforms like yardang, canyons, gully, evaporite hills and submarine landscapes according to the geological provinces with a detailed description card. The assessment indicates tectonic, weathering, coastal, and marine landform diversity in a region with moderate to high scientific, educational, and touristic value. Enumerable archaeological imprints are associated with the potential geosites, and ecological importance related to the geosite enhances the significance of the site. However, the chances of landform degradation are low to moderate. Considering the sustainable development approach of NEOM, geotourism will be an alternative opportunity for regional development.

How to cite: Sen, S., O. Abouelresh, M., Almusabeh, A., S. Al-Ismail, F., Pulido, B., and V. Joydas, T.: Geoheritage Assessment of Geosites in NEOM, Saudi Arabia: in the perspective of Geotourism and Geoconservation, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-21798, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-21798, 2024.

Virtual field sites are increasing in popularity beyond classrooms. Also, field investigations greatly benefit from DGPS-referenced 3D models. We show a selection of field sites at the UNESCO Geopark Serra da Estrela (Portugal) and how they were implemented into field research. In detail, the advantages of high-definition virtual models of tors, i.e., large residual vertical rocks that are still enrooted in bedrock, were explored in the modeling of the recently conceived tor exhumation approach (TEA; Raab et al., 2018) that can trace surface degradation over a multimillennial period within the landscape of interest. The TEA uses in-situ terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides (TCNs) to surface exposure date (SED) along the surfaces of tors.

Animated tors of two endmember sites, formerly glaciated and non-glaciated, contributed to derived continuous surface denudation variations covering the last ~200 ka and revealed glacial retreat dynamics in good detail. Higher isotope contents, thus, surface exposure ages were found in the non-glaciated area. In the formerly glaciated site, the ice margin distance correlates with the isotope signature of the tors. Higher elevation tors have experienced mass wasting and water erosion during the transition from a cool, moist, oceanic-Mediterranean climate. There, the younger rock surfaces have a higher chemical weathering degree than older surfaces at the non-glaciated site.

In summary, we provide freely available 3D field sites coupled with an extensive geomorphological study of these landscape features.

How to cite: Raab, G. and Vieira, G.: Virtual field sites at the UNESCO Geopark Serra da Estrela (Portugal), EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-20888, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-20888, 2024.