Geodiversity hotspot and SWOT-TOWS-AHP assessment for regional geoconservation strategies in Kulon Progo Regency, Aspiring Jogja Geopark, Indonesia

Abstract

The concept of geodiversity and its sensitivity are inextricably linked. A geodiversity hotspot is defined as a geographical area that has a high level of geodiversity, while also being susceptible to threats from human activities. The objective of this study is to determine the geoconservation priority locations and programs in Kulon Progo Regency, an administrative area that is part of Aspiring Jogja Geopark. To achieve this, the geospatial data, including rock formations, tectonics, landforms, springs, river order, reservoir and soil order, were collected to compile the geodiversity index (GI). The threat index (TI) is comprised of geospatial data, including anthropogenic intervention, land degradation, cultivated area, and mining permit area. The GI and TI are integrated through GIS to generate spatial geodiversity hotspots, which will illustrate sensitive locations that require geoconservation strategies. The Kulon Progo Regency has been identified as containing four geodiversity hotspots. The northern hotspot encompasses parts of Kalibawang District, Nanggulan District, Girimulyo District, and Samigaluh District. The central hotspot is situated across Sentolo District, Wates District, and Pengasih District. The eastern hotspot is in Lendah District, while the western hotspot is found in Kokap District and Temon District. Strategies were developed on the basis of a SWOT-TOWS-AHP analysis of the characteristics of Kulon Progo Regency, the western portion of Aspiring Jogja Geopark. This has resulted in three priority strategies: (1) the development of human resources for the geopark, (2) the active involvement of geopark communities in geoconservation activities, and (3) the downstreaming of georesearch results in the form of communal geoknowledge. As a geoconservation tool, this method can provide a basis for Local Geodiversity Action Plans to address the complexity of geoconservation management in geoparks by simplifying it through GIS and SWOT-TOWS-AHP methods.