International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks最新文献

{"title":"Comparative analysis of UNESCO Global Geoparks management: Massif des Bauges (France) and M'Goun (Morocco)","authors":"Kottabi Salah Eddine ,&nbsp;Benzidiya Khalid ,&nbsp;El Khalki Yahia ,&nbsp;Hobléa Fabien ,&nbsp;Perrin-Malterre Clémence","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the framework of a collaborative programme on dynamic landscapes involving the Landscape Dynamics, Risks and Heritage laboratory (Morocco) and Environment, Dynamic, Territory and Montagne laboratory (France), this paper investigates the management plans, actions, and activities adopted by two UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp): (a) the Massif des Bauges UNESCO Global Geopark in France, recognised as a European Geopark in 2011, located in a developed country with a long experience in heritage enhancement, and (b) the M'Goun UNESCO Global Geopark in Morocco, recognised in 2014 as the first African geopark, a pioneer in the development of geoheritage on this continent. The results show that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach to UNESCO Global Geoparks management. An effective strategy requires permanent financing, as well as a dynamic and participatory management structure that engages a broad network of local actors and stakeholders. This structure should operate, according to a clearly defined plan, with consensus reached between decision-makers and the local community, underpinned by transparency and authenticity. The management plan should prioritise the development of integrated strategies across four key pillars. It should: i) focus on effective geoconservation of heritage in alignment with national regulations; ii) incorporate awareness-raising and educational initiatives, setting clear objectives for geoeducation programmes to complement; (iii) initiate and encourage geotourism activities; and iv) emphasise the appreciation and promotion of local geoproducts, reflecting the community’s cultural identity and landscape perception.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 4","pages":"Pages 579-600"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145746911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geomorphological perspective of geodiversity: A case study of Al–Zubaidat area, east of Misan Governorate (Iraq)","authors":"Bashar F. Maaroof ,&nbsp;Hashim H. Kareem ,&nbsp;Ban Al-Hasani ,&nbsp;Iacopo Carnacina ,&nbsp;Mawada Abdellatif ,&nbsp;Nadhir Al-Ansari ,&nbsp;Rayan G. Thannoun ,&nbsp;Jaffar H. Al-Zubaydi ,&nbsp;Varoujan K. Sissakian ,&nbsp;Mohammed A. Al-Musawi ,&nbsp;Raheem H. Al-Abdan ,&nbsp;Jaafar Jotheri ,&nbsp;Hussain M. Hussain ,&nbsp;Manal Sh. Al-Kubaisi ,&nbsp;Ahmed M. Hashoosh","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research investigates the geodiversity of the AL-Zubaidat region in Southeastern Iraq, with a focus on its geomorphological and hydrological characteristics. This information helps researchers identify suitable locations for natural reserves, thereby enhancing the protection of Iraqi biodiversity. The region attracts eco-tourism visitors, benefiting the economy and providing various scientific, cultural, educational, and aesthetic benefits. This research employed the geoinformatics methodology for geospatial analysis, constructing a comprehensive geodatabase, categorizing spatial features through topographic, geological, and hydrological maps, and correlating data with satellite imagery and elevation models. Geodiversity was classified according to physical parameters and international criteria, with the final classification attributes formulated utilizing maps, field photographs, and geodatabases. The research employed specific parameters to analyze the geomorphometric and slope diversity of the Al-Zubaidat area watersheds. The study area in Al-Zubaidat comprises dome-shaped hills, tertiary geological formations, valleys, and badlands. The area encompasses 782.308 km² and shall consist of three principal watersheds (Al-Sharhani, Abu-Ghraibat, and Al-Shakak), as well as 12 sub-watersheds. The watershed perimeter is correlated with the circulating ratio, form factor, and elongation ratio, with larger perimeters generally indicating larger basin areas. The region encompasses low-slope terrain, with elevated slope values in the northern sections, especially in the headwaters. Geoheritage, geodiversity, geoconservation, and geoparks can facilitate sustainable development, promote healthy lifestyles, and foster cultural diversity. These initiatives are crucial for policymakers and regional stakeholders in semi-arid and developing regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, to enhance income and protect vulnerable natural resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 4","pages":"Pages 616-637"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145746915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Residents' willingness to pay for heritage conservation: Insight from a discrete choice experiment","authors":"Wu Feifei,&nbsp;Norlida Hanim Mohd Salleh","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the willingness to pay (WTP) of 488 Quanzhou residents for the conservation of World Heritage Sites (WHS) using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) and a mixed logit (MXL) model. The results indicate that residents are willing to pay CNY 19.35 per month for high-level community well-being improvements, CNY 25.83 for high cultural engagement, and CNY 20.60 for job creation related to tourism. In contrast, the WTP for direct heritage preservation is lower, with CNY 8.17 for high-level preservation. These findings highlight a preference for enhancing community infrastructure and cultural activities over direct conservation efforts. The research not only provides valuable insights for enhancing local participation in Quanzhou but also serves as a reference for government. By analyzing the WTP, governments and cultural organizations can develop targeted initiatives that foster civic engagement and public support for decision-making, thereby advancing democratic governance. This study deepens the understanding of the relationship between community involvement and heritage conservation and informs more effective policies that align local interests with sustainable cultural preservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 4","pages":"Pages 493-505"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145448562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of influencing factors and development directions for economic growth through community-based tourism of ethnic minorities: A case study of Dien Bien and Cao Bang, Vietnam","authors":"Xinh Luong Ho ,&nbsp;Quang Van Nguyen","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dien Bien and Cao Bang are two mountainous provinces in the north of Vietnam that have diverse ethnic profiles and great potential for community-based tourism (CBT), which is inherent with been numerous challenges in the association between ethnic minorities and economic development. Thus, this study was to identify key factors affecting the success of CBT and provide recommendations for enhancing sustainability in these regions. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through other literature from both studies and official documents and field surveys conducted among local residents, tourists, and key stakeholders. The data were then analyzed using regression and thematic analysis to determine the most influential factors. Results indicated that economic factors including income stability and equitable income distribution were the most significant determinants of CBT success. Cultural preservation and quality of life improvements were also as critical as environmental sustainability supported by effective waste management and government policies. Finally, community engagement and development policies were least influential. It was deduced that for the development of CBT in Dien Bien and Cao Bang. Stakeholders should focus on stabilizing income, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing environmental sustainability through targeted policies and community engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 4","pages":"Pages 520-533"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145746917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatial geoarchaeology of megalithic cultural site (Jere) at Ternate Aspiring National Geopark, North Maluku, Indonesia","authors":"Chusni Ansori ,&nbsp;Nurachman Iriyanto ,&nbsp;Defry Hastria ,&nbsp;Putri Novita Taniardi ,&nbsp;Abdul Karding Dedy Arif ,&nbsp;Mohamad Al Fariji","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ternate is an island in the Maluku archipelago, North Maluku province. Ternate Island is a volcanic island with the active volcano Gamalama. The City Government plans to establish a Ternate Geopark. Apart from geological sites such as the volcanic traces of Batu Angus, there is also a distribution of megalithic cultural artifacts in the form of menhirs and monoliths, sacred to the sultanate and the Ternate people, called <em>Jere</em>. This research was conducted to investigate the relationship between the distribution of megalithic cultural sites and their natural surroundings.The research includes field surveys, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) rock geochemical analysis, digital elevation model (DEM) analysis, overlay processes, and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to obtain geospatial maps of the distribution of megalithic artifacts and the influence of geological parameters on cultural formation. Seven geological parameters and 47 sub-parameters are analyzed. Geological parameters include lithology, elevation, slopes, landscapes, surface water, groundwater, and volcanic hazard zones. The megalithic cultural sites era influenced three main aspects: volcanic hazard (with an influence of 37.97%; distance from rivers (with an influence of 25.75%), and geomorphology (with an influence of 13.78%). Volcanic hazard parameters are the primary consideration in site placement, especially in subparameter areas without potential disasters (with an influence of 43.86%). The river distance is less than 250 m with an influence of 43.95%, while the geomorphology of the volcano's foot influences 46.85%.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 4","pages":"Pages 671-690"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geoheritage assessment of northern Tunisia: First proposal of geosites and prospects for geotourism","authors":"Kamel Maalaoui ,&nbsp;Idriss Riahi ,&nbsp;Moez Mansoura ,&nbsp;Mohamed Ouaja ,&nbsp;Fouad Zargouni","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assesses the geological heritage of Northern Tunisia to propose conservation measures and promote geotourism. Using the Spanish Inventory of Sites of Geological Interest evaluation method, four volcanic geosites have been analyzed: La Galite Island, Ras Rajel, Oued Bellif, and Guelb Saad Moun. La Galite Island stands out for its unique volcanic formations and significant scientific interest, while Ras Rajel provides valuable insights into mining processes and regional geodynamics. Oued Bellif is remarkable for its iron sulfide and lead‑zinc deposits, which are essential for understanding metallogenic processes. As for Guelb Saad Moun, it is a volcanic site that serves as a key witness to the geodynamic evolution of the Mediterranean. The rigorous application of the evaluation method yielded high values, highlighting the significant scientific and educational importance of these geosites, as well as their strong tourism potential. This potential is based on outstanding landscape beauty, remarkable aesthetic quality, and easy accessibility by various means, making these sites particularly attractive to geotourists. However, vulnerability levels vary: La Galite Island and Ras Rajel present moderate risks, while Oued Bellif and Guelb Saad Moun require enhanced protection measures. This research advocates for a conservation and enhancement strategy tailored to each site, paving the way for the potential creation of a georoute and a future geopark in Northern Tunisia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 4","pages":"Pages 638-651"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated geospatial analysis for ecotourism potential: A study of Jhargram District using geographic information systems and analytical hierarchy process","authors":"Uttam Bhunia,&nbsp;Arvind Kumar Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the ecotourism potential of Jhargram District, West Bengal, India, using an integrated approach that combines geographic information systems (GIS) with the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) from multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) tools. Ten key criteria, including distance from geosites, elevation, slope, proximity to forests, distance from rivers, distance from cultural sites, distance from hotels and homestays, land use and land cover (LULC), distance from roads, and distance from tribal villages, were selected based on field surveys and expert opinions. The AHP method determined the relative importance of these criteria, and a weighted overlay analysis was conducted in ArcGIS 10.8. The analysis revealed that the district's 14.28% (432.50 km²) was highly suitable for ecotourism, with 0.16% (5 km²) classified as most suitable. Moderately suitable areas accounted for 73.21% (2217.38 km²), while 11.97% (362.55 km²) were less suitable, and only 0.38% (11.4 km²) were not suitable. The Binpur-II block emerged as the most favorable zone, hosting 35 villages within the most suitable category. The study's novelty lied in the integration of Kernel density estimation (KDE) and combined density analysis for validation, ensuring a more robust site selection process. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to promote ecotourism while conserving natural ecosystems and generating employment opportunities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 4","pages":"Pages 561-578"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145796996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The landscape of science communication and public engagement in UNESCO Global Geoparks","authors":"Joana Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Elsa Costa e Silva ,&nbsp;Diamantino Insua Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>UNESCO Global Geoparks are unique platforms for communicating science and geoscience, especially in the context of contemporary environmental challenges. These territories are outstanding models for promoting environmental stewardship and fostering community engagement. To address a research gap in understanding science communication within geoparks, this study explored the theoretical framework behind science communication, discussing key principles and strategies. The results revealed a diverse landscape with a wide spectrum of approaches, showing progress and opportunities, yet challenges persisted, including inconsistent frameworks and the prevalence of deficit-model thinking. Trends indicated increasing adoption of participatory and community-focused initiatives, although these were unevenly implemented. The study concluded that while geoparks had made significant contributions to science communication and sustainability, their impact could be enhanced through more consistent and participatory strategies that actively involved communities, strengthening their role as global models for environmental stewardship and public engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 4","pages":"Pages 547-560"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145746913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Benefits of geopark from the perspective of local communities: A case study of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia","authors":"Aelisa Awing Louis ,&nbsp;Hamimah Talib ,&nbsp;Jennifer Kim Lian Chan ,&nbsp;Kamlisa Uni Kamlun","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Geoparks represent a dynamic nexus between geological heritage, ecological preservation, and sustainable development. Within this framework, the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGGp) in Malaysia was officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark on 26th May 2023. It stands as a paragon of geotourism, uniting local communities, cultural legacy, and natural wonders under the broader agenda of sustainable tourism. However, the extent to which these benefits are recognized by local communities, particularly in Kota Belud, remains inadequately explored. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for aligning geotourism initiatives with community aspirations and fostering sustainable development. This study investigates the perceived benefits of geoparks among the Kota Belud community using a mixed-methods approach. A total of 225 respondents from the community of Kota Belud participated in this study. The quantitative data were triangulated with the data from in-depth interviews with eight community representatives. Using a five-point Likert scale, the survey consists of 31 items constructed based on the UNWTO conceptual framework of the three pillars of tourism sustainable development: economy, social, and environment. Complementary in-depth interviews with eight representatives provided qualitative insights, enhancing the robustness of findings. Survey results indicate strong agreement on the benefits of geoparks in enhancing local economies (mean = 4.36), fostering social cohesion (mean = 4.28), and promoting environmental conservation (mean = 4.24). Thematic analysis further highlights the dimensions such as income generation, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. This study underscores the transformative potential of geoparks and offers practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance geotourism strategies aligned with sustainable development goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 4","pages":"Pages 534-546"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145746912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Erratum to “Climate change risk assessment of heritage tourism sites within South African national parks” [International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, Volume 10, Issue 3, 417–434]","authors":"D. Chikodzi ,&nbsp;G. Nhamo ,&nbsp;K. Dube ,&nbsp;L. Chapungu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks","volume":"13 3","pages":"Page 490"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145117770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}