GEOHERITAGE PROMOTION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: "KUČAJ-BELJANICA MOUNTAINS" NATIONAL PARK IN THE HOMOLJE AREA (EASTERN SERBIA)

Purpose – One of the main aims of this research is to highlight those elements that favour certain geosites within the Kučaj-Beljanica Mountains National Park as particularly valuable and attractive phenomena of the overall geodiversity of this part of Eastern Serbia. Since geoheritage protects only authentic geosites, they must be adequately protected and rationally used. Such nature values should be appropriately promoted towards sustainable tourism and geotourism, which is one of the reasons for this research. Methodology – This paper presents a review of representative geosites within the Kučaj-Beljanica National Park in the Homolje area. Interpretation of geosites is based on scientific, aesthetic, touristic and other values that make them authentic and specific concerning others. These criteria of values are based on Vujičić et. al (2011) geosite assessment model (GAM). ArcGIS software was used as a basic method tool to present the research area. Findings – Geotourism aims to develop and spread public awareness of geosites that has scientific and cultural values and will be discussed possible solutions for developing this part of tourism. It will be analyzed what are the main issues of not recognizing the natural worth and how should they be better preserved and adequately used in the future. Contribution – The main task and contribution of this study are to indicate what can be done to adequately develop sustainable tourism on the natural phenomenon. In that way, this study will have an impact on public education and consciousness about the vulnerability and multiple significance of geoheritage as an essential component of the environment.