A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-021-00556-w

Geosite and geodiversity site inventories are among the most important means of geological diversity conservation and promotion. However, there are other in situ geological features that have significant educational potential and are not included in many inventories, namely, localities of widespread rock types, common minerals and fossil-bearing strata. In this paper, a broad utilisation of these petrographic

This paper introduces newly published guidelines on geoheritage conservation in protected and conserved areas within the “IUCN WCPA Best Practice Guidelines” series. It explains the need for the guidelines and outlines the ethical basis of geoheritage values and geoconservation principles as the fundamental framework within which to advance geoheritage conservation. Best practice in establishing and

The Salt Range, Pakistan exhibits the most complete record of sedimentary successions, ranging from Precambrian to Quaternary period and acts as a natural field museum for geologists. Unfortunately, the lack of responsiveness among population and geo heritage managing institutions in Pakistan, this beautiful and valuable museum is excavated for construction purposes. Based on the preliminary geo heritage

One of the most significant ferruginous geosystems in Brazil and worldwide is the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, located in Minas Gerais, in its southeastern part. Its economic importance imposes intense pressure on unique environmental attributes, such as rare species of flora and fauna, speleological sites, scenic beauty, water resources, geological outcrops and fossils. To protect one of the few remnants

The late Middle Pleistocene ichnosite of Funtana Morimenta (Gonnesa, Italy) provides a relevant scientific and didactic interest. In this site, tracks of megacerine deer and dwarf mammoths of the Ice Age are well-preserved and visible in situ. The geosite has also historic importance, and it has been mentioned since the beginning of the nineteenth century for the sedimentological features and its palaeontological

The application of analysis techniques such as DTM-LIDAR and the photo interpretation in the Roman gold mine study ‘Las Miédolas’ has allowed a precise comprehension of its hydraulic supply network, which amounts to 80-km channels. Also, mining works evolution, and it assessed auriferous ore deposit volume. Topographic precision that provides DTM-LIDAR to describe structures in detail, allowing to

Myths and legends related to geological phenomena or stunning landscapes are common in the cross-border Ardennes Massif. They represent an important intangible geo-cultural heritage. Those legends add an extra dimension to the holistic experience of geoheritage in the western part of the Variscan Rhenish massif, which is also world famous for its International Union of Geological Sciences–acknowledged

The City Council of Segovia, as part of the Second Environmental Education Strategy of the Autonomous Region of Castile & Leon (Spain), together with the Geological Survey of Spain (Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, IGME), has developed a research project to implement the management of urban geoheritage in the Department of the Environment, with the integration of other council departments. Top

Kras is a low carbonate plateau in the southwestern part of Slovenia, on the Slovenian-Italian border. The local name of the plateau (“Karst” in German language) became the scientific name for all similar land formations around the world. The karstification of the landscape resulted in numerous and diverse surface and underground karst features. Dynamic changes in modern society led to numerous changes

The Seridó, an interstate region of the northeastern hinterlands of Brazil, which encompasses several municipalities between the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraiba, has a geological heritage resultant from a series of natural processes over geological time, with a remarkable petrologic, structural, stratigraphic, and geomorphologic variety. The region is characterized by Paleoproterozoic gneisses

With over 500 salt-making sites in inland Spain, continental salinas constitute genuine cultural landscapes with strong cultural and natural heritage values. This paper presents inland or continental salinas using artisanal techniques for the production of salt based on solar evaporation and local materials for buildings and infrastructures. Together with the environmental features of the sites, these

The Kachchh Basin is a peri-cratonic rift basin in the Gujarat state of Western India which exposes a vast range of geological features which are of great importance for basic and applied research by geoscientists. The fossil-rich stratigraphy of the Kachchh Basin represents the past 200 million years of geological history from the Jurassic Period to the present day, including through the Neogene Period

World’s and Europe’s natural geodiversity is decreasing due to anthropogenic pressure. Thereby, the interest of tourists to the authentic geographical places with undisturbed nature and where the original culture prevails is growing. The Chorna Tysa River basin completely complies with these requirements and is extremely promising for the development of international geotourism in the Ukrainian Carpathians

Comments are presented on the paper by Rosado-González et al. (Geoheritage 12:36, 2020), an attempt of quantification ―based on social perception― of the performance of four Latin American UNESCO Global Geoparks against a set of Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations “2030 Agenda”). Beyond analyzing the ethical considerations and potential consequences of a study conceived as a non-independent

The biased perception society has towards palaeontology, shown through practical activity experience, has led a multidisciplinary team of educators and scientists to meticulously design a didactic programme to increase, in a regulated and coordinated way, the outreach of this science at the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona (MCNB). The specific objective of the programme, which can be summarized

Urban geology analyses natural risks and promotes geoheritage in urban areas. In the cities, characterized by a high cultural value, the hypogean artificial cavities, often present in the downtown, offer a unique opportunity to show the geological substratum. Moreover, these places could be a point of interest in urban trekking with the abiotic component of the landscape as a topic (geotourism). To

The historical character of the Louvie-Soubiron marble quarry, in the French Pyrenean Ossau Valley, has been brought to light through a combined analytical study of quarry samples and Roman archaeological artefacts of known chronology. The identification parameters, or fingerprints, established following a multi-method analytical approach applied to Louvie-Soubiron marble have served to authenticate

The geomorphosites of the Zamora sector of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park are presented and put forward as the basis for a geotourism proposal using augmented reality. The aim, on the one hand, is to make a valuable, natural heritage more widely known in an attractive, educational manner, and, on the other, to contribute to the sustainable development of a socio-economically depressed rural area

The biggest and most spectacular blister caves in the world are found in the Fentale–Metehara area, in the Main Ethiopian Rift, where we inventoried 639 blisters and blister caves in an area of 80 sq. km straddling between the southern foot of Fentale volcano and the northern shore of Lake Beseka. The blisters were formed by a unique geological process involving up-doming of fluid-rich pyroclastic

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site is managed by the Joggins Fossil Institute (JFI), a charitable organization consisting of a volunteer board of directors and a small staff team. This article illustrates how the governance of this small institution evolved since its inception nearly 20 years ago. Originally, the institute had a traditional hierarchical management structure. But 10 years

The Jebel Ardouz massif west of Marrakech (M’zoudia region) is one of a few Paleozoic outcrops that arises from the Pliocene-Quaternary Houaz plain (Kebir, Lahalima, Alamma, and Ferjane). Locally, the first tree hills capped by the Devonian limestones have been exploited by the Asmar cement plant since 1974. The Koudiat Ferjane, not yet exploited, consists of undeformed and unmetamorphosed Devonian

In the NW of the Iberian Peninsula, in the region of Lugo, a very exclusive Cambrian phyllite has been quarried and used for construction since prehistoric times, the Filita Verde or green phyllite. There are three varieties of this stone, all of them with the characteristic glitter of phyllites given by the metamorphic recrystallization of the phyllosilicates. Most of the architectural heritage of

Building stone use through time in Cambridge is reassessed based on a new field survey of most significant buildings within the city boundary. Included in the survey is stone external to buildings, as walling or dressings, but omitting paving and most roofing. Stone provenance is identified to a quarry or quarry group where possible. Stone location is specified by grid reference and as a named component

The values of geodiversity, defined through different qualitative and/or quantitative methods, represent a fundamental asset for the development of geoconservation actions. Quantitative methods can be considered those of less subjectivity since their dependence on the evaluator and its scientific knowledge is restricted. In turn, aiming to clearly expose the achieved results, this work used geoprocessing

The geological characterization of geosites is essential in the process of valorization of the geoheritage, as it is the first step to reveal its scientific relevance and to promote geoscience dissemination. The structural and petrological analysis of the geosite “Boudins of the Camburizinho Islet”, in the northern coast of Sao Paulo state, allowed the characterization of important geological features

Assessment is the initial step for experts on geoheritage and geotourism when designating geosites in a certain area. During this process, geologically interesting outcrops, formations and places are examined with the use of different criteria to see if they are suitable for geoconservation and geotourism purposes. A quantitative assessment method—Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM)—was applied

Interpretation of paleontological heritage of mammoths is an important factor for the development of tourism in Serbia. Most fossil remains of mammoths are found in a unique geological environment, indicating the significant tourist value of these sites. The principal aim of this paper is to emphasize the tourism potential and geoconservation values of mammoth fossils throughout Serbia. These fossil

The conservation of geosites in a region can foster its sustainability and develop geotourism. These geosites provide geoeducation, raise people’s awareness on natural hazards, and increase their resilience. Low-income cities located in tectonically active areas combine high geohazards with high vulnerability and low sustainability. Geosites in these cities should be a tool to decrease people’s vulnerability

Aerial geotourism is a result of the combination of earth science, tourism, and aviation together, that is the tourism use of geodiversity, geoheritage, and especially geomorphological landscapes through various flying vehicles. In fact, aerial geotourism includes various aspects of tourism, recreation, aesthetics, education, interpretation, understanding, geohistorical, and geoconservation by flying

A site with thousands of potholes, locally named “Samphunbok (SPB),” and a giant pedestal (mushroom) rock possess a very high geological value. The potholes are being formed on the riverbed of the Mekong River; whereas the giant pedestal rock is the largest on the Khorat Plateau, and is located in Ubon Ratchathani province, north-eastern Thailand. Based on detailed geological, geomorphological, and

This article discusses the importance of local community involvement and their appreciation concerning geotourism. The Toba Caldera is an interesting area that forms a unique, spectacular landscape and is a popular international tourist destination. This caldera has become an important Indonesian tourism icon, and a plan is being developed with respect to sustainable development within the vicinity

Red Ereño is widely prized as an ornamental and construction stone for its intense red micritic matrix, contrasting with the white rudist fossil shells it contains. Quarried since Roman times (first century) in the localities of Ereño and Gautegiz Arteaga, Red Ereño is a recognised limestone and has been widely used in architecture ever since. It was utilised extensively in the Basque Country and is

The aim of the study is to assess the potential of tourism in the Novohradské Mountains and the Gratzen Mountains on the borderland of the Czech Republic and Austria, with a focus on geotourism. A partial objective was to evaluate the accompanying infrastructure in the background of geomorphologically attractive localities, especially the accessibility of the area by means of hiking trails and accommodation

The aim of this study is to analyse the evolution of and educational interest in the Spanish Geology Olympiads after ten editions of this initiative. The primary purpose of Geology Olympiads is to encourage students to acquire earth sciences knowledge by highlighting its importance in the current world. Geology Olympiads have been one of the initiatives to encourage a slow but steady recovery in the

Over the past 14 years, considerable scientific articles on geotourism have been published in Iran. In this regard, the aim of this study is to analyze the level of development of geotourism studies in Iran. The central question of the present study is “how is the quantity and quality of accumulation and production of science in the field of geotourism in the context of Iran?” To this aim, the systematic

The interaction between speleology and tourism has been active in science and society for a very long time. In many countries, tourist caves shape the economic situation at the local and regional level. This shows their value for the development of local communities and for scientific research and promotion of science. Caves represent the indicators of cave tourism development, and they are one of

As a nonrenewable resource, geological heritage landscapes are formed in the process of geological processes. The fragility of the landscape is mainly determined by the external dynamic geological factors. The study of the Bamei stone forest, a unique metamorphic stone forest found in the Xianshuihe fault zone on the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, shows that the internal dynamic geological

Some organizations have warned that most secondary school curricula do not include a substantial geology component. Inadequate geological knowledge affects not only university students but also the majority of citizens who finish their secondary studies without having learned any basic geological concepts. The insufficient geological training of pre-university teachers who are later expected to teach

East Kazakhstan is physiographically a diverse region of north-central Asia encompassing a broad array of geomorphic zones and geo-ecosystems from the western open steppes to the interior arid basins with wind-sculptured surfaces of the surrounding rocky highlands aligned by the high alpine mountain ranges. The complex regional geological history gave rise to a mosaic of impressive landforms located

Volcanic geoheritage is an emerging field with limited assessments and particular methodological approaches worldwide. The scarcity of volcanic geomorphosite evaluation is higher in tropical countries, particularly developing ones such as Costa Rica and Cameroon. To contribute to reducing this gap in the literature, we evaluate and compare the geomorphosites of the Irazú and Eboga volcanoes, which

Cultural landscapes were developed as a result of continuous interaction between nature and human culture. During their evolution, the geodiversity was also considerably influenced by human activities. Recently, geoheritage studies have become more sensitive towards man-made cultural landmarks. In this paper, we explore a methodology to compile a regional inventory for a historic mountainous cultural

Despite the importance of geoheritage as an interdisciplinary geo-based topic, it is poorly documented as a tool of harmonious socioeconomic development and territorial strategic planning. The promotion of this natural resource in rural areas of the southern Mediterranean may strengthen social resilience and consolidate management strategies if it is conducted according to a responsible and sustainable

Considering the number of UNESCO Global Geoparks, Spain is the second country in the world and the first country in Europe. This paper describes the historical development and the current reality of Spanish Geoparks with a geographical, geological, administrative and sociological analysis and explains the main reasons that have contributed to the successful spread of Spanish UNESCO Global Geoparks

The heritage cannot be appreciated nor entirely understood without considering the genesis and evolution of natural elements. Four places located in the north of Spain are analyzed. They are featured by the importance of natural environment, as Pleistocene and Holocene tufa buildups, and the important cultural goods, vernacules, or belonging to Prehistoric, Middle Age, and Modern ages. The inventory

Outside the main mountain ranges and high North and South regions, individual isolated very small glaciers are the only glacier remnants and exceptional high-mountain active geomorphosites, which can be used to represent climate change consequences first hand to the local general public. The isolated, very small Triglav glacier in Slovenia was used to represent 3D glacier area changes for the period

Volcanic zones are important geoheritage sites. Active volcanic fields are of special interest because they allow to observe the complex and interesting stratigraphic relationships that often characterise their products and processes, as well as landscapes of unusual beauty. These geological sites enable visitors to appreciate the full complexity of volcanic activity and the importance of the geoheritage

The rock pinnacles of the Meteora UNESCO World Heritage Site, Central Greece, are global geologic icons but are inadequately studied. Herein, we summarize decades of observations leading to a geohistory and geoenvironmental model of the unique conditions that were essential for their creation. Via this synthesis, we hope thus to encourage further specialized studies of the West Thessaly-Meteora region

The Danakil Depression, located in the northern segment of the Afar rift, is a world-class example of active rifting and the birth of a new ocean. The unique, yet only partially interpreted geothermal system of Dallol in northern Danakil is currently receiving renewed attention by researchers and visitors despite its extreme climate since the recent improvements of infrastructure and the stabilisation

Geosites constitute important natural resource of Egypt. Field investigations in the Dakhla Oasis of the Western Desert have permitted to assess unique geomorphological, geological, and geoarchaeological features co-occurring in the Valley of Camels. These features are assigned to geomorphological type (animal-shaped landforms sculptured by differential erosion), palaeogeographical type (continental

The Heritage Stone Subcommission (HSS), under the aegis of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), accords “Global Heritage Stone Resource” status to stones used in architectural heritage sites that are particularly important for local cultures and traditions. The Proterozoic slates of Himachal Pradesh have been used extensively in the architectural heritage of the Himalayan region of

Over the past 14 years, several geosites have been identified as geotourism all over Iran, and it seems the time has come to define and implement systematic mechanisms in order to conserve this valuable geoheritage. Therefore, using a combined approach, this study aims to answer the question about the conceptual model of conservation management of geotourism attractions. The required data were collected

This study is going to deal with attractions proposed by the geomorphological heritage in Asir Mountains. The reason behind conducting this study is for presenting the abilities of geo-tourism development in Asir Mountains. The geomorphological heritage embraces landforms and processes playing a key role in the understanding the history of earth and having a strict relationship with both the geomorphological

Urban geoheritage sites are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressure linked to urbanisation. To understand the necessity of conservation of the geological heritage of the Chaohu Lake region of Hefei (China), the first assessment of the geological sites in the area was undertaken based on in-depth field studies and a literature review. The area possesses significant geoheritage of 16 types, the most important

The municipality of Monsagro, a mountain location in Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park (Salamanca, Spain), has recently developed two paleontological outreach projects: a Fossil Footprints Geo-route within the urban area and a modern Centre for the Interpretation of Ancient Seas. They are based on the abundance and popular interest of Cruziana and other ichnofossils, which have been added

We provide a brief account of the building stone geology and architectural development of a stone wall that features as part of the Lighthouse Hotel in Bunbury, Western Australia (WA). Our purpose is to highlight the ‘big ideas’ of geology contained in the key building stones of the hotel’s walls, which are visible to passing tourists. We also investigate the architecture, art and cultural stories

The existence of several springs located in the Alfama district, Lisbon, Portugal, reported since the medieval Islamic period, is an important but almost unknown part of the history of the city. The word “Alfama” probably comes from the Arabic “Al-Hamma,” which means “hot spring.” This historical importance is revealed through the diversified water usage, such as ship water supply during the Portuguese

Establishing sustainable and responsible speleotourism development is a major challenge and involves complex activities. Adequate theoretical starting point is the application of geoethical values related to the conservation and protection of the caves to be used for touristic purposes. Positive and negative cases of human behaviors towards speleological geoheritage are discussed, in order to highlight

The increase in research within the scope of science collections has enabled a greater visibility of the problems and solutions applied to their preservation. Geological collections, as any scientific heritage, are a powerful resource for education. There are many adversities in preserving this type of heritage. Any geological collection has inherent in its practices the most diverse challenges, from

The aim of this study is to assess pore size distribution changes of the İscehisar (Turkey) andesite in relation to the six artificial accelerated ageing factors such as salt crystallization, freezing–thawing, thermal shock, SO2 action in the presence of humidity, water vapour transmission, and capillary water absorption. The andesite has a bimodal pore size distribution mainly between 0.1 and 2–3 μm