Geoparks

The Vikos-Aoos Geopark is located at the northwestern part of the Pindus Mountain Range at the Region of Epirus, northwest Greece. Since 2010, it is part of the European and Global Geopark Networks of UNESCO. The Geopark extends in an area of 1,200 km2 near the Greek-Albanian border also covering a large area of the Northern Pindus National Park. The area is characterized by a mountainous and rugged terrain, which is interrupted by steep gorges, elongated narrow valleys, and alluvial plains. Smolikas (Geros peak: 2,637 m asl) and Tymfi (Gamila peak: 2,497 m asl) Mountains host the highest peaks of the Geopark, while Vikos and Aoos Gorges, and Konitsa plain are ascribed to the lower relief morphology (Chatzipetros & Stergiou 2016). Besides the geological, geomorphological and natural aspects, distinct cultural aspects also characterize the Vikos-Aoos Geopark. Sixty-one traditional settlements, culturally and architecturally protected, are located within the Geopark and form the municipalities of Zagori and Konitsa. In this publication, we present a review of some of the recent advances in geoscientific research regarding the Vikos-Aoos Geopark. The Gamila peak spherical concretions were first described by Telbisz et al. (2019). They are found on the pathway (approximately at 2,100 m a.s.l.) to Gamila peak. They have spherical to elongated elliptical shapes (0.10 to 1 m in diameter) and concentric zones. Telbisz et al. (2019) suggest that their diagenesis was characterized by an early and imperfect carbonate cementation and by a simultaneous massive precipitation of SiO2 in the intergranular space. The dissolution of siliceous bioclasts could be assumed as the major producer and supplier of SiO2-rich solutions resulting in silicification, however other external fluids enriched in SiO2 could not be excluded (Telbisz et al. 2019). The Boila Rockshelter is located at the edge of the Voidomatis river valley. The site was in use for around 4000 years (14,000 to 9,500 BP, Elefanti et al. 2021). The geoarchaeological investigation documented that black chert from the Vigla limestone outcrops found in Vikos gorge was extensively implemented by the inhabitants of the rockshelter in tool making. Red and reddish-brown chert from central and coastal Epirus was also in use. The study held by Elefanti et al. (2021) suggests the deliberate selection of the most suitable local chert, changes in the scale of settlement and mobility, and a gradual emphasis on the manufacture and repair of hunting gear during the Late Upper Paleolithic and Early Mesolithic. The researchers state that "high mountain hubs such as the Tymfi and drainage systems like the Voidomatis and Aoos provide clues in the same way as coastal environments do; to the ways and rhythms through which human societies negotiated palaeoecological and other changes during the critical final phase of hunting and gathering before the advent of the Neolithic” (Elefanti et al. 2021).

Ciletuh National Geopark region which administratively located in the District of Ciemas and Ciracap, Sukabumi, West Java province has a unique geodiversity and showed the oldest rocks in West Java. This area is the result of a collision of two different plates, namely: the Eurasian Plate (continental shelf) which is composed of granite (acidic), and the Indo-Australian Plate (oceanic plate) which is composed of basal (basaltic), which produces deep ocean sedimentary rocks (pelagic sediment), metamorphic rocks and alkaline igneous rocks up to ultramafic rocks. Because the geological characteristic that is not found in other places makes Ciletuh as National Geopark in Indonesia. In carrying out of the Geopark concept, supporting activities needed to operate sustainable economic activity in the form of Geotourism. Geotourism is a concept of special interest tours that focus on geological education.
The method used in this study were divided into three processes: starting with a literature study of research areas and conduct field research as a step inventory of geological sites (geosites), followed by data analysis to identify and classify the geological heritage sites by scoring techniques. The results of the analysis are used for making geotrek line in the Ciletuh region and Geotourism activities ratings that had implemented. A total of 29 geosites identified and classified with geoheritage value in low quality to outstanding. This assessment based on the aspect of scientific records and special geological phenomena or landform features for the purpose of education and research.
Furthermore, geosites are grouped in accordance with the meaning and morphology, namely: old rocks, geomorphology, fossils, sea caves, unique rock formations, waterfalls, and sedimentary structures as a basic substance in the manufacture of geotrek line. There are 3 Geotrek lines which has been adapted to the type of trip and geosites that have relevance, namely: The Magical of Ciletuh Amphitheater (The trip focuses on enjoying the morphology of Mega Amphitheatre Ciletuh), The Ciletuh Melange's Journey (The trip to learn about the oldest rocks in West Java) and the Spectacular of Ciletuh Bay (Sea lanes journey for enjoying a variety of different shapes of rocks in the Ciletuh Bay). In addition to the proposed geotrek activities, other activities supporting Geotourism has been run in this Geopark is: Geo sight-seeing activities on the geosites which focus on geomorphology activities (Panenjoan and Puncak Darma), Geosport activities such as parasailing and snorkeling, as well as Geofestival. Rate of Geotourism that has implemented in Ciletuh Geopark produce numbers 19-35 which showed moderate to good value for Geotourism activities and should be improved better for the future.


Keywords: Geoheritage, Geotourism, Geotrek, Ciletuh Geopark, West Java

This paper reports the perceptions and ideas expressed by students about geological heritage and geoparks and learning results within the framework of a research in science education focussed on students from two classes of 11th grade (ages 16 to 18) of a secondary school in Portugal. Considering that geoparks can be assumed as territories with educational resources of great importance in promoting education for sustainable development, mobilizing knowledge inherent to the Earth Sciences, and to geoconservation in particular, the activities with the students were held in the classroom and in the field, the latter within a field trip to the Arouca Global Geopark (Portugal). In this context, resorting to strategies of fieldwork in small groups, we sought to explore with students, geodiversity elements recognizable in five of its geosites. The results of this work show that educational interventions involving both cooperative work and practical work, using the Arouca Global Geopark as a resource for the implementation of fieldwork activities, can contribute to promote significant and relevant learning on geology and on geoconservation, as well as to stimulate curiosity and interest for visiting other geoparks and for learning more about Earth Sciences.

Cursul Descoperirea Naturii îşi
propune ca obiectiv major familiarizarea
elevilor cu resursele şi patrimoniul specific.
Elevii au posibilitatea să conştientizeze
particularităţile şi valorile locale, precum şi
modul în care pot contribui şi acţiona,
individual sau în grup, pentru conservarea
ariilor protejate din zonă.
Pachetul educaţional Descoperirea Naturii poate fi folosit ca suport educational sau poate fi introdus in
curriculumul la decizia şcolii pentru aria curriculară Matematică şi ştiinţe ale naturii. Este dedicat elevilor clasei a VI-a şi beneficiază de un buget de timp de 1oră / săptămână.

The subject of this paper is to determine the geotourism potential in Ardahan, Kars,
Ağrı, and Iğdır Provinces. Geotourism has defined as a sustainable tourism with
geological and geomorphology heritages and cultural values based on scientific,
educational and touristic activities. It is very important in terms of protecting of natural
and cultural values, to be transferred to future generations of its, and to increase the
tourism potential of region. Ardahan, Kars, Ağrı and Iğdır provinces are located in the
Northeast Anatolia of Turkey has an important geotourism area. The geographicsituations of the survey area, which is outstanding geological and geomorphologic
values,has enabled to live together of people from different cultures. There are many
natural and cultural main items in related to geotourism in the study area such as Ağrı
(Ararat) Mountain, Doğu Bayazıt Meteor Hole, localhot springs, caves,rock salt, dried at
Çıldır lakes, the ruinsof Ani, Kars CastleandIğdırGenocideMuseum. In this study, it is to
determine four geotourism regions as Ardahan, Kars, Ağrı and Iğdır, and the tourism
potential of these provinces. It has discussed their needs what kind of plans the near
future.

Quantitative assessment of geodiversity: development of methodological tools applied to territorial management

The assessment of geodiversity is a recent issue concerning the evaluation of natural diversity. In the first approaches developed some years ago, the quantitative evaluation of geodiversity was applied to just a few geodiversity elements, mainly in a qualitative way. In a second more recent stage, this evaluation has been shifted to a landscape point of view and focusing quantitative aspects. With his wider perspective it is possible to include geodiversity as a specific and objective measure in territorial management plans.
The main aims of this research are the development of a method for the quantitative assessment of geodiversity and its application to the municipalities of Mafra (Portugal) and Morro do Chapéu (Bahia, Brazil). The use of a geodiversity index applied to land-use planning results in a numerical expression of geodiversity which represents the spatial variation of the natural abiotic diversity. This index allows the quantification of geodiversity in several territories, with or without comparative purposes and independently of the scale used during the analysis.
The methodology used in this research included: an extensive literature review concerning geodiversity and biodiversity; analysis on the existent geodiversity and biodiversity evaluation methods; examination of the mapping of the municipalities of Mafra (1:25 000) and Morro do Chapéu (1:200 000); field work and production of a geomorphological map of Mafra municipality (1:25 000 scale); development of a new method for geodiversity quantification, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), starting with an overlay process and finishing with a Kernel analysis; and application of the method in both municipalities.
The main results show that, using fundamental variables as geology, geomorphology and soils, it is possible to obtain a spatial geodiversity standard that reflects the spatial variation of natural and abiotic elements on both territories. The use of non-essential variables, like hydrography and/or faults, does not compromise the results at more detailed scales as 1:25 000. For less detailed scales, like 1:200 000 and if the fault density is high, the geodiversity index could be biased due to an overvaluation of this variable.The results show that, despite it was not possible to directly compare both territories at different scales, it is still possible to define which territory does have the higher geodiversity index. If the same scale is used in both territories, a comparison is possible, once we use the same standard classification systems for all variables.
The evidence shows the potential of this friendly GIS users method and that is easy to apply at a national and international level. Also an easy integration at a GIS municipality level. This could mean that this method could allow a quick replication of procedures, very important on territorial management policies.
The proposed method is easily applied by regular GIS users, which is a good indicator for a widespread application, national and internationally.

Citação bibliográfica: Forte, J. , 2014. Avaliação quantitativa da geodiversidade: Desenvolvimento de instrumentos metodológicos com aplicação ao ordenamento do território. Dissertação de Doutoramento. Universidade do Minho, 286 p.

Geological mapping of old underground mining workings increase the geodiversity of a region. Such studies document the geological phenomena and structures not avalaible on the surface area. It can be very well illustrated by the example of Sudet Mts.a geologically complicated range in SW part of Poland. Four geological plans were shown, made for: Upper Adit in Kowary (on the old mine "Freedom" mining field), Gertruda adit in Zloty Stok, a small adit in Janowice Wielkie and Osówka object (element of Nazi military complex "Riese"). The examples of interesting phenomena like important contact zones of lithological units, rare occurances of vein rocks and well exposed faults were discussed.

Madagascar natural heritage is known primarily for its outstanding biodiversity that are mainly protected by diverse natural conservation programs, which are predominantly restricted to the protection  of  fauna  and  flora.  Recently,  many  countries  have  adopted  new  conservation strategies,  which  extended  the  biodiversity  conservation  to  the  conservation  of  geotopes (including  geosites,  paleosites  and  geomorphosites)  currently  known  as  geoconservation. Protected areas already  having  a well-developed legal  and  regulatory  frameworkis the best mechanism to jumpstart geoconservation. However, merely knowing about geconservation and geosites did not of itself guarantee that local governments would do anything about them. The potentiality of geoheritage was highlighted by field works in several National Parks and Special Reserves such as the Ankarana and Montagne d’Ambre in the north, the Isalo National Park and the marine Nosy Ve National Park in the south. Despite the lack of strong geoconservation programs and weak protection of natural heritage, spectacular landscapes and other types of magnificent  geotopes  are  unintentionally  protected  within  the  National  Parks.  Identified geosites could be used to promote awareness, local educational and scientific programs as well as  to  build  various special geosites for tourism purposes.This work highlights  the need for
intensive  systematic  inventory  and  evaluation  of  geotopes  within  the  National Parks..Procedures are mainly based on typology followed by the identification and selection of geotopes.. Moreover, the action plans will ensure the protection of environment and to promote conservation on natural resources within and around Madagascar`s protected areas.

The continuous and cooperative work of specialists and enthusiasts from universities, research institutions and non-governmental bodies has for more than 60 years allowed identification and formal recognition of protected areas for 200 geological sites and for more than 250 of geomorphological, speleological and landscape areas. 25 of these are considered to be of international importance and to characterize the geological heritage of Romania.

Geoconservation evolved very rapidly in the last decade and now its basic concepts, structure, tools and activities are well defined. Main areas of activity are focused around few basic concepts like: geodiversity, geological heritage, geotopes / geosites, geopark, geoeducation. The potential for interaction between natural conservation and socio-economic activities made
geoconservation a new area of applied geology aiming to assure a sustainable use of natural resources for sustainable development and requiring a new type of specialist: geoconservationist

Kula Volcanic Geopark is the one of the areas that are rarely seen in Turkey’s young volcanics. Kula Volcanic Geopark is distinguished from other areas in the geopark nature in Turkey with its membership of the Global Geoparks Network. Although the geopark has a global visibility on the World, it isn’t well known in Turkey. The
lack of a legislation covering the entire area and a planning work to provide field management have prevented the sustainable use of Kula Volcanic Geopark. The geo-park, which is in a position to provide the conditions required for the network to become a member of the Global Geoparks Network, will be able to fulfill these requirements with this planned management. In this study, some proposals will be brought in order to ensure the planned management and sustainability of the Kula Volcanic Geopark’s in protection-use balance.

Bu çalışmanın amacı, bir jeopark düzenlemesi kapsamında kalan doğal ve kültürel varlıkların belirli standartlarda gösterimi için öneriler geliştirmektir. İçinde jeositlerin de bulunduğu doğal varlıklar ile kültürel varlıkların bulunduğu alanlarda Ulusal kanun ve yönetmelikler ile Uluslararası sözleşmelere uygun olarak yürütülen bilimsel tanımlama işlemleri halen devam eden dinamik bir süreç olup her bir alanda konunun uzmanları tarafından ayrıntılı çalışmalar yapılmış ve yapılmaktadır. Bu makalede, belirli bir sayıda doğal ve kültürel varlığı kapsayan bir alanda yürütülecek bir jeopark projesi hazırlama sürecinde, proje grubunun veri birleştirme, ziyaretçi merkezi oluşturma, rota planlama ve etkinlik düzenleme çalışmalarında belirli bir ortak düzlem/ortak dil oluşturmak için kullanılacak standart kimlik kartları hazırlanması önerilmektedir. Söz konusu kimlik kartları, bu doğal ve kültürel varlıklar hakkında kısa, öz ve ilgi çekici olduğu kadar bu varlıkların karakteristik özelliklerini de içeren, diğer bilgi, broşür, harita materyali ile birlikte kullanılabilecek nitelikte ve onlarla uyumlu bir şekilde hazırlanmış olmaları gerekir. Ayrıca söz konusu kimlik kartlarının farklı yaş gruplarının ilgi ve algı düzeyine uygun olarak birden fazla kademeli olarak hazırlanmaları da olanaklıdır. Bu sayede, aynı zamanda her yaşta ve ilgi düzeyindeki (profesyonel, amatör) ziyaretçilerin de kullanabilecekleri, rahatça taşıyabilecekleri, içinde güvenlik uyarılarının da bulunduğu doğal/kültürel varlık kimlik kartları elde edilecek, söz konusu kimlik kartları bir taraftan eğitim materyali olarak da kullanılabilecektir.
Bu çalışmada ayrıca, hem mevzuattaki tanım ve kavramlar hem de dünyada uygulanan diğer ölçütler ışığında jeositler için yeni bir sınıflama ve değerlendirme sistemi önerisi geliştirilmiş ve tartışmaya açılmıştır. Bir sınıflama sistemi geliştirmek, çok uzun ve sabırlı çabaların ürünüdür ve sistemin olgunlaşması için tartışmalar uzun yıllar sürebilir. Hatta uzun yıllar kullanılan bazı sınıflama sistemleri, bilimsel gelişmeler ışığında zamanla gereksinimi karşılayamaz hale gelir ve tekrar düzenlenmeleri gerekir. Bu, bilimsel aklın yoludur. Ülkemizde olduğu kadar Dünya’da da oldukça yeni olan bu olgular üzerinde kavramsal tartışmaların gelecekte de devam edeceği şüphesizdir. Ancak, kültürel varlıklar konusunda koruma bilinci ve yasal önlemler belirli bir noktaya gelmiş olsa da, doğal varlıklar ne yazık ki aynı şansa sahip değildir. Bu makale, bu alanda yürütülen her türlü çalışmaya bir katkı sunabilmek amacıyla yürütülmüş olup hem doğal ve kültürel varlıklara ait standart kimlik kartları hem de jeosit sınıflama sistemi önerileri açısından ilk çalışma niteliğindedir.

Geological heritage inventory procedures and templates have been principally emerged from Eu-ropean countries. Each of these countries has developed its proper method of inventory based on its natural heritage, recognized on local and/or regional scales. Natural sites were mainly identified and characterized in a particular geological context, which is usually very unique, valuable and impressive; resulting in the protection of the sites. Madagascar is known internationally as a beautifully landscaped island, but the impressive sites were not cataloged. We carried out a series of field inventory of potential geological sites within the Isalo National Park in southern Madagas-car. We invented several inventory sheets in order to record the most detailed information about the sites identified within the park. This is to aid in organizing the park and to establish a sustainable base for the creation of a geopark, and also they help us to build a database for geosites and their classifications. This article suggests a prototype model for inventorying intangible geo-sites, paleosites and geomorphosites. Our inventory sheets help to identify and to promote geological importance of any sites, not only for academia but also for other sectors such as tourism and conservation.

"Evangelia Kyriazi and Nickolas Zouros from the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest explain how getting volunteers involved has helped them in the task of conserving Lesvos’ vast petrified forest, as well as assisting the training of student
conservators from all over the world."

This contribution aims to communicate how the Emilia Romagna Apennine Geopark application has been produced by Gal BolognAppennino supported by the Earth Science Department of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. The article introduces the main characteristics of the project, it analyzes the role of the partners and how they contribute to the development of the Geopark d through educational programmes and geo-tourism activities. The second part of this article is focuses on the valorization of the geodiversity: this is a new scientific-didactic approach to the Apennine geological heritage, following the methodology suggested by Professor M.Panizza.

The administrative management of Sobrarbe Geopark in the Spanish Pyrenees, which is comprised of only one municipality, is examined and compared with that of Japanese geoparks, most of which are overseen by municipalities. The results showed the importance of administrative management such as ease of implementing policies regarding geological and geomorphological aspects and collaboration with school education. On the other hand, Sobrarbe Geopark has not benefited from proactive efforts by the private sector, and its activities focus on geological aspects due to vertically divided administrative functions. However, the example of Sobrarbe Geopark is helpful to geoparks in Japan in terms of partnership protocol agreements with enterprises in geopark areas, setting geological routes for mountain biking, etc.

El patrimonio geológico es una parte importante del patrimonio natural y posee valor por sí mismo, por lo que debe ser conservado. Muchos elementos geológicos poseen interés científico y/o didácti-co, que los hace singulares y destacar del resto. De su estudio se encargan las investigaciones de geodiversidad y de patrimonio geológico, áreas de investigación recientemente incorporadas al ámbito de la Geología. Este cuadernillo muestra las claves para entender el alcance y significado del estudio de la geodiversidad y del patrimonio geológico, como documento de referencia para todos aquellos que quieran iniciarse o saber más sobre esta temática. Edición Parques Nacionales, Noviembre 2014

El Geopark Naturtejo, desde 2006, miembro de las Redes Europea (REG) y Global de Geoparks (RGG) de la UNESCO se localiza en la zona central de Portugal, limitado al Este por la frontera con España. Ocupa un territorio de 4.617 km2, que abarca seis municipios. El año lectivo 2007/2008 lanzó un Proyecto Educativo destinado a alumnos de las escuelas del Geopark, de las restantes portuguesas y con potencial de aplicación para extranjeras. Este proyecto se desarrolla en tres etapas. En la primera fueron creados y divulgados dos tipos de Programas Educativos, “La escuela va al Geopark” y “El Geopark va a la escuela”, destinados principalmente al 3º Ciclo de Enseñanza Básica (12-15 años). En la segunda etapa del Proyecto serán elaborados más recursos pedagógicos y se aumentará el número de propuestas de salidas de campo con el fin de incluir más puntos de interés geológico. En la tercera etapa se desarrollarán los Programas Educativos específicos para los restantes Ciclos de las Enseñanzas Básica, Secundaria y Superior, así como los respectivos recursos pedagógicos. La filosofía inherente a la concepción del Programa “La escuela va al Geopark” le confiere grandes potencialidades para ser implementado en el contexto Ibérico. Sin embargo, los programas podrán ser aplicados, con las debidas adaptaciones por otros Geoparques de las Redes Europea y Global de la UNESCO y de Parques Naturales que incluyanpuntos de interés geológico.

Studiul de faţă urmăreşte identificarea arealelor naturale şi analizarea aspectelor socio-culturale şi economice din Obcina Mestecăniş, pentru constituirea unui geoparc în Bucovina. Obiectivele studiului constau în: analiza caracteristicilor fizico-geografice pentru reliefarea geodiversităţii masivului, identificarea siturilor naturale de interes şi analiza dispunerii spaţiale a acestor areale, analiza potenţialului uman, precum şi a posibilităţilor de dezvoltare durabilă. Articolul analizează resursele geospaţiale, bibliografice şi datele economice şi demografice referitoare la zonă, cu ajutorul  platformei ArcGIS 9.3,  folosind metode de geoprocesare specifice. Rezultatul studiului constă în reliefarea zonelor de interes şi a oportunităţilor Obcinei Mestecăniş de a deveni geoparc.

RESUMO -A criação de Geoparks é uma estratégia de proteção dos recursos naturais adotada pela UNESCO. Seus objetivos permitem compatibilizar a conservação do patrimônio natural, notadamente o geológico, e cultural do seu território, ao mesmo tempo em que impulsiona o desenvolvimento sustentável local. Os Geoparks são avaliados a cada quatro anos sob pena de perder a chancela da UNESCO, caso não cumpram os requisitos exigidos. Portanto, um manejo efetivo do Geopark permitirá o cumprimento dos seus objetivos. O Brasil possui um Geopark, o Geopark Araripe, localizado no Estado do Ceará, na Região Nordeste do País. Este trabalho tem como objetivos: analisar a efetividade de manejo do Geopark Araripe; testar uma adaptação da metodologia de efetividade de manejo para o caso do Geopark Araripe; avaliar qual âmbito está mais efetivo e qual está menos efetivo; comparar o seu grau de efetividade de manejo com outras áreas protegidas; e propor medidas para aumentar sua efetividade. Depois de analisadas 45 variáveis, a análise de manejo do Geopark Araripe resultou em 60,9% do seu total ótimo, classificando-se como Medianamente Satisfatória. A análise desses resultados evidencia que muitas metas encontram-se regulares e, portanto, ainda precisam ser alavancadas. Palavras-chave: desenvolvimento sustentável, Geoparks, patrimônio geológico, áreas protegidas.

Apesar da crescente popularidade no Brasil e na Espanha, o desenvolvimento do Geoturismo ainda está numa fase incipiente. Enquanto a preocupação com o Patrimônio Natural na sociedade tem experimentado um crescimento significativo nos últimos anos, ainda há uma falta de percepção pela população a respeito do Patrimônio Geológico. Deste modo, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar aspectos ligados ao geoturismo e como ele vem sendo entendido atualmente e apresentar exemplos de utilização do Patrimônio Geológico no Estado do Paraná (Brasil) e na Comunidade Autônoma de Aragón (Espanha). A metodologia envolveu saídas à campo, pesquisas bibliográficas e observação participativa. Conclui-se que em ambos os países, há a necessidade de um melhor reconhecimento do Patrimônio Geológico como uma atração geoturística e que deve ser mais utilizado em atividades interpretativas e educativas.
Palavras-chave: Geoturismo, Aragón, Paraná, Geodidática, Patrimônio Geológico.

Altai republic is a small piece of multinational Russia where one can still find living culture that has been saved for centuries thanks to remote location and mountainous landscape. Today social anthropologists note that Altai woman has more freedom and independence. Significant social role of woman as mother, hearth keeper is still recognized as the most important mission in her life that is reflected in the rites. Nevertheless while working hard women continue to play a significant role in transmission of culture values which is carried out through folklore, crafts, engagement in the household activities.

Over the last decades, Costa Rica became established as a world-leading ecotourism destination due to its environmental policies and environmental awareness. The country is located in a dynamic region where the combination of tectonics and volcanism, and tropical climate and vegetation have molded its landscapes. Our aim is to carry out a review of the geodiversity, geoconservation, and geotourism status in Costa Rica. We analyzed different geomorphic environments (volcanic, coastal, karstic, glacial, and fluvial), prospecting the importance of environmental policies and the Conservation Areas National System for the promotion of national geoheritage through geotourism. Our results are critical for the promotion of geosciences to the wider public throughout geotourism and conservation decision-makers. In dynamic, geomorphic, tropical, and developing countries with strong anthropic pressures over their geo-and biodiversity, geoheritage studies might be a priority for increasing their revenues through geotourism and reducing the pressure on their natural resources.

Geodiversitatea unui teritoriu,
reprezentată în principal prin tipurile
de roci, resursele minerale, sol şi
caracteristicile morfologice ale reliefului,
a jucat un rol important în dezvoltarea
socială şi economică a comunitatilor
umane tradiţionale. De la această
interacţiune continuă dintre om şi
materie, de la ceea ce oamenii şi-au
făurit din materialele extrase din subsol
s-au născut meşteşugurile, cultura şi
măiestria, s-a construit specificul locului.
Specificul locului este ca o marcă uşor
de identificat. Oare vinul de Bordeaux şi
cel de Murfatlar se aseamănă? A fabrica
porţelan sau cărămizi este acelaşi lucru?
Masivul Central Francez, Alpii, Carpaţii
au ei o geologie comună?

En el estado de Hidalgo se ubica la Comarca Minera, región geográfica de
gran importancia social y cultural, célebre por su riqueza geológica, minera y belleza natural que, desde por lo menos hace cuatro siglos, ha cautivado a sus visitantes e inspirado descripciones y representaciones en los ámbitos científico, literario, económico y artístico. Históricamente es una de las regiones más representativas de la cultura minera nacional que se ha mantenido activa desde hace 600 años, primero en la producción de la obsidiana y más tarde de metales, como el oro y la plata.

El presente artículo es el inicio de una serie de documentos en los que se describe las características geológicas y culturales de diferentes áreas geográficas ubicadas en la Región La Libertad, las cuales poseen las condiciones naturales para ser consideradas geoparques nacionales gestionados por el Estado, con miras a ser propuestos como geoparques globales.

The article presents the character of the city of Enna, a city more than "in the mountains" "on the mountains". The narration describes the landscape of one of the most particular cities of the Mediterranean, important in ancient and medieval times and today enriched by not only built vestiges of its own past.

Sicilian geodiversity is a natural wealth that is almost legendary among insiders. On a single island you can find extremely different aspects, volcanoes, sedimentary masses, Permian rocks, vast deposits of evaporites, other rare phenomena such as the "Maccalube".
On this geodiversity in 2001 the road to the creation of two Geoparks began to be traced, it was then at the beginning of the journey when the idea of basing a park and its development engine on geology was still a thing for few.