This book explores the geographical, geomorphological, ecological, touristic and socioeconomic aspects of natural heritage, argues for the dynamic conservation of that heritage and explains its key characteristics, promotion, conservation and management to achieve sustainable development goals. Emerging concepts such as geodiversity, geographical heritage sites, geomonuments, geoparks and geotourism are increasingly being used by conservationists. At present, the development of geoparks is a major global theme involving the application of geosciences to promote the inclusive growth of society and the protection and conservation of our unique geoheritage. Currently, there are 147 UNESCO global geoparks across 41 countries, in addition to a number of national-level geoparks. Pursuing a holistic approach towards such sites will sensitise the general public to the need for geoconservation of significant geosites and promote it through geotourism. It is a crucial issue, as various countries around the world are eager to develop their geoparks and are working for the conservation of geoheritage sites at the national level.

This unique book gathers contributions from 15 countries in the form of case studies analysing the realities on of geographical heritage, geoparks and geotourism. The respective chapters address the role of geoparks as essential tools for education, recreation and nature conservation. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide for geoscientists, planners, policymakers, civil society and anyone concerned about the conservation of geoheritage sites and geoparks for a sustainable future Earth.

Includes emerging concepts such as geodiversity, geographical heritage sites, geomonuments, geoparks, and geotourism Discusses both natural and anthropogenic factors that increase the risk to geosites Provides a holistic approach to geosites that will sensitise the general public to the need for geoconservation

Autorentext

Professor R. B. Singh  heads the Department of Geography at the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. He is the first Indian and second Asian elected Secretary General and Treasurer of the International Geographical Union (IGU) (2018-2022). Earlier, he was vice president of the IGU from 2012 to 2018. At present, he is chair of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Government of India, and a member of the International Science Council. Prof Singh has been awarded a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship and has given lectures and presentations in more than 50 countries. He has authored 15 books, edited 36 more, and published over 240 papers and articles in high-impact journals including Remote Sensing, Climate Dynamics, Current Science, Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, Energies, Theoretical and Applied Climatology, Environmental Science and Policy, Physical Geography, Advances in Meteorology, Hydrological Processes, Mountain Research and Development, Journal of Mountain Science, Frontiers in Environmental Science, and International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks. 

Dr Dongying Wei is a Senior Associate Professor at the School of Geography and Remote Sensing Science, Beijing Normal University, China. She is intensively researching and working for the conservation and protection of geoheritage sites and national parks. She received her master's and doctoral degree from the University of Missouri, USA. She has chaired the Commission on Geoparks and the Commission on Geoheritage of the IGU from 2012 to the present. Since 2007, she has been a member of the Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of the World Task Force at the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).  Dr Wei is the editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks and has published more than 75 papers and research articles in English and Chinese in journals of national and international repute. Dr Wei has also successfully completed several national and international projects. 

Dr Subhash Anand is an Associate Professor at the Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. He has been teaching geography for more than 20 years and has supervised many Ph.D. and M.Phil. candidates on various aspects of geography. He has been an executive committee member of the IGU's Commission on Geoheritage since 2012. Dr Anand has authored two books and edited two more, and has many research papers and articles in reputable national and international journals to his credit. His interests include geoheritage, geoparks, sustainability, urban heritage, rural and urban issues and environment and development. He is a member of several academic committees across India.

Inhalt

• Introduction.- Geographical Diversity of Georgia and Perspectives of Planning of Geoparks (Geo heritages).- Identifying and Assessing Geodiversities Around Takht-e-Soleiman World Heritage site to propose the territory as the third geopark in Iran.- Geoheritage: a Strategic Resource for the Society in the Anthropocene.- UAV's, Multimedia Technology and Augmented Reality (Geonavigation): New concept and new paradigm of geodiversity presentation.- Virtual Heritage: a model of participatory knowledge construction towards Geoheritage Conservation.- Communitarian Ethics, Environmental Conservation and Development.- Ecological and Socio-Economic Vulnerability To Climate Change in Some Selected Mouzas of Gosaba Block, The Sundarbans.- The Evaluation of Zonguldak Hard Coal Basin (NW Turkey) Fossils as Geosite.- Gullies and Badlands as Geoheritage Sites.- Geoeducation And Geoethics Among The Children For Sustainable Tourism And DevelopmentOf Aliage Geological Park In Spain.- Location, Location, Location: Challenges of Effective Geoscience Education within Geotourism Opportunities at Coastal US Fossil Park Sites.- Geoparks and Geo-Sites: Geological Learning Objects.- Geoheritage Sites and Scope of Geotourism in Land of Chhattisgarh.- The exploration into evaluation index system for the protection effectiveness of natural heritage protected areas.- Geoheritage and Potential Geotourism in Geoparks Indian Perspective.- New routes of Geotourism for the La Campana-Peñuelas Biosphere Reserve, Chile.- Modern Geotourism's UK Antecedents.- Geomorphological Resources for Geoeducation and Geotourism.- Dinosaur Geotourism in Europe, a Booming Tourism Niche.- The Use of Geoheritage, Geopark and Geotourism Concepts to Conserve and Sustain Tourism Development in Zambia.- Highlight of GeotouristicValues of a Volcanic Landform on the Mount Manengouba Eastern Slopes: Case of Djeu-Seh Basin.- Estimating Carrying Capacity in a High Mountainous Tourist Area: A Destination Conservation Strategy.- Collaborative Creation of Educational Geo Routes: A Strategy for Teaching and Learning Sciences and Geography, Puchuncaví, Chile.