Travel itineraries are fundamental in the development of tourism of a given area. Traditional thematic routes (e.g., architectural, archaeological) can be significantly improved and optimized by including geological and mining interest sites. The present study offers an analysis of the influence that inclusion of geosites or mining sites could have on the existing routes of the Zaruma-Portovelo region (Ecuador), together with a global assessment of these itineraries as the basis of fostering local development in communities of the region. The methodology consists of the following stages: (i) compilation of existing travel itineraries; (ii) analysis and assessment of those geosites and mining sites that are included in two geotouristic routes through the Spanish Inventory of Places of Geological Interest method (IELIG, acronym in Spanish), but have not been assessed previously; (iii) assessment of existing routes (two geotouristic routes and one geomining route) from a global perspective through the Geotouristic Route Assessment Matrix method (GtRAM, acronym in Spanish); and (iv) definition of strategies for the development and promotion of travel itineraries within the context of geotourism. According to the results of quantitative assessment, three new sites (both geosites and mining sites) were studied and their obtained score of interest was “High” (164/400). The existing routes achieved good results both from the geological-mining perspective “High” score of (189/400) and within a global context “Very High” score of (3.5/5). The quantitative assessment allowed us to propose improvement strategies to disseminate and use these itineraries to unfold sustainable development based on geotourism.
The development of geoeducation generates a link between people, landscapes, and their culture by recognising the geological potential around geosites and their conservation. Geosites have important scientific value and constitute a way of generating learning tools for the development of geoeducation. The city of Guayaquil, the main port of Ecuador, has a valuable geological and mining heritage, which has been affected by population growth and its invasion of protected areas, causing the displacement of animal species to the point of possible extinction. The research aims to assess geosites in the surroundings of the Gustavo Galindo campus, using the Spanish Inventory of Sites of Geological Interest (IELIG, Spanish acronym) methodology to promote geo-education in the context of sustainability. The methodological process includes (i) the inventory and initial selection of Sites of Geological Interest (SGI) based on interviews with experts and the analysis of primary data from potential sites; (ii) characterisation and semi-quantitative geosites assessment using the IELIG methodology; and (iii) qualitative assessment through SWOT analysis to formulate geotourism and geoeducation development strategies. This research emphasises the importance of promoting geological heritage in an urban area. It shows geotourism attractions represented by five SGI grouped into two types: geomorphological and petrological. In general, the SGI are in the “High” category of the degree of geological interest, ranging from 170 to 236.67. In addition, the study identified the lack of a geological culture and natural values of the university campus. It allowed the proposal of protection strategies (e.g., a geoconservation plan ensuring that the number of visitors does not exceed the maximum load capacity), geoscientific dissemination (e.g., creating games, museums, itineraries, launching geoeducational souvenirs, or developing educational content using augmented reality) and a detailed research based on evaluating sites for sustainable development.
Biodiversity is an essential component of nature, relegating the aspects of geodiversity, which provides geological and landscape variety to a territory. However, the importance of geodiversity and its social, economic, educational, scientific, and technological impact on a region, are not well understood. This article measures the geoheritage values of Guayaquil, a port city in Ecuador, via surveys and analyses of variables, with the aim of proposing guidelines or strategies that promote the knowledge and diffusion of that geoheritage. Our methodology included (i) a review of historical landmarks of Guayaquil and their relationship with geodiversity, (ii) a survey and data tabulation, (iii) an analysis of the local population’s perception of the city’s geoheritage, and (iv) the development of geodiversity strategies using computer tools. Our results determined that people approach areas of interest because of each site’s biodiversity and the available information about the site. Once there, they can obtain knowledge about the city’s geology, geodiversity, and urban geotourism. Therefore, geoheritage is an essential consideration in establishing educational plans, initiatives, and promotion strategies. Furthermore, the identification of a city’s heritage values following geoeducation, and the recognition by society of the city’s geosites and their historical–scientific significance, will provide a basis for using geotourism in a context of sustainability.
Las áreas naturales bajo régimen de protección han sido consideradas lugares con limitada participación comunitaria, especialmente en Latinoamérica, donde son evidentes los niveles de marginación y desigualdad. Los proyectos de geoparques fungen como alternativas vinculantes entre la sociedad y el patrimonio natural con base en las áreas protegidas ya existentes. En tal virtud, se levantó información social por medio de encuestas y observación directa en ocho territorios de cuatro países latinoamericanos: Brasil, Chile, Ecuador y México, con el propósito de examinar las condiciones de participación y percepción comunitaria. Los resultados muestran una similitud en los aspectos estimados para geoparques y áreas naturales protegidas (ANP) con respecto al fondo social. No obstante, se perciben temas como las motivaciones, la comunicación y la información que deben ser trabajados de manera intensiva para mejorar la participación y, a su vez, la percepción de las comunidades locales.
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