A Proposed Geoheritage Inventory System: Case Study of Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Abstract

Geological heritage inventory procedures and templates have been principally emerged from European 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 Madagascar. 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 geosites, 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.

Challenges of Geotourism in South Africa: A Case Study of the Kruger National Park

“…This view supports the literature stating that geotourism offers a positive attitude and behaviour towards local culture (e.g., respect towards traditional use and local beliefs) and a realistic solution to the apparent conflict between environmental and cultural protection [76]. These findings that security and access to geoheritage sites by tourists are a challenge for geotourism development are corroborated by previous studies [77][78][79]. According to Dwyer et al [77], safety and security are the foundation for the development of sustainable tourism.…”

Geology of Hin Chang Si Sandstone Geoheritage in Khon Kaen Province for Geotourism Planning of Northeastern Thailand

“…Based on inventory, the unique sandstone landforms in this area consist of cliffs, potholes, rock pillars, polygonal cracks, caves, anvil-like rocks, tafoni, runnels, and natural arches (Figure 3). Similar characteristics from previously studied sandstone landforms characterize the epithets of these landforms, including shapes, sizes, and features as well as their spectacular sceneries [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]. In terms of the pothole site, this area shows lateral paleo-pothole characteristics that were eroded in the past and were lifted up by geologic structure [13].…”

Boost the resilience of protected areas to shocks by reducing their dependency on tourism

“…More than half (55.3%) of the tickets sold over the 30 years period were for four PAs, namely Isalo, Analamazaotra, Mantadia and Ranomafana NPs. The level of endemism in Isalo NP [ 45 ] is low while it is high in the other three NPs. When considering the top ten PAs visited for the 30 years period, little variation appears in the list, with the exception of the popularity of the marine Nosy Tanikely NP which attracted the highest numbers of tourists and the inclusion of the nearby (terrestrial) Lokobe NP ( Fig 1 , Tables D and E in S1 File ).…”