A Vision on a UNESCO Global Geopark at the Southeastern Dead Sea in Jordan—How Natural Hazards May Offer Geotourism Opportunities

Abstract

This paper aims to identify and discuss the chances, solutions, and possible drawbacks related to the establishment of safe geotourism sites in subsidence-affected areas, exemplarily applied to the Ghor Al-Haditha sinkhole site at the southeastern shore of the Dead Sea. Such safe areas shall be established in the territory of the proposed future UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in Jordan. The highlights of the geopark and the basis of its creation are the subsidence features and stream channels found along the SE shoreline of the Dead Sea, which form both a natural hazard and geological heritage of high international significance and have attracted many researchers so far. This recent and ongoing formation is related to the sharp regression of the lake, the specific geomechanical conditions, and the hydrogeologic and climatic background of the surroundings. Nearby communities have suffered in economic terms from these natural phenomena, including flash floods and droughts in this semi-arid to arid region. We here present a concept on how to integrate geoscientific research for hazard monitoring and early warning to maintain safety for inhabitants and visitors on the one hand and reach sustainable economic development through the establishment of geotourism sites on the other hand. This highlight area of the proposed UGGp serves as a starting example for delineating safe zones for walkways and infrastructure. This involves two-way knowledge transfer between spatial planning and hydrogeophysical monitoring, a network of community-supported geophysical surveillance, and regular maintenance and adaptation. The cross-cutting benefits for the territory involve the delineation of safe areas for agriculture and geotourism, the increase of sustainable tourism in the region with a shift towards alternative ways of income, more investment in infrastructure, a growth of international visibility of the region, enhanced environmental education with focus on responsible water usage, and involvement in international research and education projects.

A Vision on a UNESCO Global Geopark at the Southeastern Dead Sea in Jordan—Geosites and Conceptual Approach

“…The methods for scientific monitoring are supposed to contain all up-to-date aspects of GIS, geo-and bioscientific research. An example of hydrogeophysical monitoring is explained for the highlight region Ghor Al-Haditha sinkhole and subsidence site in a companion paper [5].…”

“…Communities surrounding the Dead Sea have suffered both directly from these natural hazards and rapid changes in the hydrogeological system, as well as indirectly in longer terms, concerning economy, micro-climatic changes and water shortage, all with effects on agriculture and general life (cf. companion paper [5]). Currently, an ambitious Worldbank project termed the Red Sea-Dead Sea conveyance belt aims at stabilising the Dead Sea lake level and providing water and electricity conveyance to the neighbouring countries [38][39][40], part of the fresh water carrier being in the proposed Geopark extent [39].…”

“…This paper focuses on the conceptual approach, the geological background and the initial assessment of geosites, lists administrative procedures and provides a discussion on possible benefits and drawbacks of the realisation of this project. In a companion paper [5], we particularly focus on the necessary establishment of geoscientific monitoring in hazardous zones in order to provide early-warning strategies for the population and tourists in connection to scientific research.…”

“…The Highlight Area-Ghor Al-Haditha Sinkhole and Subsidence Site (G0) Figure 7 shows aerial photos of the on-and offshore morphological features of the highlighted area (G0 in Figure 6) of the proposed Geopark near Ghor Al-Haditha. The geological features of the highlighted area are presented in detail in a companion paper [5] that deals with the associated natural hazards and geoscientific monitoring.…”

“…We present the achieved steps, highlight the challenges, and summarize the timeline and upcoming steps in order to build a stable roadmap for the establishment of the Geopark in Jordan. In a companion paper [5], we discuss concepts on geohazard mitigation for ensuring geotouristic activity in parts of the territory.…”