Puyango, Ecuador Petrified Forest, a Geological Heritage of the Cretaceous Albian-Middle, and Its Relevance for the Sustainable Development of Geotourism

Abstract

Geodiversity treaties have multiplied and given rise to geological heritage as a singular value of protection and preservation for territories. The Puyango Petrified Forest (PPF) is a recognized Ecuadorian reserve, which was declared a National Heritage Treasure. It has an area of 2659 hectares, and it is located in the south of Ecuador, between the provinces of El Oro and Loja. The petrified trunks and trees were buried by volcanic lava, dating from the Cretaceous Period, 96 to 112 million years ago. Thus, silicification and carbonization, two important fossilization events, have produced hundreds of samples of paleontological wealth in Puyango. The objective of this work is to methodologically assess the geodiversity of a fraction of the PPF by registering its geological heritage and value for its preservation and sustainable development. The methodology is based on: (i) Analysis of information on the territory used for tourist visits, as a pilot study area. Presentation of paleontological components and their main sections to enhance their geotouristics value; (ii) Assessment of the geological heritage for its geotourism categorization with a recognized scientific methodology and one proposed by the co-authors propose; and (iii) Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) as a guide for protection and development strategies. Findings reveal the high geotourism potential for a Geopark Project in Puyango, since only 300 hectares are used for tourism and the remaining area is a virgin environment for research and improving knowledge of geodiversity and biodiversity.

Georoutes as a Basis for Territorial Development of the Pacific Coast of South America: a Case Study

“…IELIG (García-Cortés and Carcavilla 2013 ), Barba et al ( 1997 ), GREGSIC (Herrera-Franco et al 2020b )) have been used in Ecuador and other countries worldwide to determine the global interest of geosites from a geological, cultural, heritage, and geotourism perspective (e.g. Corbí et al 2018 ; Morante-Carballo et al 2020 ).…”

Assessment of Geomorphosites for Geotourism in the Northern Part of the “Ruta Escondida” (Quito, Ecuador)

“…In this work, only one assessment method (IELIG) was used, because it is the base methodology recommended by the ASGMI (Ibero-American Association of Geological and Mining Surveys) for assessing geological interest sites [76]. Moreover, this methodology has already been employed in the other points assessment of geological interest in Ecuador (e.g., [8,26,[77][78][79][80][81][82]). In general, the work carried out in the study area regarding the inventory, valuation, promotion, protection and use of geosites is similar to the approach adopted in other countries (e.g., [71,[83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90]).…”

From the Ground to the Public: Old and New Fossil Discoveries from Kefalonia–Ithaca UNESCO Global Geopark and Their Value in Research, Education, and Local Palaeontological Heritage

“…Visitors are often fascinated by the opportunity to see and learn about ancient life forms and geological processes. Interpretative programs and guided tours focused on fossils enhance the recreational experience for visitors, making geoparks more appealing as destinations [6][7][8][9].…”