Comparing Methods of Evaluation of Geosites: The Fossiliferous Outcrops of Santa Maria Island (Azores, NE Atlantic) as a Case Study for Sustainable Island Tourism

The increasing interest in geotourism has prompted the need for quantitative assessments of geosites as a fundamental step in the application of geoconservation strategies, in order to assure sustainable planning, management and use of natural resources. The improvement of methodologies used to evaluate geosites dictates the revision of previous assessments on a regular basis. Santa Maria Island in the Azores Archipelago is renowned for its palaeontological heritage. Herein, we present the results of a re-evaluation of 17 fossiliferous geosites, based on an updated methodology in which four main independent criteria are considered: (1) scientific value; (2) educational value; (3) touristic value; and (4) degradation risk. These new results were compared with a previous evaluation of the same geosites, based on the Q-value. Our results show that an evaluation of the fossiliferous geosites based on independent criteria is more suitable, especially for political and economic stakeholders. The study of these geosites also permitted the development of high-quality promotional products for the Regional Government of the Azores, as in the case of the “House of the Fossils” museum, the “Fossils Route” and the newly formed “Santa Maria PalaeoPark,” making this island a good example of a successful joint venture between science, political decision-makers, geoconservation management strategies, sustainable tourism and education.

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Addressing indicators for geoheritage monitoring based on degradation risk and scientific value quantitative assessment

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-15024 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Thais S Canesin ◽

Paulo Pereira ◽

Juana Vegas ◽

Lidia Selmi ◽

Paola Coratza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conservation Status ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Control Measures ◽

The Past ◽

Monitoring Model ◽

Partial Data ◽

Geoconservation Strategies ◽

Definition Of ◽

Active Processes ◽

Scientific Value

Keywords: monitoring, criteria, degradation, geoheritage, Vale de Meios, PortugalMonitoring is one of the main stages in geoconservation strategies, essential to guarantee geoheritage sustainability. Nevertheless, few studies focus on geoheritage monitoring techniques and methods, unlike the multitude of works focusing on procedures to inventory and assess the value of geosites. Moreover, criteria used in these methods can be applied on monitoring procedures, specifically those supporting degradation risk and scientific value quantitative assessments. In this context, a geoheritage monitoring model is being applied in Vale de Meios (Alcanede, Portugal), an abandoned limestone quarry with well-preserved Middle Jurassic Theropod footprints, inside the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. This geosite was previously assessed for its scientific value and vulnerability and it is included in the Portuguese inventory of geoheritage with national and international relevance. A set of &#8220;scientific value&#8221; and &#8220;degradation risk/vulnerability&#8221; criteria were reviewed to assess the degradation of the geosite and used to identify the most suitable monitoring model. The &#8220;integrity&#8221; criterium used in most methods to assess the scientific value of geosites, also credited as &#8220;conservation status&#8221;, is strictly connected with the deterioration of the geoheritage elements in the past and present, while degradation risk is normally referring to the threats and potential losses in the future. Fourteen &#8220;degradation risk&#8221; assessment sub-criteria (intrinsic active processes, deterioration of geological elements, size, extrinsic active processes, proximity to active processes, economic potential, collectible elements potential, protection status, proximity to human activities, accessibility, population density, visitor facilities, degradation by public use, and visitation control) can be distributed by the main criteria fragility, natural vulnerability, anthropic vulnerability, and public use. A detailed analysis of the criteria and the specific characteristics of each geosite support the definition of suitable monitoring indicators. In the Vale de Meios geosite, monitoring actions should primarily consider: active natural process, deterioration of geological elements, accessibility, visitor facilities, degradation by public use, and visitation control in order to define the monitoring indicators. An analysis of the conservation status over the past decades has been carried out, using time indicators of deterioration. Long-term monitoring results will provide more data about the geoheritage degradation though partial data show that in Vale de Meios the main concern is related with the high natural vulnerability of the Theropod footprints, which are exposed to natural erosion. Despite the protection status of the area and design of a plan for visitation control measures, conservation procedures should prioritize physical protection initiatives in the geosite management strategies.

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From landslide characterization to nature reserve management: The Scialimata Grande landslide Geosite (Central Appennine, Italy)

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-12799 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gianluca Tronti ◽

Irene Maria Bollati ◽

Manuela Pelfini ◽

Filippo Belisario ◽

Paola Fredi

Keyword(s):

Landslide Susceptibility ◽

Nature Reserve ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Drainage Density ◽

Susceptibility Map ◽

Time Interval ◽

Educational Value ◽

Safety Issues ◽

Water Pipeline ◽

Scientific Value

The Italian territory is characterized by frequent hydrogeological instability phenomena, among which landslides, responsible for a high number of damages, are able to leave impressive marks on the landscape and to rework the physical features of a territory. Nevertheless, landslide bodies may represent key sites for thematic itineraries, educational projects, and valorization especially in protected areas. Their management can consequently become an important issue in natural reserves&#8217; management.Our study focuses on the territory of the "Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve" (Central Apennines, Italy), where iconic landslides are present. Here, the "Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina" landslide, is listed in the regional Geosite database. After creating a landslide susceptibility map for the reserve territory - based on drainage density and relief energy - the analysis was focused on the Scialimata complex landslide, to define properly its scientific and educational value. The geomorphological characterization of the landslide - carried out both on the field (geomorphological survey and GPS monitoring through wooden pins) that through remote sensing techniques (UAV drone, photointerpretation) - helped the assessment of the landslide dynamism. Moreover, dendrogeomorphological and ecological characterizations were performed to understand the relations between the geomorphic dynamics and the vegetation response (i.e., ecological support role of the Geosite). The area affected by Scialimata landslide falls into the highest landslide susceptibility class. At the local scale, its recent dynamics - as resulted from the GPS field monitoring in the 2015-2018 time interval - shows a maximum downvalley displacement of 23 meters. The landslide dynamics could be driven by a rain pattern with alternated dry and extremely wet periods; moreover, leakages from the water pipeline in proximity of the landslide crowning area, may have decreased the clays cohesion. The possible influence of the landslide, on the Paglia River dynamics, downvalley, was also hypothesized. Disturbances on plants ascribable to the landsliding, as tilted trunks and exposed roots, show distribution and characters explainable not only by the complex rotational dynamism of the landslide, but also by the hypothesized piping effect in the crowning zone. The landslide is highly representative of the geomorphic dynamics affecting the natural Reserve (i.e., scientific value) and it could be classified as an active Geosite, featured by a high ecological support role (not only towards vegetation) that increases the scientific value of the site too. Since the site was also featured by a touristic trail, that underwent disruption due to landslide movement, these results could enable adequate management strategies considering educational value and safety issues.

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Mosquito Mapper: a phone application to map urban mosquitoes

10.1101/167486 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Camille S.E. Guilbaud ◽

Théophile G.D.P.V. Guilbaud

Keyword(s):

Human Health ◽

Urban Environment ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Citizen Scientist ◽

Additional Information ◽

Health Threats ◽

Scientific Value ◽

Potential Human Health ◽

Identification Tool

AbstractThis paper presents mosquito mapper: an android phone application created with the goal of giving science-driven citizens the means to monitor mosquito populations in an urban environment. Mosquito mapper allows the recording of mosquito encounters as well as conditions surrounding the encounter. It also features a rudimentary identification tool. The goal of the application is to create a database and construct a map of the encounters free to consult for citizens and scientists. Such database constitutes a necessary first step for the development of useful management strategies addressing potential human health threats induced by mosquitoes. The citizen scientist may voluntarily provide other additional information on the circumstances of the encounter that may contain scientifically useful information. We describe the current features of the application, discuss their strength, limits, potential scientific value and suggest possible future extensions. The original city for which the application was developed is Berlin, Germany, but the application is coded in such a way that it is easily applicable to any urban environment.

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MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND STAKEHOLDER ISSUES FOR OFFSHORE EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES IN THE OTWAY BASIN

The APPEA Journal ◽

10.1071/aj01046 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

pp. 697

Author(s):

J.G. Colman ◽

A. Grubisa ◽

R.S. Millhouse

Keyword(s):

Joint Venture ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Stakeholder Involvement ◽

Regulatory Compliance ◽

Economic Benefits ◽

Breeding Habitat ◽

Active Management ◽

Multiple Use ◽

Seismic Acquisition ◽

Drilling Operations

Woodside has been managing seismic acquisition and drilling operations as part of a gas exploration program in the offshore Otway Basin in southwest Victoria since July 1999. There are a number of sensitive and complex environmental and multiple-use issues facing companies undertaking exploration activities in these waters, including a seasonal aggregation of feeding blue whales, winter calving and breeding habitat for southern right whales and a productive rock lobster fishery. Recent changes to the legislative regime for environmental approvals of petroleum activities in Commonwealth waters has introduced further complications for operators in this area. Consequently, a key aspect of this exploration program has been the pro-active management of environmental and stakeholder issues.A comprehensive management strategy addressing these issues was developed for seismic acquisition and drilling operations, with the key objectives of ensuring regulatory compliance and facilitating a process where all stakeholders were fully informed about proposed activities. This process focussed on informing stakeholders of the potential impacts of seismic acquisition and drilling, and how Woodside intended to manage those impacts. This approach was driven by a desire for continuous improvement of performance, over and above compliance with all regulatory requirements. It also recognises the legitimacy of stakeholder risk through social, environmental and political values, and has had environmental and economic benefits for the project.Environmental benefits included early identification and assessment of potential environmental impacts resulting from the different phases of exploration, development of management strategies to control and mitigate these potential impacts, and improved environmental awareness across the project team, joint venture partners and external stakeholders. Prevention of delay or denial of regulatory approvals for exploration activities had significant economic benefits to Woodside and the joint venture partners. The development and implementation of a stakeholder involvement process, involving explorers, external affairs and environmental advisers, was an innovative approach that has application across other Woodside activities and the industry generally, particularly for projects in locations with a high level of environmental sensitivity, multiple-use and stakeholder concern.

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Harnessing values to save the rhinoceros: insights from Namibia

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605315000769 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 51 (1) ◽

pp. 98-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Jeff R. Muntifering ◽

Wayne L. Linklater ◽

Susan G. Clark ◽

Simson !Uri-≠Khob ◽

John K. Kasaona ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Joint Venture ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Regional Governance ◽

Theory And Practice ◽

Community Based ◽

Individual Values ◽

Context Specific ◽

Simple Economic

AbstractThe rate at which the poaching of rhinoceroses has escalated since 2010 poses a threat to the long-term persistence of extant rhinoceros populations. The policy response has primarily called for increased investment in military-style enforcement strategies largely based upon simple economic models of rational crime. However, effective solutions will probably require a context-specific, stakeholder-driven mix of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms grounded in theory that represents human behaviour more realistically. Using a problem-oriented approach we illustrate in theory and practice how community-based strategies that explicitly incorporate local values and institutions are a foundation for combating rhinoceros poaching effectively in specific contexts. A case study from Namibia demonstrates how coupling a locally devised rhinoceros monitoring regime with joint-venture tourism partnerships as a legitimate land use can reconcile individual values represented within a diverse stakeholder group and manifests as both formal and informal community enforcement. We suggest a social learning approach as a means by which international, national and regional governance can recognize and promote solutions that may help empower local communities to implement rhinoceros management strategies that align individual values with the long-term health of rhinoceros populations.

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The Perspective of the Oncology Health Care Professionals on Educational Conferences

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v14n2p1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Jamal Zekri ◽

Ahmed S Alshehri ◽

lbraheem S. Alomary ◽

Turki M. Alfayea ◽

Yasir Bahadur

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Scientific Conference ◽

Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽

Current Frequency ◽

Educational Value ◽

Cancer Management ◽

Medical Oncologists ◽

Ideal Number ◽

Scientific Value

BACKGROUND: Continuous education is vital to update the knowledge of the health care professionals (HCPs) engaged in cancer management. We aim to explore the perspective of the oncology HCPs on oncology conferences. METHODS: A questionnaire was handed to the delegates and faculty of an oncology educational scientific conference in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The questionnaire explored the perspective on the ideal number, duration and the educational value of such conferences. RESULTS: Medical oncologists represented 70.5% of the 78 responders. All responders attended oncology conferences in the preceding year with 24.4% have attended >9 conferences. The educational value of these conferences was rated 7.98/10. Two thirds are satisfied with the frequency of conducted event or desire more. Short (half to one day) meetings are preferred by 66.67% and the mean number of optimum educational events is 5.7 per year. Educational events were highly valued (score ≥ 8/10) as venues to meet colleagues. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the current frequency and scientific value of oncology conferences and educational events are satisfactory to the majority of the relevant HCPs in the KSA. More CME events of up to one day in duration seem to be desired.

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The Urban Geoheritage of Clermont-Ferrand: From Inventory to Management

Quaestiones Geographicae ◽

10.2478/quageo-2020-0020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 5-31

Author(s):

Viktor Vereb ◽

Benjamin van Wyk de Vries ◽

Marie-Noëlle Guilbaud ◽

Dávid Karátson

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Quantitative Assessment ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Scientific Significance ◽

Scientific Value

AbstractIn sprawling urban areas, geoheritage is suppressed into limited niches. Potential geosites are highly vulnerable and could disappear completely during construction, or their integrity could be irreversibly modified. Here, we create an inventory of urban geoheritage for Clermont-Ferrand in France, recording more than 50 sites using the French national workflow. The results of the quantitative assessment have been used to differentiate between geosites (high scientific value) and geodiversity sites (limited scientific significance, important additional values). Finally, we discuss some important considerations on urban geoconservation, such as geotouristic itineraries or customized management strategies for each site and the whole city.

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Geotourism Valorisation of Selected Quarries of Kłodzko Region and Cieszyn Foothills

Quaestiones Geographicae ◽

10.2478/quageo-2019-0004 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

pp. 41-51 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Katarzyna Kasprowska-Nowak ◽

Aneta Marek

Keyword(s):

Legal Protection ◽

Cultural Value ◽

Cultural Significance ◽

Educational Value ◽

Point Score ◽

Southern Poland ◽

Mountainous Regions ◽

Scientific Value

Abstract The article presents a geotourism valorisation of selected quarries located in different mountainous regions in southern Poland, diverse in geological and tectonic terms. The regions of Kłodzko (with quarries Kletno I, Krzyżnik, Sinica, Czarne Urwisko, Szczytna Zamek) and of Cieszyn Foothills (quarries Na Jasieniowej, Na Mołczynie, Grota na Rudowie, Nad Kalembianką, Ondraszkowa Dziura) were proposed as a case study. The survey describes the most exposed disused quarries of marble, gneiss, sandstone, teschenites and Cieszyn limestone of high natural and cultural significance. As a result of the geotourist valorisation, the analysed geological objects were given point score under various criteria (educational value, scientific value, visual value, location/accessibility value, cultural value, geo-infrastructural value and the value of legal protection). It was found that the discussed quarries reveal high natural and educational value, and they are very significant in education and promotion of geologically attractive areas.

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RISE OF AGRI-BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND MARKETING MANAGEMENT

BSSS Journal of Commerce ◽

10.51767/joc1310 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol XIII (1) ◽

pp. 120-130

Author(s):

Ramshankar Varma ◽

Keyword(s):

Middle East ◽

Performance Management ◽

Foreign Exchange ◽

Market Share ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Marketing Management ◽

Regional Government ◽

China And India ◽

And Performance ◽

Global Arena

The desire to reduce costs and increase profits and gain market share has fascinated the consideration of numerous organizations to spread their wings in the global arena. Countless organizations have chosen for worldwide growth to take advantage of more excellent opportunities such as foreign and regional government offices such as those in Africa and the Middle East, the population as large as China and India, corruption rates, foreign exchange movements, and technological fraud. To discuss this issue in more detail, this article aims to determine whether it is essential for firms to go overseas. This paper may fall into four key areas where the firm chooses to expand its global borders, including the decision to go abroad, decide to enter the market, decide how to enter the market, decide on market plans, and the decision of the trade organization. To achieve this educational paper yet, our discussion of global agribusiness management strategies will provide information, concepts, processes, principles, ideas, tools, and models to contribute to effective and efficient implementation and performance management.

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The Geological Heritage of Salobreña (South Spain): example of a touristic area

American Research Journal of Earth Science ◽

10.21694/2642-3022.21001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

M. Martín Martín ◽

Sanz de Galdeano ◽

S. Moliner Aznar

Keyword(s):

Earth Science ◽

Fruit Trees ◽

Cultural Tourism ◽

Geological Heritage ◽

Educational Value ◽

Tropical Crops ◽

Beach Tourism ◽

Conservation Actions ◽

Scientific Value ◽

The Town

Salobreña consist of a touristic area with a typical Andalusian white town built on a hill and crowned with a Castle from the medieval era of Moors occupation. The urban area is bordered by fields of tropical crops and fruit trees that, together with its location by the sea, confer on Salobreña a beautiful postcard. These features, as a whole, are an attraction for visitors. Although the authorities are very interested in developing the beach tourism and displaying and protecting the historical center of the town, the interest in geological heritage is negligible. So, this paper tries to expose and evaluate the sites of geologic interest recognizable in the area, so that not only tourists and visitors, but also students, are offered more attractions for their visits. 30 sites are proposed as suitable to be considered as geological heritage, organized in three accessible walking itineraries named respectively: Urban, Panoramic and Littoral georoutes. The selected sites display a great variety of geological typologies as structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, geomaterials, petrology, mineralogy, geomorphology and hydrogeology-hydraulics. Avoiding subjectivity, the sites and georoutes have been classified and ranked with a numerical methodology based on recent literature. The Scientific Value (SV), Potential Educational Value (PEV), Potential Touristic Value (PTV) have been quantified by using several criteria in each case. This allows visitors and teachers to select the most suitable route according to their goals. The Degradation Risk (DR) has also been evaluated, giving key geo-conservation actions. This plan can be presented to political and technical managers from Salobreña Town. Finally, some actions are proposed for better conservation of the sites but also to contribute to education and promote cultural tourism. These actions would also favor educational activities for students of all levels in earth science subjects, but also increase economic activity and sustainable development in the area by incorporating cultural visitors.

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