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This study proposed a semi-quantitative methodology for assessing the quality of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) websites. The study was based on mixed indicators (binary and ordinal) which were grouped into five dimensions (presentation, content, interactivity, usability, and special UNESCO information) and combined with multivariate assessment using Principal Component Analysis and the application of the focus group technique using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to propose geocommunication strategies. The evaluation matrix, comprising 36 indicators, defined three levels of development (“high”, “moderate”, and “emergent”) and was useful for monitoring website quality and enhancing its territorial value for geotourism, geoconservation, and geoeducation. The results from 156 websites showed a predominance of “moderate development” scores (52.56%) and highlighted positive indicators, such as contact information, geotourism details, mobile compatibility, news, and the UGGp logo. This study also presented the potential of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and 3D tours, for disseminating geoeducational content. However, there was room for the improvement in interaction and information standardization on UGGp web platforms to ensure effective communication that enriches the user experience.

Volcanic environments offer a unique combination for life development. UNESCO recognized the Galapagos Islands as Natural World Heritage site due to the uniqueness of flora and fauna. In addition, they have relevant geological value because of their volcanic origin associated with a “hotspot” and still evolving geological dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the geological heritage of Santa Cruz Island by identifying and valuing geosites, considering the scientific, academic, and tourist fields, and the risk of degradation to establish geoheritage management strategies. This study applied four semi-quantitative assessment methodologies and SWOT analysis to identify 15 geosites related to volcanic hotspots, particularly volcanic craters, cracks, beaches, lava tunnels, lagoons, and volcanic depositional landforms. Due to the uniqueness of their geological characteristics, the valuations applied reflect “very high” and “high-medium” qualifications in the geosites. Their identification and valuation allowed for establishing protection, geo-education, and sustainable use strategies (geotourism). In addition, the study identified a research opportunity associated with the cultural value of geosites of volcanic environments within protected areas with singular ecological value.

•Manabí (Ecuador) has favourable coastal geoheritage for its use in geotourism.•Beach-cliff systems were characterised and assessed as geosites.•The strategies involve geotourism, geoconservation and geoeducation actions.•The georoute takes into consideration tourist and cultural attractions.•This work provides a method for the assessment of beach-cliff systems as geosites.

Climate change has influenced the demand for natural resources, such as water, energy, and food. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus and climate change through a review and analysis of scientific publications to discern trends towards sustainability. The methodology adopted in this study involved i) selection, processing, and merging of databases; ii) a bibliometric analysis; and iii) a systematic literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methods. The findings of this study reflect a strong relationship between the WEF nexus and sustainability influenced by climate change, which highlights the need to balance natural resource availability, growing population demand, and productive activities in a given territory. The bibliometric analysis performed in this study included interactions between the WEF nexus and climate change by considering 1,220 scientific publications from the Scopus and Web of Science databases that covered policy, sustainability, management, and governance aspects. Based on five keyword clusters of the WEF nexus, climate change, and sustainability, it also extracted the research directions from the systematic literature review of 104 documents. This study summarises the interest in the WEF nexus and highlights that the utilization and management of the natural resources of a region so as to balance the WEF nexus and climate change is among the most significant challenges of the 21st century.