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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 evaluations applied reflected "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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of geosites is an essential part of conserving the geodiversity and biodiversity of an ecosystem, as well as safeguarding the cultural, geological, environmental, and landscape wealth that a highly recognized geographical area possesses. In this context, Guayaquil, the pearl of the Pacific, is a city that registers, in its history and evolution, a binding relationship with the geo-biodiversity of the geosites that characterize it. This work aims to assess places of tourist interest in Guayaquil and its surrounding areas through a geo-environmental evaluation matrix to establish a sustainability proposal that promotes the geotourism development of the city. The methodology consisted of: (i) geographic registration of the chosen sites and present characteristics, (ii) environmental analysis of the sites based on the cause–effect method, and (iii) strategies for the inclusion of these sites into the geo-environmental and geotourism system of Guayaquil as potential geosites. The results demonstrate that Guayaquil has impressive geodiversity in several potential natural sites, obtaining highly representative values that reinforce the city's natural diversity elements. Sites such as Cerro San Pedro and the Cerro San Eduardo, Pascuales, and Zeolites quarries have the most significant adverse environmental impacts. While places such as Cerro Azul, Estero Salado, Isla Santay, and Hornos de Cal (Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco), obtained positive values that highlight their environmental value, being of great benefit to the city and to nature. Furthermore, some of these places could be integrated into tourism development plans, and as potential geosites, they could complement various services and opportunities for discovering nature. Finally, all this can lead to a sustainable proposal for a Global Geopark project in Guayaquil based on the results obtained in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geodiversity is the variety of earth materials, forms and processes that constitute and shape the Earth planet. Therefore, geodiversity includes essential for developing nature-based solutions and must be adequately characterised. This research aims to evaluate the geodiversity of Mainland Ecuador by estimating a Geodiversity Index, which is the sum of five partial indexes (Lithological, Geomorphological, Paleontological, Pedological, and Mineral occurrences), in a 25 × 25 km grid. In addition, the study shows and analyses the geodiversity index map obtained as a basis for the development of policies for the use and conservation of geodiversity. The cartography developed generally illustrates the distribution of the geological diversity existing in Ecuador. Specifically, the ranges of the indices reached in the geodiversity map, including the medium, high, and very high categories, corresponding to 47.52 % of the extension of Ecuador using the Pereira method and to 52.91 % using the procedure proposed in this study. These special categories are located mainly along the Andes Mountain range and in the newly formed mountain ranges in the coastal zone. In addition, these categories defined in the geodiversity map coincide, spatially, with the main initiatives of geoparks and geo-routes catalogued in the country. The maps generated and the estimated indices represent relevant tools in territorial planning and calculated future geoconservation strategies. Furthermore, a series of initiatives are proposed to develop a policy favouring the characterisation, use and protection of geodiversity. • Procedure to geodiversity mapping. • Geodiversity (index) map in environmental policies and territorial planning. • Relationship between geodiversity and initiatives to use and protect geological heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity is an essential component of nature, relegating the aspects of geodiversity, which provides geological and landscape variety to a territory. However, the importance of geodiversity and its social, economic, educational, scientific, and technological impact on a region, are not well understood. This article measures the geoheritage values of Guayaquil, a port city in Ecuador, via surveys and analyses of variables, with the aim of proposing guidelines or strategies that promote the knowledge and diffusion of that geoheritage. Our methodology included (i) a review of historical landmarks of Guayaquil and their relationship with geodiversity, (ii) a survey and data tabulation, (iii) an analysis of the local population's perception of the city's geoheritage, and (iv) the development of geodiversity strategies using computer tools. Our results determined that people approach areas of interest because of each site's biodiversity and the available information about the site. Once there, they can obtain knowledge about the city's geology, geodiversity, and urban geotourism. Therefore, geoheritage is an essential consideration in establishing educational plans, initiatives, and promotion strategies. Furthermore, the identification of a city's heritage values following geoeducation, and the recognition by society of the city's geosites and their historical–scientific significance, will provide a basis for using geotourism in a context of sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, geotourism has been presented as an alternative for the sustainable socioeconomic development of the community. In addition, it shows significant growth. Portovelo canton, located in the south of Ecuador, is characterised by a significant geological importance complemented by the mining culture and history interest, turning into the first mining centre. Mining is the main economic activity in the area. However, the development of illegal mining without technical considerations affects the canton and its surroundings. Faced with this problem, the need arises for alternatives to improve the inhabitants' quality of life and protect their geological heritage. This work aims to propose a geotouristic route (GR) in the course of the Amarillo River through the characterisation and quantitative assessment of 10 interest sites (four geosites and six touristic sites), which enhance the geotourism development of the canton, including geoconservation strategies. The methodological process includes (i) characterisation of sites and GR proposal, (ii) sites and GR assessment using the Geotouristic Route Assessment Matrix method (GtRAM, acronym in Spanish) and Brilha method for geosites, and (iii) proposal of geotourism development and geoconservation strategies in a sustainability framework through the analysis of strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (SWOT). The results obtained from the proposed GR reflect that 60% of the proposed sites have a tourist interest classified as high, of which the Museo Mineralógico Magner Turner was the best-rated geoheritage element. Similarly, the high scientific, educational, and tourist values of the proposed geoheritage sites are highlighted. Strategies have been established to enhance the GR value: (i) Promoting geotourism through different activities and (ii) proposals for geoconservation and conditioning of geoheritage sites and tourist interest sites considering the geological and environmental impact. The methodology used in the study made it possible to establish geo-guidelines focused on local development, which are coupled with the knowledge of two main groups: Geo-experts and the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cajas National Park (CNP), located in southern Ecuador, comprises an area of high natural, scientific and cultural value with wide recognition worldwide. This national park has a large number of elements that, as a whole, constitute a relevant geological heritage. However, this geological heritage requires an enhancement that complements the important contribution made by the Natural Park in terms of conservation and protection of the natural heritage. This study aims to evaluate sites of geological relevance present in CNP through international geosite assessment methodologies and thus provide knowledge favouring these resources' sustainable use and geoconservation. The study phases comprise four stages: (i) a base information analysis of the study area; (ii) identification and selection of sites of geological interest; (iii) a geosite and geomorphosite assessment using the Inventario Español de Lugares de Interés Geological (IELIG) method and Brilha method; (iv) a qualitative assessment using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis for the contribution and influence of geomorphosites in the development of the study area. This work made it possible to determine that all the analysed geosites and geomorphological sites (14) have a high and very high interest. The Llaviucu valley site stands out for its relevant scientific, academic and tourist value. The IELIG method revealed that 50% of the evaluated sites have a high protection priority, while the rest are in the "medium" category. In addition, the investigation through the SWOT analysis revealed that the geomorphosites could provide significant added value to the development of geotourism and of the NP itself, complementing the already known natural attractions; moreover, the study presented strategies for the use of these in the sustainable development of the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]