Evaluation of the potential of coastal cliffs as geosites for the promotion of geotourism

作     者：Fernando Morante-Carballo María JoséDomínguez-Cuesta Nataly Paz-Salas Jenifer Malavé-Hernández Jairo Dueñas-Tovar Paúl Carrión-Mero Fernando Morante-Carballo;María José Domínguez-Cuesta;Nataly Paz-Salas;Jenifer Malavé-Hernández;Jairo Due?as-Tovar;Paúl Carrión-Mero

作者机构：Centro de Investigación y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra(CIPAT)ESPOL Polytechnic UniversityP.O.Box 09-01-5863GuayaquilEcuador Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas(FCNM)ESPOL Polytechnic UniversityP.O.Box 09-01-5863GuayaquilEcuador Geo-Recursos y Aplicaciones GIGAESPOL Polytechnic UniversityP.O.Box 09-01-5863GuayaquilEcuador Departamento de Geologí1University of OviedoCalle Jesús Arias de Velascos/n33005 OviedoSpain Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra(FICT)ESPOL Polytechnic UniversityP.O.Box 09-01-5863GuayaquilEcuador 

出 版 物：《Geography and Sustainability》 (地理学与可持续性（英文）)

年 卷 期：2023年第4卷第4期

页      面：356-371页

核心收录：

学科分类：0709[理学-地质学] 081803[工学-地质工程] 07[理学] 08[工学] 0818[工学-地质资源与地质工程] 

基　　金：ESPOL Polytechnic University research project:“Register of geological and mining heritage and its incidence in the defence and preservation of geodiversity in Ecuador”with institu-tional code CIPAT-01-2018 

主　　题：Georoute Geotourism Touristic cliffCoastal geosites Geoconservation Geoeducation 

摘      要：Coastal zones, with their significant geodiversity, are vital areas for geotourism. Effective management is crucial to harness the geological interest of these sites as geotourism resources while ensuring their conservation. ManabíProvince is one of the most representative regions along the Ecuadorian coast due to its beaches and coastal cliffs, offering a wealth of tourist attractions and cultural elements. This study aims to evaluate the geosite potential of six cliffs in ManabíProvince through quantitative and qualitative analyses to propose geotourism promotion strategies. The methodology involves (i) inventory and characterisation of the cliffs, (ii) assessment of the sites by the Spanish Inventory of Places of Geological Interest method (IELIG), and (iii) qualitative evaluation through focus group discussions and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The results reveal that all six sites boast diverse geological assets, including geomorphological, stratigraphic, sedimentological, and tectonic elements. They are characterised by “high scientific, didactic, and tourist interest, while also being sus- ceptible to degradation due to natural and anthropic threats. The SWOT analysis demonstrates that the valuable geological and geomorphological heritage of potential geosites provides an opportunity to foster geotourism and boost the province’s economy, incorporating geoconservation and geoeducation strategies. This study proposes a georoute called “Ruta Acantilados del Sol , a 245 km journey encompassing all six sites, incorporating diverse tourist and cultural activities. Our research lays the foundation for fostering geotourism along the Manabícoast and strengthening the connection between nature, heritage, and the welfare of residents within a global resilience plan.