Australia’s National Landscapes, geotrails and geoparks are key places where geotourism is centre stage. Australia offers a big future for geotourism particularly given the emerging demand from overseas markets including China. Geotourism offers potential employment opportunities for geoscientists.
'GEOHERITAGE need for Indian Activism', National workshop held at Andhra University, Dept of Geology, Visakhapatnam, 30-31 May 2013 in collaboration with INTACH and Geological Survey of India.
'GEOHERITAGE need for Indian Activism', National workshop held at Andhra University, Dept of Geology, Visakhapatnam, 30-31 May 2013 in collaboration with INTACH and Geological Survey of India.
A new research study from Yahoo! and the brand development and marketing insight consultancy, Added Value, details women’s needs and how they relate to the online channels they use on a daily basis.
Dr Melinda McHenry, Physical Geographer and Learning & Teaching Strategist at The University of Tasmania, has convened this webinar for her 'geo-professional' (geoscientists, geographers, geomorphologists etc) to focus on the development of geotourism through the National Geotourism Strategy (of the Australian Geoscience Council), from the perspective of a presenter with varied experience in a wide range of industry sectors.
.
Geotourism - A Transformational Approach to Conserving Heritage and Generati...Leisure Solutions®
In formulating a national strategy for geotourism development, the Australian Geoscience Council
Inc (AGC) has consulted with both the Heritage Committee and the Society of Social and
Environment (The Society) of The AusIMM to determine how best the development
of geotourism throughout Australia can enhance the scope of regional development of mining areas
during current mining activities and after mine closure. Geotourism adds considerable holistic
content value to traditional nature-based tourism as well as cultural attributes (embracing both
Aboriginal and post European settlement) having regard to mining aspects and can be delivered
through mechanisms such as geotrails and geoparks within defined ‘GeoRegions’.
Driving Australia’s National Geotourism Strategy through the AGCLeisure Solutions®
The Australian Geoscience Council Inc (AGC) has set up a National Geotourism Strategy Reference Group (NGSRG) which includes representatives of other key active stakeholders (e.g. the Geotourism Standing Committee of the Geological Society of Australia), and under the guidance of this reference group, other key stakeholder groups will be best placed to help deliver different parts of a National Geotourism Strategy (NGS).
This NGS is being designed to support the orderly development of major geotourism projects and activities in line with overseas trends and domestic regional development imperatives. The AGC sees the articulation of a strategy with a staged and incremental approach as being essential to ultimately gain government endorsement at all levels. The development of a National Ecotourism Strategy in 1994 and subsequent state/territory-based initiatives is considered as a particularly useful precedent and guide. Of significance internationally is the development of geotourism in Australia that lags many countries’ approach, notwithstanding the fact Australia has taken the initiatives in several areas in development of the concepts underpinning geotourism.
The pursuit of geotourism offers the potential for new industries and employment opportunities through the development of major projects within Australia. Also, very significantly from a strategic perspective, the AGC recognises that the development of geotourism may be one of the best ways to communicate the value of geoscience to the broader Australian community. The AGC considers that this improved profile for geoscience is likely to have a positive impact in other areas of strategic importance, most notably the need for continuing tertiary enrolments in geoscience, which is required to meet Australia’s needs for highly qualified geoscience graduates and researchers into the future.
The National Geotourism Strategy and Implications for Geoscience EducationLeisure Solutions®
The Australian Geoscience Council Inc (AGC) has set up a National Geotourism Strategy Reference Group (NGSRG) which includes representatives of other key active stakeholders (e.g. the Geotourism Standing Committee of the Geological Society of Australia), and under the guidance of this reference group, other key stakeholder groups will be best placed to help deliver different parts of a National Geotourism Strategy (NGS).
This NGS is being designed to support the orderly development of major geotourism projects and activities in line with overseas trends and domestic regional development imperatives. The AGC sees the articulation of a strategy with a staged and incremental approach as being essential to ultimately gain government endorsement at all levels. The development of a National Ecotourism Strategy in 1994 and subsequent state/territory-based initiatives is considered as a particularly useful precedent and guide. Of significance internationally is the development of geotourism in Australia that lags many countries’ approach, notwithstanding the fact Australia has taken the initiatives in several areas in development of the concepts underpinning geotourism.
The pursuit of geotourism offers the potential for new industries and employment opportunities through the development of major projects within Australia. Also, very significantly from a strategic perspective, the AGC recognises that the development of geotourism may be one of the best ways to communicate the value of geoscience to the broader Australian community. The AGC considers that this improved profile for geoscience is likely to have a positive impact in other areas of strategic importance, most notably the need for continuing tertiary enrolments in geoscience, which is required to meet Australia’s needs for highly qualified geoscience graduates and researchers into the future.
The NGS will be based on a number of agreed goals based on the following themes.
1. Development of new digital technologies to deliver and interpret for the traveller or visitor, quality natural and cultural heritage content, highlighting particularly geology and landscape.
2. To define an approval pathway for major geotourism projects.
3. To establish a framework for creating high quality, sustainable geotrails.
4. To establish a national framework for geoheritage listings suitable for geotourism.
5. To develop geotourism in regional mining communities with potential geoheritage and cultural heritage sites.
6. To strengthen Australia’s international geoscience standing through geotourism excellence.
7. To develop and enhance the geoscience interpretation and communication skills of everyone actively involved in the presentation of geosites, enabling the provision of accurate and thematic information in an accessible manner.
Delivering a National Geotourism Strategy for Australia - Central Highlands G...Leisure Solutions®
The Central Highlands GeoRegion of Central Qld contains all the key components including geotrails in which a future mining park or UNESCO Global Geopark can be developed.
A new research study from Yahoo! and the brand development and marketing insight consultancy, Added Value, details women’s needs and how they relate to the online channels they use on a daily basis.
Dr Melinda McHenry, Physical Geographer and Learning & Teaching Strategist at The University of Tasmania, has convened this webinar for her 'geo-professional' (geoscientists, geographers, geomorphologists etc) to focus on the development of geotourism through the National Geotourism Strategy (of the Australian Geoscience Council), from the perspective of a presenter with varied experience in a wide range of industry sectors.
.
Geotourism - A Transformational Approach to Conserving Heritage and Generati...Leisure Solutions®
In formulating a national strategy for geotourism development, the Australian Geoscience Council
Inc (AGC) has consulted with both the Heritage Committee and the Society of Social and
Environment (The Society) of The AusIMM to determine how best the development
of geotourism throughout Australia can enhance the scope of regional development of mining areas
during current mining activities and after mine closure. Geotourism adds considerable holistic
content value to traditional nature-based tourism as well as cultural attributes (embracing both
Aboriginal and post European settlement) having regard to mining aspects and can be delivered
through mechanisms such as geotrails and geoparks within defined ‘GeoRegions’.
Driving Australia’s National Geotourism Strategy through the AGCLeisure Solutions®
The Australian Geoscience Council Inc (AGC) has set up a National Geotourism Strategy Reference Group (NGSRG) which includes representatives of other key active stakeholders (e.g. the Geotourism Standing Committee of the Geological Society of Australia), and under the guidance of this reference group, other key stakeholder groups will be best placed to help deliver different parts of a National Geotourism Strategy (NGS).
This NGS is being designed to support the orderly development of major geotourism projects and activities in line with overseas trends and domestic regional development imperatives. The AGC sees the articulation of a strategy with a staged and incremental approach as being essential to ultimately gain government endorsement at all levels. The development of a National Ecotourism Strategy in 1994 and subsequent state/territory-based initiatives is considered as a particularly useful precedent and guide. Of significance internationally is the development of geotourism in Australia that lags many countries’ approach, notwithstanding the fact Australia has taken the initiatives in several areas in development of the concepts underpinning geotourism.
The pursuit of geotourism offers the potential for new industries and employment opportunities through the development of major projects within Australia. Also, very significantly from a strategic perspective, the AGC recognises that the development of geotourism may be one of the best ways to communicate the value of geoscience to the broader Australian community. The AGC considers that this improved profile for geoscience is likely to have a positive impact in other areas of strategic importance, most notably the need for continuing tertiary enrolments in geoscience, which is required to meet Australia’s needs for highly qualified geoscience graduates and researchers into the future.
The National Geotourism Strategy and Implications for Geoscience EducationLeisure Solutions®
The Australian Geoscience Council Inc (AGC) has set up a National Geotourism Strategy Reference Group (NGSRG) which includes representatives of other key active stakeholders (e.g. the Geotourism Standing Committee of the Geological Society of Australia), and under the guidance of this reference group, other key stakeholder groups will be best placed to help deliver different parts of a National Geotourism Strategy (NGS).
This NGS is being designed to support the orderly development of major geotourism projects and activities in line with overseas trends and domestic regional development imperatives. The AGC sees the articulation of a strategy with a staged and incremental approach as being essential to ultimately gain government endorsement at all levels. The development of a National Ecotourism Strategy in 1994 and subsequent state/territory-based initiatives is considered as a particularly useful precedent and guide. Of significance internationally is the development of geotourism in Australia that lags many countries’ approach, notwithstanding the fact Australia has taken the initiatives in several areas in development of the concepts underpinning geotourism.
The pursuit of geotourism offers the potential for new industries and employment opportunities through the development of major projects within Australia. Also, very significantly from a strategic perspective, the AGC recognises that the development of geotourism may be one of the best ways to communicate the value of geoscience to the broader Australian community. The AGC considers that this improved profile for geoscience is likely to have a positive impact in other areas of strategic importance, most notably the need for continuing tertiary enrolments in geoscience, which is required to meet Australia’s needs for highly qualified geoscience graduates and researchers into the future.
The NGS will be based on a number of agreed goals based on the following themes.
1. Development of new digital technologies to deliver and interpret for the traveller or visitor, quality natural and cultural heritage content, highlighting particularly geology and landscape.
2. To define an approval pathway for major geotourism projects.
3. To establish a framework for creating high quality, sustainable geotrails.
4. To establish a national framework for geoheritage listings suitable for geotourism.
5. To develop geotourism in regional mining communities with potential geoheritage and cultural heritage sites.
6. To strengthen Australia’s international geoscience standing through geotourism excellence.
7. To develop and enhance the geoscience interpretation and communication skills of everyone actively involved in the presentation of geosites, enabling the provision of accurate and thematic information in an accessible manner.
Delivering a National Geotourism Strategy for Australia - Central Highlands G...Leisure Solutions®
The Central Highlands GeoRegion of Central Qld contains all the key components including geotrails in which a future mining park or UNESCO Global Geopark can be developed.
Augmenting the Geotourism Experience through New Digital TechnologiesLeisure Solutions®
In developing a National Geotourism Strategy for Australia, the AGC has recognised that state-based geotourism maps, supplemented by publications, may well be eventually replaced by digital technologies (e.g. 3D visualisation, augmented reality, virtual reality, holograms and live streaming using smartphones and drones) and GIS technologies as a cost effective means of accessing and better communicating geological content for tourists throughout regional Australia.
Delivering a National Geotourism Strategy for AustraliaLeisure Solutions®
As a geoscience development opportunity, the Australian Geoscience Council has decided to formulate a National Geotourism Strategy to accommodate the orderly development of major geotourism projects (which might include geoparks) and other activities (such as geotrails) in line with overseas trends and domestic regional development imperatives. It is intended that this strategy will complement the National Ecotourism Strategy completed some 25 years ago.
This presentation formed the basis of the webinar organised for students of the College of Sciences and Engineering of the School of Technology, Environments and Design, University of Tasmania with the topic of ‘Geoheritage and Geotourism’. The take-aways from the webinair were
Geotourism is holistic and ‘place based’ with geology and landscapes as its base.
The right balance needs to be determined between exposing geosites for public visitation & geoconservation needs.
Geotourism must determine what measures are put in place or techniques used to respect geoconservation considerations.
Through the study of geomorphology, an understanding of landscapes can enhance outstanding, interpretative experiences for visitors.
The application of new digital technologies can add considerable value to the geotourism experience.
Geoheritage needs to embrace both fossil & mineral treasures.
‘Geotourism in the Scenic Rim and the National Geotourism Strategy (NGS)’Leisure Solutions®
Wildlife Tourism in the Scenic Rim Workshop, 6th December 2019:
Key Takeaways:
* A national geotourism strategy will provide a framework to enhance the quality and scope of experiences in the Scenic Rim.
* Geotours must offer a variety of experiences for travellers to succeed as a tourism product.
* Availability of augmented and virtual reality tools supported by quality interpretative signage would enhance greatly the visitor experience .
* The recent bush fires in the Scenic Rim have reinforced the value of geotourism as a means of raising awareness of Climate Change issues – a key UNESCO Global Geopark discussion topic.
Evolving Geotourism as a Key Driver of Regional Development in Australia: Glo...Leisure Solutions®
Geotourism is a significant emerging and growing global phenomenon. Geotourism is essentially sustainable and holistic nature-based tourism ‘that focuses on an area's geology and landscape as the basis for providing visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment'. Resulting from its experiential characteristics, geotourism has links with adventure tourism and ecotourism. Geotourism also embraces cultural tourism, inclusive of indigenous tourism, an approach of increasing interest to both managers of protected and unprotected areas. Under the current national Australian Geoscience Council (AGC) 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, and as a geoscience advocacy opportunity, the AGC has decided to formulate a draft National Geotourism Strategy to accommodate the orderly development of major geotourism projects (which might include geoparks) and other activities (such as geotrails) in line with overseas trends and domestic regional development imperatives.
AGC recognises that the socio-economic benefits of geopark development, both UNESCO Global and national in scope, include the following.
1. Measurable economic benefits - additional visitors, direct and regional economic output, household income and wages, and local employment.
2. Through establishment of a management entity, a higher level of centralised coordination in areas of community engagement, product development, travel and hospitality services, tourism promotion/branding.
3. Maximisation of sustainable development and management of 'over tourism’.
4. Provision of a framework for focus on the 10 UNESCO Topics that include culture, education, climate change, geoconservation, and sustainable development.
In complementing ecotourism, geotourism is now evolving to determine its place as a key driver of nature-based tourism as a regional development imperative for Australia.
Blue Mountains National Landscape and the National Geotourism StrategyLeisure Solutions®
A presentation tto a Symposium of the Linnean Society of NSW, 8th November 2019:
Geotourism, a holistic form of nature-based tourism, is a significant emerging and growing global phenomenon. Geotourism focuses on an area's geology and landscape as the basis for providing visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment'. In summary, geotourism
• adds considerable content value to traditional nature-based tourism (the primary motivator of travel to Australia) as well as cultural tourism, inclusive of indigenous tourism, thus completing the holistic embrace of ‘A’ (abiotic – landscape and geology) plus ‘B’ (biotic) plus ‘C’ (culture) aspects. It empathises an approach of increasing interest to protected area managers, particularly given the experience gained from the now discontinued Australian National Landscape programme (which included the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area);
• celebrates geoheritage and promotes awareness of and better understanding of the geosciences;
• contributes to regional development imperatives in areas experiencing social and economic difficulties through increased tourist visitation, particularly from overseas;
• creates professional and career development for geoscientists;
• provides a means of highlighting and promoting public interest in mining heritage;
• provides the means of increasing public access to geological information through a range of new information and communication technology (ICT) applications; and
• engenders an increasing awareness of the importance in geology as a fundamental science that has had and will continue to have major impacts on civilisations.
The Australian Geoscience Council (AGC), which is the Peak Council of geoscientists in Australia representing eight major Australian geoscientific societies with a total membership of over 8,000 individuals, is currently consulting with state/territory government agencies with the aim of developing a national strategy predicated on consideration of a number of broad topics which include identifying mechanisms for collaboration with providers of other areas of natural (bioregion) and cultural heritage content. Other topics under consideration include geotourism as a means of celebrating and better coordination nationally of geoheritage data bases and establishing a national set of administrative procedures for ‘georegional’ assessment to provide for major geotourism project development.
Adoption by state government agencies of a national geotourism strategy offers the potential to stimulate new nature-based tourism development and a more holistic appreciation of natural and cultural heritage. As Australia’s most visited tourism destination, the Blue Mountains is well positioned to benefit from this development.
Geotourism – Adding Value to Traditional Nature-based TourismLeisure Solutions®
A presentation to the 2019 Annual Conference of 'Interpretation Australia', Melbourne, October 2016
Geotourism, a holistic form of nature-based tourism, is a significant emerging and growing global phenomenon. Geotourism focuses on an area's geology and landscape as the basis for providing visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment'. It has links with adventure tourism, cultural tourism and ecotourism, but is not synonymous with any of these forms of tourism, although in broad terms it actually embraces them all. Geotourism adds considerable content value to traditional nature-based tourism (the primary motivator of travel to Australia) as well as cultural tourism, inclusive of indigenous tourism, thus completing the holistic embrace of ‘A’ (abiotic – landscape and geology) plus ‘B’ (biotic – flora and fauna) plus ‘C’ (culture) aspects. The Australian Geoscience Council is currently consulting with state/territory government agencies with the aim of developing a national strategy predicated on consideration of a number of broad topics including the following.
• Geotourism as a means of celebrating geoheritage by expansion of the geotourism map concept progressively across Australia on a ‘state by state’ basis, as well as consideration of new ICTs (e.g. smartphones, 3D visualisation, AR & VR) and GIS technologies as a cost effective means of accessing and better communicating geological content for travellers and residents in regional Australia.
• New geotrail development – local, regional and national engagement to open up dialogue with existing walking, biking and rail trail interest groups and operators to highlight the availability of quality geoscience data.
• Consideration of establishing a national set of administrative procedures for ‘georegional’ assessment to provide for potential geopark nomination at state and national levels.
• Mechanisms for collaboration with providers of other areas of natural (bioregion) and cultural heritage content, inclusive of mining heritage.
• Professional development for geoscientist guides in interpreting natural and cultural heritage as tour guides.
Enhancing the Pilbara Georegion Through Geotourism by Angus M RobinsonLeisure Solutions®
In recent years there has been a growing realisation that economic development in outback regional Australia needs to be built on the three sustainable core pillars of mining, agriculture and tourism. Geotourism, an emerging global phenomenon, is holistic and is an experiential form of nature (and culture – both indigenous and post European settlement based) tourism. Unlike ecotourism which focuses mainly on flora and fauna in essentially protected areas, geotourism can extend across both designated protected and unprotected areas, including those areas subject of existing agricultural and mining development. By raising awareness of the importance of the area’s geological heritage in history and society today, geotourism provides local communities with a sense of pride in their region and strengthens their identification with the region. Geotourism can be the generator of new jobs and innovative local enterprises as new sources of revenue, as well as the opportunity for existing remote area businesses to diversify into provision of visitor services, while the geological heritage of the region can be better managed and protected.
Embracing through geotourism the Pilbara Georegion’s world-famous North Pole stromatolites, given this geosite’s world class profile as the oldest living community fossils on the planet, has considerable potential in establishing Australia as a ‘must see’ destination for fossil-rich geoheritage visitation. Realisation of this potential, when combined with the parallel development of the truly unique Nilpena Ediacaran fossil assemblage site in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, as well as the established Age of Dinosaurs museum in Winton in Western Queensland, will deliver for Australia an unparalleled tourism destination. For the emerging, high value, free and independent market in China, the availability of high profile ‘scenic areas’ such as the Pilbara Georegion, with its outstanding natural heritage and cultural values, offers outstanding ‘bucket list’ appeal.
Protection, Preservation and Promotion: geo-heritage and geotourism opportuni...Leisure Solutions®
Australia’s human heritage is well known, with our aboriginal peoples acknowledged as the oldest surviving culture in the world, extending at least 60000 years.
Our natural heritage goes even further – with rock outcrops in Western Australia extending from the Archean (about 3.6 Billion years ago) to recent surficial and unconsolidated deposits which form our rivers, streams, coastlines and shape our deserts. These collectively provide evidence of geological processes and events that have shaped our continent and even influenced our understanding of our planet.
Geological heritage – though important – is insufficiently protected, and there are limited legislative protections safeguarding this knowledge and understanding for future generations.
Government led geoscience efforts to date have primarily focused on baseline geoscience acquisition for the purposes of identifying mineral and energy resources and while a tremendous amount of data and information is collected from Geological Surveys and their Federal counterparts. However, there remains a gap in understanding and appreciating geo-heritage sites of significance and ensuring their ongoing protection and preservation.
In addition, the intrinsic value, aesthetics and appeal of certain locations lead to tourism related opportunities. Geo-tourism is rapidly gaining popularity overseas and many attractions and supporting industries are now operational including in Indonesia and New Zealand. There remains an opportunity – and obligation – of adequately manage our geo-heritage site and information while facilitating the development and promotion of a thriving yet sustainable geo-tourism industry in the Northern Territory.
The Australian Geoscience Council (AGC), which is the Peak Council of geoscientists in Australia representing eight major Australian geoscientific societies with a total membership of over 8,000 individuals, is currently consulting with state/territory government agencies with the aim of developing a national strategy predicated on consideration of a number of broad topics which include identifying mechanisms for collaboration with providers of other areas of natural (bioregion) and cultural heritage content, inclusive of mining heritage. Through the auspices particularly of the Heritage Committee of the AusIMM (an AGC member), it has been recognised that much of Australia’s rich mining heritage, including many outstanding mineral collections, has not been adequately integrated into tourism product development. Presentation to the Annual Conference of the Australasian Mining History Association, Atherton, Queensland, 9th July 2019.
New National Park at Nilpena, Flinders Ranges, South AustraliaLeisure Solutions®
As an exemplar of geodiversity in the Earth’s geological record, the Ediacaran fossil assemblage of the Flinders Ranges also celebrates the very birth of the Earth’s biodiversity.
As one of Australia’s most significant National Landscapes, the Flinders Ranges has the making of being also declared as another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife (FNPW) with the Flinders Ranges Ediacara Foundation and the SA Government aims to create a new national park as a key core component of this vision - truly and outstanding geotourism destination for Australia.
Engaging with the Greater China Region: Case Studies for Taiwan and ChinaLeisure Solutions®
In the political and economic context of the Asian Century, Australia through its cities and regional areas needs to work hard in establishing long-term social and economic relationships with the powerhouse of Asia, that is currently established within North Asia, particularly in the Greater China Region (China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong) with its strong technological links to Japan and South Korea; and with the appreciation that the Chinese business community extends well into South East Asia. The Greater China Region includes a wide range of provinces and city centres, many of which have demonstrated a keen willingness to establish bi-lateral ties through a range of mechanisms that have invariably involved sister city and inter-industry association relationships. In July 2005, the Australian and Taiwan ICT industries agreed to co-operate in the mutual development of their electronics and ICT sectors through the implementation of a program of engagement guided by a strategic framework agreement as a logical consequence of an active program of activities developed between the Australian Electrical & Electronic Manufacturers’ Association and the Taiwan Electrical & Electronic Manufacturers’ Association since early 2002. Progress under this arrangement was reported annually to the Bilateral Economic Consultations between Australia and Taiwan. Separately, in 2016, the Geological Societies of Australia and China entered into a unique Memorandum of Cooperation that was principally aimed at growing the level of best practice, nature-based tourism in both countries, and has already led to a structured ‘sister’ regional relationship in NSW and potentially in Tropical Far North Queensland.
Engaging with the Greater China Region: Case Studies for Taiwan and China
Geotourism and Australia's National Landscapes
1. ““Geotourism aanndd AAuussttrraalliiaa’’ss NNaattiioonnaall
LLaannddssccaappeess””
AAEESSCC 22001144,, NNeewwccaassttllee,, 99tthh JJuullyy 22001144
AAnngguuss MM RRoobbiinnssoonn aanndd RRoossss KK DDoowwlliinngg
2. TTooddaayy’’ss AAggeennddaa
Landscapes, natural heritage & the environment
What do we mean by geotourism?
Iconic Geotourism Experiences
Australia’s National Landscapes
Geoparks and Geotrails
Take Aways
3. Scenery aanndd GGeeoollooggyy -- aa 11993388 MMuussiinngg
SScceenneerryy depends on llaanndd
ssttrruuccttuurree - in other words,
its ggeeoollooggyy..
Everyone interested in the
ccoouunnttrryyssiiddee, how it has
taken shape, why it
presents us with the varied
beauties of mountain and
woodland, river valleys and
fertile meadows, is, if often
unconsciously, appreciating
its ggeeoollooggyy..
A.E. Trueman
Professor of Geology, Glascow University
4. Understanding NNaattuurraall HHeerriittaaggee
Natural heritage is the legacy of natural
objects and intangible attributes
encompassing the countryside and nnaattuurraall
eennvviirroonnmmeenntt, including flora and fauna,
scientifically known as BBIIOODDIIVVEERRSSIITTYY, and
geology, landforms and soil landscapes,, ii..ee..
GGEEOODDIIVVEERRSSIITTYY..
6. Key Concepts –– EEccoottoouurriissmm
According to Ecotourism Australia, ecotourism is
eeccoollooggiiccaallllyy ssuussttaaiinnaabbllee ttoouurriissmm with a primary
focus on eexxppeerriieenncciinngg nnaattuurraall aarreeaass that
fosters environmental and cultural
understanding, appreciation and conservation.
Ecotourism Australia believes that the ultimate
definition of ecotourism is ccoommpplliiaannccee wwiitthh tthhee
core criteria stated within the EEccoo CCeerrttiiffiiccaattiioonn
PPrrooggrraamm..
7. Understanding Geological HHeerriittaaggee ((GGeeoohheerriittaaggee))
Geological heritage sites (ggeeoossiitteess) are places
which enable us to understand the
ccoommppoossiittiioonn ooff tthhee eeaarrtthh, the internal and
external pprroocceesssseess tthhaatt hhaavvee sshhaappeedd iitt and
the eevvoollvviinngg fflloorraa aanndd ffaauunnaa that occupied it.
SSoouurrccee:: AAddaapptteedd ffrroomm DDrr SSuussaann WWhhiittee,, AAEESSCC 22001100
8. Geotourism – National GGeeooggrraapphhiicc SSoocciieettyy && tthhee
TTrraavveell IInndduussttrryy AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ooff AAmmeerriiccaa ((11999977))
Geotourism is "best practice" tourism that sustains, or even
enhances, the ggeeooggrraapphhiiccaall cchhaarraacctteerr ooff aa ppllaaccee, such as its
culture, environment, heritage, and the well-being of its
residents.
Like ecotourism, ggeeoottoouurriissmm pprroommootteess aa vviirrttuuoouuss cciirrccllee
whereby tourism revenues provide a local incentive to
protect what tourists are coming to see, but extends the
principle beyond nature and ecology to iinnccoorrppoorraattee aallll
cchhaarraacctteerriissttiiccss tthhaatt ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo sseennssee ooff ppllaaccee.
Geotourism incorporates ssuussttaaiinnaabbiilliittyy pprriinncciipplleess,, but in
addition to the do-no-harm ethic, ggeeoottoouurriissmm ffooccuusseess oonn tthhee
ppllaaccee aass aa wwhhoollee..
13. GGSSAA GGEEOOttoouurriissttss
FFiivvee MMoosstt IImmppoorrttaanntt TTrraavveell PPuurrppoosseess
11.. IInnccrreeaassiinngg kknnoowwlleeddggee of geological sites and
landforms.
2. To satisfy my ccuurriioossiittyy..
3. To have a mmeemmoorraabbllee eexxppeerriieennccee.
4. To obtain iinntteelllleeccttuuaall ssttiimmuullaattiioonn.
5. Visiting destinations offering a uunniiqquuee
bbuunnddllee of features and attractions (i.e.
ecology, geology, culture and history).
18. The Trail ooff TTiimmee –– GGrraanndd CCaannyyoonn
The Trail of Time is the world’s largest geoscience
exhibition at the world’s grandest geologic landscape
It is a 4.56 km long trail marked at eevveerryy mmeetteerr wwiitthh 11 mm
== 11 mmiilllliioonn yyeeaarrss of earth’s 4.56 billion year long
geologic history
It is also supported by an eelleeccttrroonniicc ‘‘VViirrttuuaall TTrraaiill ooff
TTiimmee’’
43. Camel Rock Turbidite
-36.378131
150.076987
These are the strongly
folded beds of 470
million year old
turbidite.
Turbidites form in the
deep ocean when
unstable masses of
sediment avalanche
down continental slopes, gathering water as
they go .
From each dense sediment flow, sand
settles
out first followed by finer sediment,
preserved
in a single bed or layer. Undulations in the
fine
layers at the top of each bed record the
ripples as the flow comes to rest.
The mud settles and duly forms as layers
seen
in the turbidite rock.
Link
http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/6_The_g
eological_floor_-_the_Ordovician.pdf
44. WWhhaatt iiss aa GGeeooppaarrkk??
A Geopark is a unified area with ggeeoollooggiiccaall hheerriittaaggee of
international significance and where that hheerriittaaggee iiss
bbeeiinngg uusseedd ttoo pprroommoottee tthhee ssuussttaaiinnaabbllee ddeevveellooppmmeenntt ooff
tthhee llooccaall ccoommmmuunniittiieess who live there.
The Geopark brand is a voluntary, quality label and
while it is not a legislative designation, the kkeeyy
hheerriittaaggee ssiitteess wwiitthhiinn aa ggeeooppaarrkk sshhoouulldd bbee pprrootteecctteedd
uunnddeerr llooccaall,, rreeggiioonnaall oorr nnaattiioonnaall lleeggiissllaattiioonn aass
aapppprroopprriiaattee..
These Earth heritage sites are part of an integrated
concept of pprrootteeccttiioonn,, eedduuccaattiioonn,, aanndd ssuussttaaiinnaabbllee
ddeevveellooppmmeenntt.
45. CCoorree EElleemmeennttss ooff aa GGeeooppaarrkk
A GGEEOOPPAARRKK achieves its goals of ffoosstteerriinngg llooccaall ddeevveellooppmmeenntt
through a three-pronged approach:
GGEEOOCCOONNSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN: A GEOPARK seeks to conserve significant
geological features, and explore and demonstrate methods for
excellence in conservation.
EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN: A GEOPARK organises activities and provides logistic
support to communicate geoscientific knowledge and environmental
concepts to the public.
GGEEOOTTOOUURRIISSMM: A GEOPARK stimulates economic activity and
sustainable development through geotourism.
46. GGeeooppaarrkk LLeevveellss
Level Example
National Kanawinka,
Australia
Regional Asia – Pacific:
Malaysia, China
Global Tianzshushan, Hong
Kong
48. Geotourism – Establishing ‘‘CCoommmmoonn GGrroouunndd’’ wwiitthh
tthhee PPaarrkkss MMoovveemmeenntt
There is an opportunity for ggeeoottoouurriissmm aaddvvooccaatteess ttoo eennggaaggee
wwiitthh ppaarrkk mmaannaaggeerrss to determine commonality on issues
relating to:
CCoonnnneeccttiinngg LLaannddssccaappeess
Forming PPaarrttnneerrsshhiippss
AAttttrraaccttiinngg VViissiittoorrss
Development of RReeggiioonnaall CCoommmmuunniittiieess
IInnddiiggeennoouuss Engagement
Identification and Establishment of GGeeoossiitteess//GGeeoottrraaiillss
GGeeoosscciieennccee iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn && iinntteerrpprreettaattiioonn ee..gg.. wweebb ssiitteess
49. TTaakkee--AAwwaayyss
1. The incorporation of the geotourism
experience (with ttrraaddiittiioonnaall nnaattuurree ttoouurriissmm
aanndd eelleemmeennttss ooff ootthheerr ‘‘ppllaaccee bbaasseedd’’ ttoouurriissmm))
creates a more holistic experience, and is a
move towards the eexxppeerriieennttiiaall ttoouurriissmm
mmooddeell. In short, ‘experiential tourists seek
memorable experiences.
22.. GGeeoottoouurriissmm,, EEccoottoouurriissmm aanndd CCuullttuurraall TToouurriissmm
are inextricably linked.
50. TTaakkee--AAwwaayyss
33.. AAuussttrraalliiaa’’ss NNaattiioonnaall LLaannddssccaappeess,, ggeeoottrraaiillss aanndd
ggeeooppaarrkkss are key places wwhheerree ggeeoottoouurriissmm iiss cceennttrree
ssttaaggee..
4. Australia offers a bbiigg ffuuttuurree ffoorr ggeeoottoouurriissmm
particularly given the emerging demand from
overseas markets including China.
5. Geotourism offers ppootteennttiiaall eemmppllooyymmeenntt
ooppppoorrttuunniittiieess ffoorr ggeeoosscciieennttiissttss.