Geotourism / Geoturystyka
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ISSN 1731-0830
e-ISSN: 2353-3641
Issue Date
2019
Volume
[Vol. 16]
Number
No. 3-4 (58-59)
Description
Oznaczenie rocznika (vol. 16) tylko dla no. 3-4 (58-59).
Journal Volume
Geotourism / Geoturystyka
[Vol. 16] (2019)
Projects
Pages
Articles
The Paleozoic formations of the Al Qassim Province in Saudi Arabia as potential sites for geotourism
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2019) Kaminski, Michael A.; Garrison, Thomas F.; Yoder, Carl E.
The Paleozoic formations in the Middle East contain some of the world’s richest petroleum deposits, as they include excellent source and reservoir rocks. The Paleozoic rocks were deposited on the northern continental shelf of the Gondwanan continent at relatively high latitudes, and provide evidence of the Late Ordovician glacial event and associated sea-level changes. They also contain unique fossil remains. The Paleozoic formations exposed in the Al-Qassim province in Saudi Arabia are well-suited to become important sites for geotourism. Because the sedimentary formations are well-exposed and are easily accessible, they have strong capacity for development as tourist destinations. In this paper, we describe eight localities and their significance as potential educational sites for geology and palaeontology, as well as the archeological and economic significance of the Paleozoic formations of Saudi Arabia. The cultural and tourist infrastructure is summarised and a two-day field excursion is proposed.
Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark - geoeducation for everyone
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2019) Słomski, Piotr; Jankowska, Julia; Rozpędowska, Ewelina
The Kaczawskie Mountains and Foothills – Geopark Land of Extinct Volcanoes is an area with an extremely interesting geological structure and outstanding landscape values. Great geo-diversity makes it possible to prepare a geoeducation offer for practically every recipient – from kids, through adults interested in natural sciences, to natural science students. The characteristics of the Kaczawskie Mountains and Foothills enable one to develop a nationally unique form of geotourism and utilization of local natural resources for various geoeducation programs. Despite the small area of the mentioned region, it is possible to raise topics related to volcanic phenomena, the formation of mountain ranges, climate change and the impact of glaciers on the relief of the terrain. Educational activity at the Geopark Land of Extinct Volcanoes do not need to be limited only to geological issues, but may also include environmental issues, waste management or even historical topics. However, apart from the very existence of geotourism attractions, equally important are their uniform promotion and dissemination of knowledge about them. This can be done by describing the most important geopoints in the field, e.g. through a network of educational boards or by organizing promotional field trips. This would increase the knowledge about the geological richness of the described region among tourists and residents. The work of the Kaczawskie Association, which is trying to include the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark in the UNESCO World Geopark Network, is currently heading in this direction. The implementation of this initiative will not only increase the interest in natural sciences and the region, but will also allow it to keep its authentic and unique character. Unfortunately, the process of application to the UNESCO GGN, both the development of the geoeducation and geotourism in the region of the Kaczawskie Mountains and Foothills, has been slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geoproduct potential analysis based on the example of the GEOsfera Ecological and Geological Education Center in Jaworzno
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2019) Bieniek, Barbara; Kordysh, Alina; Mirosławski, Mateusz; Nowak, Katarzyna; Sękowski, Kacper; Sierka, Edyta
At the time of discovering and exposing the scientific and educational potential of areas where mineral resources were exploited in the past, they have become a significant element in tourism elements. In the presented paper, the potential of the GEOsfera Ecological and Geological Education Centre in Jaworzno as a geoproduct was analysed. In the first part of the study, based on the published works and consultations with experts, the »geoproduct« was defined. Then the area, where the GEOsphere is located, was characterized. Its geology, the natural world, the way of land development and the promotion of geo-attractions located in this area are described. In the next stage, an analysis of the opinions of users regarding their perception of the GEOsphere was carried out. For this purpose, evaluations posted on social media and the collected survey results were used. As shown by the results, the majority of users of the GEOsfera are residents of Jaworzno – 63% of the respondents. The importance of the GEOsphere as an educational centre was indicated by 22% of visitors. About 5% of the respondents mentioned learning and obtaining information from the descriptions placed next to the exhibits in the centre. 93% of respondents recognised the graduation tower as the greatest attraction of the GEOsphere. Over 92% of people noticed the recreational role of the GEOsphere. 81% of users declared that they were satisfied with their visit to the GEOsphere. More than half of the respondents (56%) visited the GEOsfera with their family. A significant part of respondents (42%), pointed to the role of environmental protection, which is extremely important from the point of view of geoproducts’ design. The respondents also indicated that the GEOsphere has numerous geological, natural and educational functions and protects and promotes the geological heritage of the region.