Geotourism—Examining Tools for Sustainable Development

From the middle of 1990s, geotourism was introduced through first geotrails, their evolution, and geopark worldwide in Gerolstein/Vulkaneifel, Germany. The latter is one founding members European Geoparks Network, which established 2000 at International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin. main goal to link geological heritage with tourism a rural area that trying create new perspectives inspire young people stay home territory. Geotourism initiated as part sustainable tourist development for future time Gerolstein region. steps implement Gerolstein/Vulkaneifel Geopark, Germany, were taken 1992. core aspects included heritage, science transfer, education tools developing broad sense integrating local municipalities activities Close collaboration regional organizations highlighted need both define demonstrate success. Up now, practice has shown such success can be demonstrated by infrastructure created, well adjacent measures activities. A network factors determined play significant role ensuring successful across field geotourism. There are many publications on geosite assessment, significance, use, but there fewer reflect this contribution presented 2002. In investigations, factor particular emphasized, e.g., development, panels or other items. Not all mentioned factors, however, being addressed. As result, selection good examples UNESCO Global (UGGP) working network-oriented conceptual basis been studied here, line principle set forth about 25 years ago. study include Lesvos Island UGGp (Greece), Naturtejo UGGP (Portugal), Vulkaneifel (Germany), Hong Kong (China), example Messel Pit World Heritage Site (WHS) (Germany). integrated present an not geopark, showing concept also transferred WHS tool according UN 2030 Agenda. information selected obtained visiting territory from geopark’s websites published material combined methodology.