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Geodiversity Geoconservation and Geotourism in Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark

Abstract:

The Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (NSAUUG) territory is located in the Amazonian foothills of Ecuador. It encompasses landscapes and geoforms associated with igneous and sedimentary materials that reveal Earth’s geological history. This study examines the relationship between knowledge and the use of the geopark’s geodiversity for promoting geoconservation and geotourism. A total of 18 geological sites, part of NSAUGG´s, have been identified and classified according to their origin, geological objects and cultural affinity. The classification of geosites describes the geodiversity in terms of igneous and sedimentary rocks, as well as their economic and mining activity. A SWOT analysis was used to generate geoconservation strategies. The results herein presented provide information on the geological features present in the aspiring geopark territory. The interaction between geodiversity, biodiversity and the habitants who use geosites, provides optimal conditions for the promotion of geotourism with cultural, natural, and adventure components. Finally, it is important to ease collaboration between community initiatives, public strategies, and policies to support NSAUGG community development through geotourism and geosites conservation.