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Comparative analysis of methodologies for the evaluation of geosites in the context of the Santa Elena-Ancón geopark project

Abstract:

The Santa Elena province in Ecuador has great geodiversity potential, due to its geological characteristics and its coastal and marine context, as verified by publications about geosites, which have allowed the approach and development of initiatives in a context of geodiversity and sustainability. The aim of this article is to analyze 10 geosites from the Santa Elena province comparatively using the Brilha methodology, Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME) methodology, and geosites assessment methodology (GAM) for the establishment of methodological considerations in the evaluation of geosites. These methodologies consider (i) 10 of the most representative geosites of the province for a comparative analysis; (ii) the application of the methodologies Brilha, IGME, and GAM to 10 geosites to establish the corresponding assessments; (iii) a comparative matrix of the results and analysis of the resulting assessment; and (iv) a proposal for the guidelines of an integrating methodology concerning geosites. The results show a similar ranking of 10 geosites, but highlight valuations that prioritize one aspect over another or focus on ecotourism aspects or geoconservation aspects. Based on the results and the comparative matrix, a method is structured integrating geodiversity, protection, geo-conservation, and geotourism aspects, which offer a different ranking of the considered geosites, being the most valued geosites the Chocolatera, Olón Cliff, Ancon Oilfield, and Manglaralto Coastal Aquifer.