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Conservation of geoheritage in Ecuador: Situation and perspectives

Abstract:

Due to the great geodiversity of Ecuador, it is not easy to present specific criteria related to the actions and scope of the conservation of the geoheritage in this nation; however, despite what we might believe, in Ecuador, geoconservation is a pending, but not forgotten issue. The available legal and administrative tools can suggest the development of geo-conservation, as well as the correct application of strategies linked to planning processes. In fact, in Ecuador exist some initiatives with a wide impact on tourism and local development, based on geological elements; these proposal involve from conservation areas to public and private initiatives. On other hand, geoparks are playing an important role in this dynamic, because they are strengthened in the institutional and territorial scope, due to the scope and coordination capacity that these management structures can establish. There are strong limitations for the holistic development of geoheritage, however the trend and results obtained in recent years, aim to improve these conditions.