Global Geotourism
Transcript of Global Geotourism
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Geotourism
Professor Ross Dowling OAM Edith Cowan University
Geotourism Workshop - Global Eco Conference
Rottnest Island - Thursday 19 November 2015
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Geotourism: A powerful new tool
for sustainable regional development
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Contents of Presentation
1. Geotourism
2. Geoparks
3. Case Study: Iceland
Wave Rock
Western Australia
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Three Global Geotourism Books
2006 2010
2010
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2008 - Australia
2010 - Malaysia
2011 – Oman
Three Global Conferences
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The Environment
‘ABC’ elements
Type of
Tourism
Abiotic
Landforms
Landscapes
Geotourism
Biotic
Animals (Fauna)
Plants (Flora)
Ecotourism
Cultural
People
Past & Present
Cultural
Tourism
The Environment and Tourism
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1. Geotourism
Geotourism is the tourism of geology and landforms
Its focus is on the Abiotic environment, ie: geology
It uses this focus to inform the Biotic environment (plants & animals) as well the Cultural environment (people past & present)
It can occur in either natural or built environments
Sahraf Al Alamayan
Mountain Pass, Oman
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Geotourism’s Key Components
1. Excellent geological attractions
2. The geological context (large to small)
3. Appropriate interpretation (form, process and time)
4. Connection (to the Biotic and Cultural environments)
5. Passionate, informed, accredited guides
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1. Attractions
USA – Grand Canyon
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A large, sickle-shaped, natural amphitheatre
covering nearly 80 sq km (31 sq mi)
Australia - Wilpena Pound
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2. The Geological Context
Large
Small
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France – Reunion Island
Piton de la Furnace
Large
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The Sultanate of Oman - Al Hoota Cave
Medium
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Al Hoota Cave
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Access to Cave by Train
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Train journey to the cave
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Excellent Visitor Centre
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South Korea - Goseong County Small
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South Korea - Dinosaur Footprints
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Exhibition Centre
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3. Appropriate Interpretation In
terp
reta
tion
Form
Process
Time
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Form
Process Tourism’s
Features
Geology’s
Features
Wave Rock
Western Australia
Time
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South Korea - Mt Halla
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4. Biotic and Cultural Connectivity
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Cultural
Connection
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Cultural Connection
begins in the carpark
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5. Geoguides Passionate, Informed & Accredited
The Visitor Experience
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Abiotic
Biotic Cultural
Geotourism’s ‘ABC’
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Galapagos
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UNESCO Programs
Program
Sites
Countries
Man and the
Biosphere
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World Heritage
1031
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Geoparks
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2. Geoparks
Geoparks are both a
development concept as well
as a branding tool. They
achieve these goals through
UNESCO’s Geoparks and:
1. Education
2. Science
3. Culture
4. Women
5. Sustainable Development [through geotourism]
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Geopark – Form and Process
No Level Appellation
1 Local Aspiring
2 National National
3 Regional eg. European
4 Global Global
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Global Geoparks Europe
China
&
Japan Iran
Malaysia
Canada
Brazil Indonesia
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European Geoparks
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Case Study – Iceland Geotourism is a vehicle for
Sustainable Regional Development
Attraction
Visitor Centre
Amenities
Café
Tours
Geotour
Kristbjorg Helga + Arnór Guðný
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Eyjafjallajökull
The volcano that stopped the world
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Eyjafjallajökull Erupts Visitor Centre
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Excellent Interpretation
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Interesting Exhibits
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Guðný provides a strong ‘Connection’
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Eastern Iceland
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A Farm Tour
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The Tour Guide – The Farmers Wife
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Vinaminni Kaffihús
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Owners Helga og Arnór
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Finally
• Geotourism forms the basis of
holistic environmental tourism
• It is a powerful new tool for
sustainable, regional economic
development
• Geotourism (and Geoparks) have
much to offer Australia’s regional
communities
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Geotourism
Professor Ross Dowling OAM Edith Cowan University
Geotourism Workshop - Global Eco Conference
Rottnest Island - Thursday 19 November 2015