Speaker
Description
Climate change significantly threatens global geoheritage, accelerating the degradation of unique geological formations, fossil records, and geomorphological landscapes through rising temperatures, extreme weather, coastal erosion, and altered precipitation patterns. These impacts jeopardize the scientific, cultural, and educational value of geoheritage sites worldwide. This study examines the effects of climate change on geoheritage conservation, drawing on data from 45 UNESCO Global Geoparks, where 78% report climate-related risks, with coastal sites particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and intensified storm surges. Geotourism, while contributing to visitor-related pressures, offers a dual role as a potential solution by funding conservation and raising climate change awareness. The study identifies adaptive strategies, including climate-resilient visitor management, digital documentation of heritage sites, and interpretive programs linking geological features to climate science. Key recommendations include implementing early warning systems for climate-related threats, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, establishing visitor capacity limits during extreme weather events, and exploring virtual reality alternatives for at-risk sites. Community-driven geotourism initiatives are highlighted for their potential to enhance local resilience while preserving geoheritage. The findings underscore the need to integrate climate science into geoheritage management and leverage geotourism for education and advocacy, supported by international cooperation and adaptive protocols to protect the Earth's geological legacy for future generations.
Keywords: Climate change, Geoheritage, Geotourism, conservation, adaptation.
