Abstract
Geoheritage sites with palaeogeographical value are excellent venues for
geotourism. These sites preserve information about ancient environments,
ecosystems, and their dynamics that may be of interest to professionals,
students, amateur scientists, and the general public. Palaeogeographical
geoheritage sites (geosites) can be used to successfully increase public
awareness of past and future climate changes. However, because
palaeogeographical information is typically complex and not directly visible,
professional interpretation is necessary. Successful interpretive tools
include posted signs and education activities that engage visitors in
scientific research. Using modern analogues to help visitors visualize past
environments and ecosystems may be particularly effective. Professional
interpretation helps foster visitor awareness of a geosite’s value. We
suggest that some geosites can be visited sequentially on a guided excursion
and propose a route for observing five geosites that exemplify the
geodiversity of Mountainous Adygeja (Western Caucasus, southwestern Russia).
Guided geosite excursions would introduce visitors to a broad diversity of
palaeoenvironments and deepen their understanding of palaeogeographical
phenomena. However, carrying capacity should be evaluated seriously for any
geosites that are incorporated into palaeogeographical tourist excursions.
Citation
ID:
222058
Ref Key:
v.2015geolokigeoheritage