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One Billion Years of Earth History: Challenges of Valorizing the Outstanding Geodiversity of Southwest Germany for Sustainable Geotourism

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  • Heidi Elisabeth Megerle

    (University of Applied Forest Sciences, D-72108 Rottenburg am Neckar, Germany)

Abstract

The German state of Baden-Württemberg boasts outstanding geo-, bio-, and archaeological diversity, and hosts two of the world’s oldest geoparks. Based on this case study, we explore why the outstanding geoheritage has not been valorized to a greater extent for a lay audience and where best to strike the balance between valorization and protection, with a particular focus on recent developments including the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results show that the valorizing of the geopotentials is still insufficient. Better marketing can make an important contribution to regional added value, as well as—in combination with professional geo-education—a relevant contribution to raising awareness of the state’s natural assets. Adequate measures to protect geotopes in a sustainable manner are crucial, notably in light of problems arising from overtourism, as thrown into sharp relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Heidi Elisabeth Megerle, 2022. "One Billion Years of Earth History: Challenges of Valorizing the Outstanding Geodiversity of Southwest Germany for Sustainable Geotourism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:1:p:559-:d:718051
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Heidi Elisabeth Megerle & Christof Ellger, 2022. "Germany’s UNESCO Global Geoparks and National GeoParks: Experiences from a Two-Tier System," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-22, December.
    2. Julian Stolz & Heidi Elisabeth Megerle, 2022. "Geotrails as a Medium for Education and Geotourism: Recommendations for Quality Improvement Based on the Results of a Research Project in the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-37, August.
    3. Sallam, Emad S. & Ruban, Dmitry A. & Ermolaev, Vladimir A., 2022. "Geoheritage resources and new direction of infrastructural growth in Egypt: From geosite assessment to policy development," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    4. Yiting Zhu & Xueru Pang & Chunshan Zhou & Xiong He, 2022. "Coupling Coordination Degree between the Socioeconomic and Eco-Environmental Benefits of Koktokay Global Geopark in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-25, July.

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