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Inventory and Evaluation of Geosites: Case Studies of the Slovak Karst as a Potential Geopark in Slovakia

Author

Listed:
  • Miroslav Kudla

    (State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, Slovak Caves Administration, 031 01 Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia)

  • Miriama Javorská

    (Department of Geo and Mining Tourism, Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia)

  • Jana Vašková

    (Department of Geography and Applied Geoinformatics, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Prešov, 081 16 Prešov, Slovakia)

  • Vladimír Čech

    (Department of Geography and Applied Geoinformatics, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Prešov, 081 16 Prešov, Slovakia)

  • Dana Tometzová

    (Department of Geo and Mining Tourism, Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia)

Abstract

This study analyzes and evaluates natural and anthropogenic geosites within the potential Geopark Slovak Karst using a slightly modified Geosite Assessment Model (GAM). It focuses on three case studies from this area: Jasovská Cave, Gombasecká Cave, and Domica Cave, including their surroundings. The aforementioned caves represent the primary points of interest and draw in high concentrations of visitors. We aim to highlight opportunities for dispersing visitors to other nearby geosites and encouraging their extended stay in the region. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the highest point values (from 22.5 to 23.5 points) are achieved by three UNESCO caves (Jasovská Cave, Domica Cave, and Baradla Cave). These caves have a high level of both main and additional values. Gombasecká Cave has a total point value of 20.5 points, with a high level of main values and a medium level of additional values. Other geosites reach total point values from 9 to 16 with different levels of main and additional values. The three accessible caves will continue to be the main object of interest for tourists. The networking of other nearby geosites with caves in the form of educational trails and their greater promotion could help visitors stay longer in the region and direct their attention to these geosites. The research methodology used in this study proved to be suitable and we can see its further use in the evaluation of geosites across the entire territory of the potential Geopark Slovak Karst.

Suggested Citation

  • Miroslav Kudla & Miriama Javorská & Jana Vašková & Vladimír Čech & Dana Tometzová, 2024. "Inventory and Evaluation of Geosites: Case Studies of the Slovak Karst as a Potential Geopark in Slovakia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-27, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7783-:d:1473094
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paolo Oppizzi & Federico Pasquaré Mariotto & Rudolf Stockar & Andrea Stella & Noemi Corti & Martina Pedicini & Sergio Andò & Giovanni Vezzoli & Fabio Luca Bonali, 2023. "Geosites in the Gole della Breggia Geopark, Ticino, Southern Switzerland," Resources, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-13, October.
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