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Assessment of Geosites within a Natural Protected Area: A Case Study of Cajas National Park

Author

Listed:
  • Edison Navarrete

    (Centro de Investigación y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador)

  • Fernando Morante-Carballo

    (Centro de Investigación y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
    Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas (FCNM), Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
    Geo-Recursos y Aplicaciones GIGA, Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador)

  • Jairo Dueñas-Tovar

    (Centro de Investigación y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
    Facultad de Ingeniería Ciencias de la Tierra (FICT), Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador)

  • Paúl Carrión-Mero

    (Centro de Investigación y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
    Facultad de Ingeniería Ciencias de la Tierra (FICT), Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
    Instituto de Investigación Geológico y Energético (IIGE), Av. de la República E7-263 y Diego de Almagro, Quito 170518, Ecuador)

  • María Jaya-Montalvo

    (Centro de Investigación y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
    Facultad de Ingeniería Ciencias de la Tierra (FICT), Campus Gustavo Galindo, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador)

  • Edgar Berrezueta

    (Departamento de Recursos para la Transición Ecológica, Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME, CSIC), 33005 Oviedo, Spain)

Abstract

Cajas National Park (CNP), located in southern Ecuador, comprises an area of high natural, scientific and cultural value with wide recognition worldwide. This national park has a large number of elements that, as a whole, constitute a relevant geological heritage. However, this geological heritage requires an enhancement that complements the important contribution made by the Natural Park in terms of conservation and protection of the natural heritage. This study aims to evaluate sites of geological relevance present in CNP through international geosite assessment methodologies and thus provide knowledge favouring these resources’ sustainable use and geoconservation. The study phases comprise four stages: (i) a base information analysis of the study area; (ii) identification and selection of sites of geological interest; (iii) a geosite and geomorphosite assessment using the Inventario Español de Lugares de Interés Geological (IELIG) method and Brilha method; (iv) a qualitative assessment using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis for the contribution and influence of geomorphosites in the development of the study area. This work made it possible to determine that all the analysed geosites and geomorphological sites (14) have a high and very high interest. The Llaviucu valley site stands out for its relevant scientific, academic and tourist value. The IELIG method revealed that 50% of the evaluated sites have a high protection priority, while the rest are in the “medium” category. In addition, the investigation through the SWOT analysis revealed that the geomorphosites could provide significant added value to the development of geotourism and of the NP itself, complementing the already known natural attractions; moreover, the study presented strategies for the use of these in the sustainable development of the area.

Suggested Citation

  • Edison Navarrete & Fernando Morante-Carballo & Jairo Dueñas-Tovar & Paúl Carrión-Mero & María Jaya-Montalvo & Edgar Berrezueta, 2022. "Assessment of Geosites within a Natural Protected Area: A Case Study of Cajas National Park," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:5:p:3120-:d:765865
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Paúl Carrión-Mero & Alicia Ayala-Granda & Sthefano Serrano-Ayala & Fernando Morante-Carballo & Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar & Miguel Gurumendi-Noriega & Nataly Paz-Salas & Gricelda Herrera-Franco & Edgar B, 2020. "Assessment of Geomorphosites for Geotourism in the Northern Part of the “Ruta Escondida” (Quito, Ecuador)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-23, October.
    2. Paúl Carrión-Mero & César Borja-Bernal & Gricelda Herrera-Franco & Fernando Morante-Carballo & María Jaya-Montalvo & Alfonso Maldonado-Zamora & Nataly Paz-Salas & Edgar Berrezueta, 2021. "Geosites and Geotourism in the Local Development of Communities of the Andes Mountains. A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-23, April.
    3. Gricelda Herrera-Franco & Néstor Montalván-Burbano & Paúl Carrión-Mero & María Jaya-Montalvo & Miguel Gurumendi-Noriega, 2021. "Worldwide Research on Geoparks through Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-32, January.
    4. Dorina Ilies & Olivier Dehoorne & Alexandru Ilies, 2011. "Some Exemples of Natural Hazards Affecting Geosites and Tourist Activities," Post-Print hal-01625505, HAL.
    5. Dyson, Robert G., 2004. "Strategic development and SWOT analysis at the University of Warwick," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 152(3), pages 631-640, February.
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    4. 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).

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