By Professor Ross Dowling, Geotourism Workshop, Global Eco 2015

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Geotourism
Professor Ross Dowling OAM
Edith Cowan University
Geotourism Workshop - Global Eco Conference
Rottnest Island - Thursday 19 November 2015

2. 2
Geotourism:
A powerful new tool
for sustainable
regional development

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Contents of Presentation
1. Geotourism
2. Geoparks
3. Case Study: Iceland
Wave Rock
Western Australia

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Three Global Geotourism Books
2006
2010
2010

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2008 - Australia
2010 - Malaysia
2011 – Oman
Three Global Conferences

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The Environment
‘ABC’ elements
Type of
Tourism
Abiotic
Landforms
Landscapes
Geotourism
Biotic Animals (Fauna)
Plants (Flora)
Ecotourism
Cultural
People
Past & Present
Cultural
Tourism
The Environment and Tourism

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1. Geotourism
 Geotourism is the tourism of
geology and landforms
 Its focus is on the Abiotic
environment, ie: geology
 It uses this focus to inform
the Biotic environment
(plants & animals) as well
the Cultural environment
(people past & present)
 It can occur in either natural
or built environments
Sahraf Al Alamayan
Mountain Pass, Oman

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Geotourism’s Key Components
1. Excellent geological attractions
2. The geological context (large to small)
3. Appropriate interpretation (form,
process and time)
4. Connection (to the Biotic and Cultural
environments)
5. Passionate, informed, accredited guides

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1. Attractions
USA – Grand Canyon

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A large, sickle-shaped, natural amphitheatre
covering nearly 80 sq km (31 sq mi)
Australia - Wilpena Pound

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2. The Geological Context
Large
Small

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France – Reunion Island
Piton de la Furnace
Large

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The Sultanate of Oman - Al Hoota Cave
Medium

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Al Hoota Cave

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Access to Cave by Train

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Train journey to the cave

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Excellent Visitor Centre

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South Korea - Goseong County Small

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South Korea - Dinosaur Footprints

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Exhibition Centre

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3. Appropriate InterpretationInterpretation
Form
Process
Time

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Form
Process
Tourism’s
Features
Geology’s
Features
Wave Rock
Western Australia
Time

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South Korea - Mt Halla

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4. Biotic and Cultural Connectivity

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Cultural
Connection

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Cultural Connection
begins in the carpark

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5. Geoguides
Passionate, Informed & Accredited
The Visitor Experience

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Abiotic
Biotic Cultural
Geotourism’s ‘ABC’

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Galapagos

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UNESCO Programs
Program Sites Countries
Man and the
Biosphere
651 120
World Heritage 1031 163
Geoparks 120 33

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2. Geoparks
Geoparks are both a
development concept as well
as a branding tool. They
achieve these goals through
UNESCO’s Geoparks and:
1. Education
2. Science
3. Culture
4. Women
5. Sustainable Development [through geotourism]

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Geopark – Form and Process
No Level Appellation
1 Local Aspiring
2 National National
3 Regional eg. European
4 Global Global

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Global GeoparksEurope
China
&
Japan
Iran
Malaysia
Canada
Brazil
Indonesia

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European Geoparks

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Case Study – Iceland
Geotourism is a vehicle for
Sustainable Regional Development
Attraction
Visitor Centre
Amenities
Café
Tours
Geotour
Kristbjorg Helga + ArnórGuðný

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Eyjafjallajökull
The volcano that stopped the world

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Eyjafjallajökull Erupts Visitor Centre

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Excellent Interpretation

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Interesting Exhibits

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Guðný provides a strong ‘Connection’

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Eastern Iceland

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A Farm Tour

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The Tour Guide – The Farmers Wife

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Vinaminni Kaffihús

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Owners Helga og Arnór

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Finally
• Geotourism forms the basis of
holistic environmental tourism
• It is a powerful new tool for
sustainable, regional economic
development
• Geotourism (and Geoparks) have
much to offer Australia’s regional
communities

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Geotourism
Professor Ross Dowling OAM
Edith Cowan University
Geotourism Workshop - Global Eco Conference
Rottnest Island - Thursday 19 November 2015