Global Geographical Heritage, Geoparks and Geotourism Geoconservation and Development

This book explores the geographical, geomorphological, ecological, touristic and socioeconomic aspects of natural heritage, argues for the dynamic conservation of that heritage and explains its key characteristics, promotion, conservation and management to achieve sustainable development goals. Emerging concepts such as geodiversity, geographical heritage sites, geomonuments, geoparks and geotourism are increasingly being used by conservationists. At present, the development of geoparks is a major global theme involving the application of geosciences to promote the inclusive growth of society and the protection and conservation of our unique geoheritage. Currently, there are 147 UNESCO global geoparks across 41 countries, in addition to a number of national-level geoparks. Pursuing a holistic approach towards such sites will sensitise the general public to the need for geoconservation of significant geosites and promote it through geotourism. It is a crucial issue, as various countries around the world are eager to develop their geoparks and are working for the conservation of geoheritage sites at the national level.

This unique book gathers contributions from 15 countries in the form of case studies analysing the realities on of geographical heritage, geoparks and geotourism. The respective chapters address the role of geoparks as essential tools for education, recreation and nature conservation. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide for geoscientists, planners, policymakers, civil society and anyone concerned about the conservation of geoheritage sites and geoparks for a sustainable future Earth.              

Professor R. B. Singh  heads the Department of Geography at the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. He is the first Indian and second Asian elected Secretary General and Treasurer of the International Geographical Union (IGU) (2018–2022). Earlier, he was vice president of the IGU from 2012 to 2018. At present, he is chair of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)—Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Government of India, and a member of the International Science Council. Prof Singh has been awarded a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship and has given lectures and presentations in more than 50 countries. He has authored 15 books, edited 36 more, and published over 240 papers and articles in high-impact journals including Remote Sensing, Climate Dynamics, Current Science, Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, Energies, Theoretical and Applied Climatology, Environmental Science and Policy, Physical Geography, Advances in Meteorology, Hydrological Processes, Mountain Research and Development, Journal of Mountain Science, Frontiers in Environmental Science, and International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks. 

Dr Dongying Wei is a Senior Associate Professor at the School of Geography and Remote Sensing Science, Beijing Normal University, China. She is intensively researching and working for the conservation and protection of geoheritage sites and national parks. She received her master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Missouri, USA. She has chaired the Commission on Geoparks and the Commission on Geoheritage of the IGU from 2012 to the present. Since 2007, she has been a member of the Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of the World Task Force at the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).  Dr Wei is the editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks and has published more than 75 papers and research articles in English and Chinese in journals of national and international repute. Dr Wei has also successfully completed several national and international projects. 

Dr Subhash Anand is an Associate Professor at the Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. He has been teaching geography for more than 20 years and has supervised many Ph.D. and M.Phil. candidates on various aspects of geography. He has been an executive committee member of the IGU’s Commission on Geoheritage since 2012. Dr Anand has authored two books and edited two more, and has many research papers and articles in reputable national and international journals to his credit. His interests include geoheritage, geoparks, sustainability, urban heritage, rural and urban issues and environment and development. He is a member of several academic committees across India.