Traditionally, absence heritage or heritage of absence has been used for purposeful erasure of tangible and intangible elements related primarily to affective heritage and dark heritage. Current observations, however, have indicated that there is no exact definition of such heritage, persons seem to indicate absence or presence depending on the particular scenario. This limitation arises because there is heritage that is absent purely by accident, there is heritage that is purposefully erased, there is heritage that is forgotten or destroyed by natural, man-made disasters, war, or there is simply heritage that has been modified or rewritten to suit interests, all of which can affect psychology, identity and resilience. These instances of erasure include natural and man-made disasters, climate change, and museum collections held in trust for protection and preservation, to name a few. This paper recommends the extension of the current use and proposition of a definition of absence heritage to provide a more holistic view of the state of affairs. The paper presents an overview of current use, and reasons, using global examples, to aid in formulating a definition and expanding the use with strategies to reduce or mitigate erasure. With this, awareness and resilience can be built in any society.

The present study is part of a reflective approach that examines and compares two popular geo-destinations in Moroccan Central High Atlas, the Aït Bouguemaz and Zaouiat Ahansal-Taghia valleys, using the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM). The model uses two indicators, main values and additional values, with 12 and 15 sub-indicators, respectively. The results show that the Aït Bouguemaz Valley has high main values (9.75) and moderate additional values (8.25), while the Zaouiat Ahansal-Taghia Valley has moderate main values (8) and additional values (5.25). This work shows that despite the high scientific and aesthetic values of these two geo-destinations, there is still much to be improved, especially concerning functional and tourism values, in particular, management and planning, as well as infrastructure as a basis for geotourism development.

Fossilized wood is a key geoheritage feature found in many protected areas. Knowledge about its formation is also key to the understanding of such areas. This study investigates the mineralization processes of the world's longest petrified wood (Koompassioxylon elegans), BT1, located in Tak, Thailand, an extraordinary and rare specimen with significance for scientific, educational, geotourism, recreational, geopark, and geoheritage purposes. Multiple techniques including petrography, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) were employed. Petrographically, the wood structures exhibit different types of quartz crystals, with microcrystalline quartz and spherulitic chalcedony being prominent. The vessels contain chalcedony and crypto- to micro- crystalline quartz, with vug-like precipitation occurring within them. Prismatic quartz crystals grow divergently around the vessels, while other cells such as tracheids, rays, and parenchyma (see Appendix for definition of these terms) are permineralized by polycrystalline quartz, chalcedony, and opal, indicating degradation of these cells. The cells outside the vessels also contain the larger polycrystalline quartz grains cross-cutting the wood cell boundaries. Red to reddish-brown Fe-oxides coat some fissures and cracks. XRD analysis reveals dominant peaks of quartz, followed by analcite, feldspar, montmorillonite, and goethite. SEM-EDS analysis identifies major and trace elements in the wood, showing incomplete permineralization with remnants of carbon in the wood cells. Mineral replacement and permineralization occur in the cell walls, tracheid lumen, vessels, intercellular spaces, and void spaces. The weathering in BT1 is identified by the presence of iron stains, goethite inclusions, a spongy appearance, lenticular features, and fungal growth on the perforated texture.

Ijen Geopark, also known as “Sunrise of Java,” is situated on the eastern tip of Java. Twelve geosites of the geopark are located in Banyuwangi Regency, while the left are situated in Bondowoso Regency. This paper aims to inventory and conduct a geosites quantitative assessment in Ijen Geopark in Banyuwangi Regency. A four-step model, comprising scientific value, potential educational value, potential tourism value, and degradation risk, is utilized for the quantitative assessment of the geosites. Geological characteristics of the twelve geosites have been inventoried. Ijen Acidic Crater Lake is the most valuable geosite in scientific terms. The publication of international papers can enhance the scientific score, particularly for geosites with a final scientific score below 300. All geosites in Ijen Geopark are potential for both education and tourism purposes, as they have final scores higher than 300. The Intrusive Rock Pulau Merah, despite facing moderate challenges related to population density and uniqueness, has been shown to have the greatest potential for both educational and tourism purposes. The geosites within Ijen Geopark are relatively protected from deterioration, with a total deterioration risk score less than 250. The study supports the efforts of local and national governments in promoting economic development.

Parks design relies on understanding user preferences, which are determined through interviews, surveys, and observations. However, previous methods are limited in their capacity to explore user preferences, which necessitates the development of new approaches. Virtual reality (VR) is an effective tool for modeling perceptions and simulating the real world, yet its impact on overcoming previous limitations remains unexplored. This study aims to assess VR's role in addressing challenges and limitations related to people's uses and preferences regarding neighborhood parks. Using an experimental approach, we test factors that influence park visits, using both traditional methods and VR to analyze the extent to which VR can mitigate these challenges. The study reveals that, among individuals in various age groups, perception significantly influences responses. In addition, VR helps overcome issues with traditional research methods, ensuring result validity and interpretation of differences. Ultimately, compared to traditional methods, using VR improves the sense of certainty among individuals regarding their preferences.

Although geoheritage is gaining importance wordwide, much appreciation is still required for the overlooked geoheritage resources. The geoheritage of Saudi Arabia is promising and gaining much attention towards geoconversation and geotourism, but thematic publications are limited compared to the global context. This paper aims to identify the relevant geosites in Saudi Arabia according to the IUCN theme and propose a geoheritage strategic plan. For identification of the geosite, we have conducted a comprehensive review of published literature and online material, including web blogs, YouTube videos, social media, and governmental websites. For the strategic plan for known/unknown geosite, published literature from established geoparks with similar key landforms has been reviewed. Seven IUCN themes can be linked with the geoheritage of Saudi Arabia. Most of these sites are local tourist spots, therefore, immense potential for the geotourism development. The key geomorphological heritage in Saudi Arabia is volcanic harrat, escarpment, cave, mesas, butte, pinnacle, canyon, island, aeolian dune, and submarine corals. Geological heritage includes various fossils in Tuwaiq Mountain. Submarine geoheritage includes different colourful corals and rock structures with high scientific value. Biodiversity-protected area and cultural heritage site enhance the geoheritage value of the geosite, and its geotourism importance.

The Devonian outcrops of the Azrou-Khenifra Basin are located in the eastern band of the Moroccan Central Massif. They are characterized by a high geodiversity since they show sedimentary, stratigraphic, paleontological, tectonic and geomorphological aspects. Those outcrops allow the understanding of the evolution and geodynamic of the area during the Devonian. This proves their relevant in term of scientific value. In addition, they also have educational and touristic interests. The objectives of this work are making the inventory and quantitative assessment as well as the mapping of nine Devonian geosites. To approach the topic, the method proposed by Brilha (2016) have been used which based on qualitative and quantitative criteria. The results show that the geosite Famennian zebra griottes limestones of Ziyar has the highest scientific value (345) while the others are characterized by scientific, educational and tourist values ranging from moderate to high. Regarding the degradation risk, the geosites have a low value. This work could be considered as the base of any geoconservation strategy and geotourism action plan in the area since it focused on the two first steps of it. This may help improve the sustainable development through the establishment of geopark consequently and enhance economical level of people living the Azrou-Khenifra area.

Protected areas experienced changes in visitor flows after the easing of worldwide mobility restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The changing context added complexity to the functioning of these areas, so the entities involved in visitor management had to adopt protocols to contain the virus, as well as mechanisms to deal with the consequences of fluctuations in mobility flows in these areas. This study aims to analyze visitor management practices in protected areas of the Tarragona Province in Spain, in the context of the pandemic and as experienced by managers. We utilized a two-phase participatory methodology, initially employing a semi-structured questionnaire and subsequently conducting a focus group. Our findings revealed that concerns hindering visitor management before the pandemic not only remained relevant but worsened during this period. Managers faced organizational concerns, including poor communication among stakeholders or staff limitations. Visitor-related concerns also arose, such as changes in leisure and behavioral patterns that resulted in crowds and damage in sensitive areas. These concerns led to mostly reactive responses, with a strong reliance on strategies such as enforcement and regulation of visitor use and mobility. The findings provide useful information on the management approaches put into practice, as well as on opportunities to improve strategies for the sustainable management of visitors in protected areas.

Volcanic environments offer a unique combination for life development. UNESCO recognized the Galapagos Islands as Natural World Heritage site due to the uniqueness of flora and fauna. In addition, they have relevant geological value because of their volcanic origin associated with a “hotspot” and still evolving geological dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the geological heritage of Santa Cruz Island by identifying and valuing geosites, considering the scientific, academic, and tourist fields, and the risk of degradation to establish geoheritage management strategies. This study applied four semi-quantitative assessment methodologies and SWOT analysis to identify 15 geosites related to volcanic hotspots, particularly volcanic craters, cracks, beaches, lava tunnels, lagoons, and volcanic depositional landforms. Due to the uniqueness of their geological characteristics, the evaluations applied reflected “very high” and “high-medium” qualifications in the geosites. Their identification and valuation allowed for establishing protection, geo-education, and sustainable use strategies (geotourism). In addition, the study identified a research opportunity associated with the cultural value of geosites of volcanic environments within protected areas with singular ecological value.

Geopark has three main components: geological, biological, and cultural diversity. Cultural and biological diversity in geoparks does not stand alone but must be related to geological diversity. This study aims to determine the relationship between seven geological criteria (lithology, mining materials, elevation, slope, landscape, river distance, and groundwater/geohydrology) on the formation of culture in the Megalithic, Hindu-Buddhist, Islamic, and Colonial eras in the Karangsambung-Karangbolong Geopark and surrounding area. The analytical method used is a scoring and weighting process using Analytical Hierarchy Processes (AHP). Based on AHP analysis, many relationships exist between culture formation and geological conditions. In the early stages of cultural formation during the Megalithic and Hindu-Buddhist eras, the influence of geological criteria was more dominant than that in the Islamic and Colonial eras. In the Megalithic era, groundwater had an effect of 32.38%, with the main sub-criteria being wide productive aquifers, while river distance had an impact of 28.31%, especially at river distances less than 50 m. The very well-suited area correlated with the geological condition and had the highest percentage (29.03%). In the Hindu-Buddhist era, groundwater conditions were influenced by 36.05%, mainly due to the wide productive aquifer as a sub-criterion, while the distance of the river had an effect of 25.78%, especially when the river's length was less than 50 m. The percentage of the very well-suited area was 27.47%. The elevation criteria had a 34.68% influence in the Islamic era, especially at elevations <5 m. Mining material criteria influenced 24.34%. The level of very well-suited areas was 14.45%. The geomorphology had the most significant influence (37.17%) in the Colonial era, especially in the fluvial and marine landscapes. Mining materials had the second influence (24.18%). The very good suitability area accounted for 25.54%.