Advanced digital tools in landscape architecture are mostly limited to visualization and presentation of alternatives. However, they can potentially be used in different design stages. In this paper, we propose a method to approach a design problem as a multi-objective problem (MOP) and integrate advanced digital techniques into an automated landscape design framework to exploit their superior computational capabilities. We combined geographic information system (GIS) tools for mapping of the site, 3D Isovists for analyses, and a meta-heuristic method (constrained non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-2 or NSGA-II), to search in the continuous solution space (fitness landscape). The case study was an urban park in Tehran, Iran, and the focus was on spatial-visual characteristics of the green space. The results showed that the NSGA-II was able to solve the complex design problem with 185 trees and 66 observers. The algorithm produced a Pareto-frontier consisting of four optimal solutions that, compared to the existing state of the park, showed more than 18% and 12 % improvement according to Tree View and Building View, respectively. These results confirmed the applicability of our proposed semi-automated design framework. This study is of interest to both professional practitioners and academics of landscape architecture since it can help bridge the gap between scientific assessment and its application in real-world design studies. The proposed method can be further developed to take other design considerations into account and also has the potential to be of use in other related design fields.

Geodiversity assessment is a critical preliminary step for geoconservation planning and represents the foundation for any rich biodiversity system. The purposes of this research were to identify the geomorphic constraints that influence the geodiversity in Kuwait, and to explore how bivariate choropleth mapping can be implemented as an innovative approach to visualize geodiversity results along with the geomorphic constraints synchronously. The assessment of geodiversity involves several abiotic elements, including geology, geomorphology, soil, and hydrology. In arid regions, such as Kuwait, geomorphic factors such as sand encroachment and soil erosion limit the resilience of ecosystems. Therefore, considering these factors during a geodiversity analysis is a substantial matter. Additionally, using bivariate choropleth mapping as an advanced cartographic method should leverage the integration between the geodiversity results and the geomorphic constraints. After we applied the centroid-based geodiversity index analysis, excluding restricted areas, the results showed that a high geodiversity index covered about 10% of Kuwait's area and was found mostly north of Kuwait Bay and towards the middle of the country. Combining the geodiversity index with the geomorphic constraints in a bivariate map revealed that about 11.8%, excluding restricted areas, consisted of optimum sites to be proposed as geoconservations. Despite the significance of geodiversity assessment in arid regions, it is also important to consider the geomorphic constraints that could limit the suitability of a given area of land to be protected.

This study examines the role of place attachment in the relationship between eco-motivation, nature-based destination, and ecotourism intention, focusing on South Cat Tien National Park as a case study. The research utilized a survey questionnaire to collect data from Vietnamese visitors to the park, and the results were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The relationships between ecotourism motivation, nature-based destination image, place attachment, and ecotourism intention are investigated. Moreover, place attachment mediated the relationships between ecotourism motivation and ecotourism intention and between nature-based destination image and ecotourism intention. These findings contribute to the theory of place attachment by providing empirical evidence of its mediating role in the context of ecotourism. The study underscores the importance of visitors' emotional and cognitive connections with nature-based destinations in shaping their ecotourism intentions. The findings suggest that fostering place attachment among visitors can enhance their motivation and intention to engage in ecotourism activities. This study's insights have implications for destination management organizations and policymakers in developing strategies that promote sustainable tourism practices while preserving the natural environment.

Arequipa, often referred to as “White City, land of volcanoes,” is located in Southern Peru and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its amazing landscape is framed by three imposing volcanoes: Chachani, Misti, and Pichu Pichu, reflecting a rich volcanic history evident in several geological sites both within and around the city. A total of 12 pilot geosites related to Chachani and Misti volcanoes, as well as Yura monogenetic field, have been inventoried and assessed. These encompass a range of volcanic deposits, structures, and scenic viewpoints, and have been classified based on their scientific, educational, and touristic value. The selection of these geosites was based on multiple criteria to ensure objectivity, prioritizing those that are the most representative, unique, in good conservation status, and of great scientific importance. Additionally, degradation risks have been evaluated to implement appropriate geoconservation measures and address potential threats according to their urgency. The assessment has followed a holistic methodology, inspired by successful models from previous studies, and recommendations have been made for developing an integrated management plan. The next step is to prepare the geosites for public use by developing geo-routes that highlight the volcanic geoheritage, while also integrating Arequipa's historical and cultural legacy. These geosites play a crucial role in geoeducation, raising awareness about volcanology and volcanic hazards. Moreover, the development of geotourism as a sustainable natural resource not only brings socioeconomic benefits to the local population but also fosters a deeper connection and identity with the territory. This enhanced sense of belonging strengthens community resilience to geological hazards, enabling better preparedness and adaptive strategies in the face of potential risks.

Safi province, which belongs to the Western Moroccan Meseta and the Variscan domains, hosts several geosites characterised by distinct sedimentological, geomorphological, paleoclimatic, and stratigraphic features. This region is of great importance, not only for understanding the geodynamic and geomorphological evolution of the region, or that of the Mediterranean basin as a whole, but also for its rich diversity in both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The present study focuses on the inventory and quantitative assessment of 11 geosites within the Safi province. A five-stage model, comprising a detailed description of the site, a scientific value (considered to be central), additional values, potential use value, and a synthesis allowing calculation of the tourist value and educational value as well as identification of the risks of degradation, is used for the quantitative assessment of geosites. The results show that the Sidi Bouzid escarpment, Lalla Fatna escarpment, the lagoon of Oualidia, Souira lgdima, and El Goraan cave geosites have the highest scientific value. Most geosites in Safi province have the potential for both education and tourism purposes, as they have final scores higher than 6 out of 10. Regarding the risk of degradation, the majority of geosites face a medium risk due to human intervention and natural factors. This work could be considered as the basis of any geoconservation strategy and geotourism action plan in the area since it focused on the two first steps of it. This may help foster sustainable development in the Safi province through the creation of a geopark, the promotion of new income-generating activities through geotourism and geoeducation, and the implementation of a comprehensive geoconservation strategy. Such an initiative is particularly crucial in the global context of climate change.

Accurate and high-resolution mapping of land cover is essential for modeling species response, guiding habitat management practices, and prioritizing conservation efforts, especially in restricted and remote areas. Geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) techniques offer potential solutions. This study assessed the utility of GIS and RS techniques to map and predict grassland bird species in Nairobi National Park (NNP), Kenya. We utilized Sentinel-2B median imagery, which was accessible through Google Earth Engine (GEE), for January 2022 to classify six land cover classes: forest, shrubland, woodland, grassland, water, and bare soil. Grassland bird data were extracted from Kenya Bird Map (KBM) website for the period between 2015 and 2022, using full protocol card records. We hypothesized that grassland and shrubland would cover a larger portion of NNP and that grassland birds would respond positively to grassland, shrubland and woodland. We tested the second hypothesis using KBM data. Training samples for various land cover types were collected and used to train a Random Forest (RF) classifier on Sentinel-2B imagery. Model accuracy was evaluated with a confusion matrix, showing an overall accuracy of 99.93% and a Kappa statistic of 0.9989. Land cover composition indicated that grassland had the highest composition (44.9%), while water had the least (0.003%). Woodland, shrubland, forest and bare soil comprised 33.7%, 15.4%, 5.9%, and 0.2%, respectively. Logistic regression results showed that grassland birds responded positively to grassland and shrubland but tended to avoid woodland and bare soil. These findings demonstrate that land cover maps derived from GIS and RS techniques are fundamental tools for studying the abundance and distribution of grassland bird species, especially in remote areas. These tools are also essential for conservation and habitat management.

Geotourism is rapidly experiencing rapid growth in developing countries, such as Indonesia, and it is a component of sustainable tourism. In addition, the country has many areas of geodiversity in cities or towns that potentially can become urban geotourism destinations, such as the Bandung Basin area. This region is characterized by geological features, including young volcanic rocks surrounding the mountains, alluvial fans, and lake deposits at lower elevations extending from Rancaekek to the base of Mount Lagadar in the western part of the area. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the respective roles of stakeholders in urban geotourism development. The study used literature review and interview methodology, where data was interpreted with stakeholder analysis, and complemented by descriptive analysis. The results showed that stakeholders were divided into primary (quadrant 1), key (quadrant 2), and secondary (quadrant 3) categories, each with distinct interests and degree of influence. As urban tourism expands, it presents ongoing opportunities to cultivate sustainable practices within these locales. The establishment of urban geotourism necessitates the identification and evaluation of engaged stakeholders. The subsequent planning and management initiatives for the Bandung Basin area can be enhanced through the active participation of stakeholders.

Emblematic geosites are those that introduce a new geological concept or strikingly display a well-known geological concept. In this context we introduce and describe a large sinkhole in Central Spain as an emblematic geosite due to the following reasons: (1) sinkholes associated with landslides are scarce; and (2) the described sinkhole has a large size providing a spectacular example of a sinkhole associated with a landslide in gypsum escarpments and with gypsum karst. Thus, although the proposed site is neither a unique example nor a new geomorphological feature, it is a particularly nice example that, by its rare development, deserves to be classed as an emblematic geosite. The studied geosite is characteristic of and represents the most typical features of sinkholes as a geo-hazard associated with paleo-landslides in gypsum karst. High steep scarps are common in gypsum terrains created by a combination of fractures and erosion caused by the lateral migration of rivers. Mass movements, including rotational landslides, are associated with these unstable scarps. These rotational landslides generate stepped slopes with a relatively rugged topography, creating flat benches and closed depressions that can accumulate runoff water from rainfall. Depending on their altitude with respect to the river floodplain, this can result in flood water or high ground water levels after intense rainfalls. This process can activate the rapid development of underground dissolution of gypsum, developing karst conduits, caves, and hollows, which can result in a self-accelerating process of rapid growth. As a consequence, the development of large underground karst voids (whether or not saturated) may increase the probability of subsidence and collapse creating sinkholes on the surface. These sinkholes are mostly small, but the large sinkhole observed in the Miocene gypsum scarps of the Tajuña River in the south of Madrid, near Titulcia and Chinchón (Madrid province) implies that the risk of a sinkhole hazard in these geological environments must be acknowledged and reconsidered. The sinkhole should be defined as an emblematic geosite that must be preserved, studied and explained.

The 21st century has brought with it the emergence of many new technologies. Unfortunately, many of these innovations are accompanied by negative and potentially even harmful side effects. In particular, many of these technologies are associated with the uncontrolled and irreversible destruction of natural resources as well as the disruption of education and social balance. The education system must adapt to a changing world to promote the development, protection, and awareness of global citizens as well as social justice. Within this framework, it is essential to instil the fundamental principles of common education and the desire to protect the Earth and its resources. Scientific knowledge obtained from geoscience is crucial for understanding our environment and must be used for the benefit of conserving Earth systems. This article introduces the Geoconservation Education (GEOEDU) framework, aims to propose, develop, and implement a module that is closely integrated into the educational process, and ultimately aims to demonstrate the value of its impact

The concept of geodiversity and its sensitivity are inextricably linked. A geodiversity hotspot is defined as a geographical area that has a high level of geodiversity, while also being susceptible to threats from human activities. The objective of this study is to determine the geoconservation priority locations and programs in Kulon Progo Regency, an administrative area that is part of Aspiring Jogja Geopark. To achieve this, the geospatial data, including rock formations, tectonics, landforms, springs, river order, reservoir and soil order, were collected to compile the geodiversity index (GI). The threat index (TI) is comprised of geospatial data, including anthropogenic intervention, land degradation, cultivated area, and mining permit area. The GI and TI are integrated through GIS to generate spatial geodiversity hotspots, which will illustrate sensitive locations that require geoconservation strategies. The Kulon Progo Regency has been identified as containing four geodiversity hotspots. The northern hotspot encompasses parts of Kalibawang District, Nanggulan District, Girimulyo District, and Samigaluh District. The central hotspot is situated across Sentolo District, Wates District, and Pengasih District. The eastern hotspot is in Lendah District, while the western hotspot is found in Kokap District and Temon District. Strategies were developed on the basis of a SWOT-TOWS-AHP analysis of the characteristics of Kulon Progo Regency, the western portion of Aspiring Jogja Geopark. This has resulted in three priority strategies: (1) the development of human resources for the geopark, (2) the active involvement of geopark communities in geoconservation activities, and (3) the downstreaming of georesearch results in the form of communal geoknowledge. As a geoconservation tool, this method can provide a basis for Local Geodiversity Action Plans to address the complexity of geoconservation management in geoparks by simplifying it through GIS and SWOT-TOWS-AHP methods.