DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0220

INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE USE OF GEOHERITAGE AND GEODIVERSITY IN GEOTOURISM

Ľubomír Štrba¹, Branislav Kršák¹, Csaba Sidor¹

¹ Department of Geo and Mining Tourism, Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Letná 9, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia

This paper investigates the role of geoheritage and geodiversity in the context of geotourism and proposes an integrated approach to their sustainable utilisation within regional development frameworks. Existing research is often fragmented, primarily focusing on geosite assessment, geopark development, and interpretation strategies. Geoheritage is defined as the significant component of geodiversity that constitutes the abiotic foundation of landscapes and ecosystems, bearing scientific, educational, cultural, and socio-economic importance. Geotourism is conceptualised as a place-based form of tourism that links Earth's heritage with biodiversity, cultural landscapes, and local identity. The study introduces the ABC framework (Abiotic–Biotic–Cultural) as a conceptual approach for synthesising these dimensions. It underscores a paradigm shift from site-specific approaches toward territorial systems and highlights the critical need for coordinated management and interpretation to promote sustainable geotourism development.

Klíčová slova: geoheritage, geodiversity, geotourism, ABC framework, sustainability

stránky: 220-223, Publikováno: 2025, online: 2026