Contribution of a Geomorphosite Inventory to the Geoheritage Knowledge in Developing Countries: the Case of the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Lukas Mauerhofer, Emmanuel Reynard, Asfawossen Asrat, Hans Hurni

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The central objective of this paper is to show how a geomorphosite inventory can improve the knowledge of geomorphological and geological heritage in developing countries. We propose an inclusive and systematic approach of protection and outreach of the geomorphological heritage based on a geomorphosite inventory. Twenty-one geomorphosites were identified and fully documented in the Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP) in Ethiopia. The results show that the geomorphological heritage of the SMNP is in a good conservation state. It is of considerable scientific, educational, touristic and ecological interest. A management program consisting of eight strategic objectives with the aim of increasing awareness and sustainable use of geomorphological heritage of the SMNP (here called geotourism development) was subsequently developed. It includes capacity building of park staff, expansion and diversification of the trekking experience and the introduction of an accreditation system for geo-guided tours. The proposals for the geomorphosite management are indicative of a high potential for international geotourism development in the Simien Mountains. A Geopark could be proposed in the future, for which further research and pioneering work is required.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)559-574
Number of pages16
JournalGeoheritage
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)

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