2025/11/03 by Sajad Ferdowsi, Károly Németh
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Health Professions · #Geotourism and Geoheritage Conservation #Karst Systems and Hydrogeology #Therapeutic Uses of Natural Elements
paper · pdf · doi:10.1002/sd.70334
openalex publication_date 2025/11/03 · openalex created_date 2025/11/04 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
ABSTRACT Geoparks, as territories with unique geological, geomorphological, and geocultural features, advance sustainable tourism through the integration of natural and cultural heritage. This study develops a comprehensive framework for geopark management in tourism destinations using a meta‐synthesis approach and analyzing 108 Scopus‐indexed articles. The findings highlight that effective geopark management hinges on the integration of three core dimensions: Clarifying (documenting geopark geosites, valuing geopark geosites, promoting public outreach, and empowering geopark managers), Communicating (fostering local collaboration, enhancing public education, branding geopark products, and strengthening institutional interaction), and Aligning (coordinating policymaking, building institutional culture, optimizing operations, and generating development synergy). The framework, consisting of 12 components and 72 indicators, offers a practical framework to balance development and conservation goals in geoparks. Theoretically, this study extends value‐based management principles to the geopark context; practically, it provides actionable insights for policymakers to promote sustainable tourism and strengthen local community engagement.