| dc.description.abstract | Abstract: Central America is located in a dynamic region where tectonics and volcanism together
with the tropical climate and its diverse vegetation have shaped the landscapes. Our main objective
is to review the status of the geodiversity, geoconservation, and geotourism in Central America.
We will identify the region’s geomorphic environments and geodiversity using classic regional
geomorphology mapping techniques. Likewise, using touristic maps and webpages, we identify
the most prominent geosites of different origin in Central America. Moreover, we will explore the
national environmental policies, natural conservation systems, and tourism initiatives to promote
their national geoheritage through geotourism. We found that volcanic, coastal, karstic, glacial, and
fluvial geomorphic environments are the most common in the region. In addition, we identified
393 geosites of volcanic, coastal, karstic, glacial, fluvial, and archeological origin in Central America.
The promotion of geoheritage, geodiversity, geoconservation, and thus the development of geoparks
are excellent opportunities to promote sustainable development, sustainable lifestyles, appreciation
of natural and cultural diversity, and the promotion of peace. These results may prove important
to spread information about geoscience widely to decision makers on geotourism and conservation
in each country and the stakeholders of the region. Geoheritage studies in tropical and developing
countries such as those in Central America should be improved, and priority should be given to the
geomorphological dynamics and strong anthropic pressures on their geo- and biodiversity to increase
their income through geotourism, especially among the less favored communities and avoid affecting
their already threatened natural resources. | |
