The inventory of geological heritage sites of the Toratau geopark
Authors:   Ufa University of Science and Technology, Bogdan Ekaterina , Khayrulina Larisa ,   Ufa University of Science and Technology, Belan Larisa ,   Ufa University of Science and Technology, Nikonov Vladimir ,   Ufa University of Science and Technology
Published: May 2024

Introduction. The article presents the results of an inventory of geological heritage sites in the Toratau geopark. An analysis of international experience in inventory geological heritage sites has been carried out. Criteria for assessing the scientific, educational, tourist significance, and vulnerability of geological heritage sites have been selected. Based on the analysis, the following principles for inventorying geological heritage sites in the Toratau geopark have been adopted: 1. To make effective decisions in managing geological heritage objects, expert assessment of their scientific, educational, touristic significance and vulnerability is necessary. 2. The use of a 5-point scale is promising. 3. Each evaluation criterion has its own degree of importance, so the introduction of weighting coefficients is necessary. The aim of the study is to inventory geological heritage sites of the Toratau geopark, assessing their scientific, educational, tourist significance and vulnerability. Materials and methods. Analysis of international best practice and own research allowed selection criteria for different types of significance. Three criteria were used for scientific significance, five for educational significance, nine for tourist significance, and four for the assessment of the need for conservation and vulnerability. Some criteria were used in the assessment of several types of significance. The assessment was carried out using a five-point system. For some criteria, previously developed methodologies (e.g. aesthetic evaluation) or geoinformation technologies were used. The overall assessment of all significance options can reach 100 points. Special coefficients were calculated to adjust the values. Passports are filled out for each object, and their analysis allows determining which geological objects of the geopark have greater significance. Results. Currently, sites actively visited in the geopark have the highest ratings. Scientific significance has high ratings mainly for geological sections. Educational significance correlates with scientific significance, but there are some discrepancies. For example, many hydrological and karst sites have a high rating of educational significance, unlike scientific significance. Most key sites of the geopark have relatively high touristic significance. However, geological sections have lower tourist significance on average, unlike hydrological and karst sites. It is important to note that most sites have relatively high vulnerability (less than 10 points). The analysis shows that creating a sustainable infrastructure (stairs, ramps, observation platforms) allows regulating number of tourists and ensuring the preservation of geological heritage sites. Discussion. The presented approach to the inventory of geological sites is in many ways similar to foreign practices. The analysis revealed objects with potential for scientific, educational, and touristic use. The proposed methodology has been developed taking into account the socio-economic and landscape features of the Toratau geopark. Conclusion. More and more regions in Russia strive to create geoparks. The inventory and detailed assessment of the geological heritage sites of an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark is determined by Criterion 1 of UNESCO Global Geoparks. The methodology for inventory and assessment of geological heritage sites of the Toratau geopark used the experience of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network. Resume. This methodology was adapted to the natural conditions of the Toratau geopark territory but can also serve as a basis for similar inventories of other geoparks in the Russian Federation and Central Asia Countries.