Geotouristic Route Proposal for Touristic Development in a Mining Area—Case Study

Paúl Carrión-Mero, Magner Turner-Carrión, Gricelda Herrera-Franco, Gianella Bravo-Murillo, Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar, Nataly Paz-Salas and Edgar Berrezueta
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Paúl Carrión-Mero: Centro de Investigaciones y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil 09015863, Ecuador
Magner Turner-Carrión: Museo Mineralógico Magner Turner, Portovelo 071150, Ecuador
Gricelda Herrera-Franco: Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena (UPSE), Avda. Principal La Libertad–Santa Elena, La Libertad 240204, Ecuador
Gianella Bravo-Murillo: Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil 09015863, Ecuador
Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar: Centro de Investigaciones y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil 09015863, Ecuador
Nataly Paz-Salas: Bira Bienes Raíces S.A. (BIRA S.A.), Zaruma 071350, Ecuador
Edgar Berrezueta: Departamento de Infraestructura Geocientífica y Servicios, Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME, CSIC), 33005 Oviedo, Spain

Resources, 2022, vol. 11, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: In recent decades, geotourism has been presented as an alternative for the sustainable socioeconomic development of the community. In addition, it shows significant growth. Portovelo canton, located in the south of Ecuador, is characterised by a significant geological importance complemented by the mining culture and history interest, turning into the first mining centre. Mining is the main economic activity in the area. However, the development of illegal mining without technical considerations affects the canton and its surroundings. Faced with this problem, the need arises for alternatives to improve the inhabitants’ quality of life and protect their geological heritage. This work aims to propose a geotouristic route (GR) in the course of the Amarillo River through the characterisation and quantitative assessment of 10 interest sites (four geosites and six touristic sites), which enhance the geotourism development of the canton, including geoconservation strategies. The methodological process includes (i) characterisation of sites and GR proposal, (ii) sites and GR assessment using the Geotouristic Route Assessment Matrix method (GtRAM, acronym in Spanish) and Brilha method for geosites, and (iii) proposal of geotourism development and geoconservation strategies in a sustainability framework through the analysis of strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (SWOT). The results obtained from the proposed GR reflect that 60% of the proposed sites have a tourist interest classified as high, of which the Museo Mineralógico Magner Turner was the best-rated geoheritage element. Similarly, the high scientific, educational, and tourist values of the proposed geoheritage sites are highlighted. Strategies have been established to enhance the GR value: (i) Promoting geotourism through different activities and (ii) proposals for geoconservation and conditioning of geoheritage sites and tourist interest sites considering the geological and environmental impact. The methodology used in the study made it possible to establish geo-guidelines focused on local development, which are coupled with the knowledge of two main groups: Geo-experts and the community.

Keywords: geological heritage; geodiversity; geotourism; geoconservation; Amarillo River; Portovelo (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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