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The Role of LGAPs (Local Geodiversity Action Plans) and Welsh RIGS as Local Drivers for Geoconservation within Geotourism in Wales

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Abstract

Local Geodiversity Action Plans (LGAPs) and Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites or Regionally Important Geological/geomorphological Sites (RIGS definition depends whether the acronym is used in Wales or elsewhere in the UK) can act as local drivers for geoconservation. An analysis of seven LGAPs across the UK shows that geotourism is either explicitly mentioned or implied within the set Objectives. The overarching aim is normally seeking to maintain and enhance the geodiversity features in a defined local area. LGAPs are therefore fundamental to local geoconservation. RIGS are another government geoconservation initiative aimed at the local level. Two of the criteria for RIGS (education and aesthetical appeal) can be included within the geotourism definition used in this paper. These criteria can be widely interpreted as to encourage education at all levels and this can by implication be tourists. Often, it is the very aesthetic nature of a site which tourists, especially geotourists, find appealing for example, the Giant’s Causeway. This is taken further by looking at a particular area and testing the local achievement of geoconservation within geotourism. In Wales, the success of bilingual geodiversity town trail leaflets to forward this objective in North Wales is assessed. The trails are assessed by the public (by popularity) and proven to achieve the aim. The intricate entwining of local geoconservation and geotourism is established.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the help of the RIGS groups and the LGAPs throughout the UK and also the geotourists who have accompanies me on numerous guided walks. I would like to thank Tom Hose for inviting me to write this paper, improving its content by discussion and for his foresight in arranging a special issue on Geotourism and Dr Margaret Wood, Director of Anglesey Geopark for additional information. I would like to thank the anonymous reviewer who has significantly improved this paper. Finally, I would like to dedicate this paper to my family; John, Frances, Veronica and Rowley, all of whom, for many years, were willing geotourists in their own right.

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  1. Centre for Science Communication, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, UK

    Cynthia Burek

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Burek, C. The Role of LGAPs (Local Geodiversity Action Plans) and Welsh RIGS as Local Drivers for Geoconservation within Geotourism in Wales. Geoheritage 4, 45–63 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-012-0054-4

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