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The Contribution of Paleontology in the Development of Geotourism in Northwestern Madagascar: a Preliminary Assessment

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Abstract

The contribution of paleontology in relation to the creation of a geopark is emphasized by fossils and related geology at Anjohibe and Berivotra in northwestern Madagascar. This research note presents preliminary findings while employing a simple rating system to assess two fossil-rich areas of Madagascar and their potential geo-touristic values that would be essential for the development of a geopark. The point is made that working towards geopark status is likely to place an increased value and appreciation of the geology. Essential criteria for the development of a geopark include the presence of important geoheritage and geosite protection specified according to a management plan. Local community benefits can be derived through the promotion of natural landscape qualities and tourism-related services. This preliminary research project is a starting point in recognizing what needs to be done to value and garner the support of local people in conserving, the geoheritage of northwestern Madagascar.

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Funding

This study was supported and financed from the UNESCO-POLAND fellowship funder the scope of the project N° 23 titled “Assessment of geo-touristic values of the selected geological objects.” I would like to thank Dr. Elżbieta Gałka for her useful assistance and discussions. I am especially grateful to Professors Jan Golonka, Marek Doktor, and Grzegory Pieńkowski to be helpful by providing literature, books, and permanent assistance to this project.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sedimentary Basin Evolution and Conservation, Faculty of Sciences BP 906, University of Antananarivo, 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar

    Miky Lova Tantely Raveloson & Hasina Nirina Randrianaly

  2. Environmental and Conservation Sciences, School of Veterinary and Life Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

    David Newsome

  3. Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AkademiaGórniczo-Hutnicza (AGH University), Krakow, Poland

    Jan Golonka

  4. Geologia e Paleontologia Technical Studio, san Casciano Val di Pesa, Florence, Italy

    Andrea di Cencio

Authors
  1. Miky Lova Tantely Raveloson
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  2. David Newsome
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  3. Jan Golonka
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  4. Andrea di Cencio
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  5. Hasina Nirina Randrianaly
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Miky Lova Tantely Raveloson.

Appendix geosite categories

Appendix geosite categories

  1. A –

    Paleontological site (with fossils)

  2. B –

    Geomorphological/landscape site (i.e., caves, volcanoes, erosional forms)

  3. C –

    Paleoenvironmental site (paleoclimate features, paleoenvironments—fossil fluvial, nearshore, deltaic deposits)

  4. D –

    Petrographical site (igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary rocks)

  5. E –

    Stratigraphical site (stratigraphical type sections, both bio- and lithostratigraphical)

  6. F –

    Mineralogical site

  7. G –

    Tectonical site (tectonical features)

  8. H –

    Economical site (mineralizations, abandoned mines, quarries and pits)

  9. I –

    Historical site (archeology, cultural history)

Derived from Mader, A., Wojtyna, H., Szrek, D., 2011. Geoeducational and geotouristic values of the Mesozoic Observation of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains between Skarżysko and Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski—the Kamienna Góra geopark project. Unpubl., Archive of the Polish Geological Institute—National Research Institute, 139 pp. + maps and photos, Warsaw, 2011

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Raveloson, M.L.T., Newsome, D., Golonka, J. et al. The Contribution of Paleontology in the Development of Geotourism in Northwestern Madagascar: a Preliminary Assessment. Geoheritage 10, 731–738 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-018-0323-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-018-0323-y

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