Geoheritage and Potential Geotourism in Geoparks—Indian Perspective

Abstract

Indian subcontinent has a variety of geological domains ranging from Precambrian/Achaean to active Neogene and Anthropocene with several very interesting world-class geoheritage sites that display unique geological features, rock types, fossils, geological boundaries or tectonic discontinuities, processes and landscapes. Geoheritage sites or the Geosites are natural sites of rare and unique geological and geomorphologic significance. Studying, protection and development of Geoheritage sites achieve its goals through a three-pronged approach: conservation, education and geotourism, respectively. These Earth heritage sites must be suitably delineated and protected initially by Geological Survey of India (GSI) as are part of an integrated concept of protection, geosciences education and sustainable development of the area around with active support from the Tourism/Forest Departments of the State governments. Ever since the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has adopted a Resolution (2015) that affirmed Geodiversity and Geoheritage as integral parts of Natural Diversity and Natural Heritage; it is imperative to treat geodiversity and geoconservation as inseparable from biodiversity and nature conservation. Presently development of the Geoparks is the major international theme implying geosciences application for inclusive growth of society and protection/conservation of unique Geoheritage. Geoparks are places (delineated and designated area in contrast to a singular specific Geosite or the Geological Monument) where rare geoheritage sites with geomorphic landscapes and geological phenomena are preserved intact and where sustainable economic development plans are pursued through low-impact recreational, scientific, and educational activities. So far, although a few National Fossil Parks have been delineated by GSI as the National Geological Monuments or the Geotourism Hotspots in Indian subcontinent, yet there is no formally recognised Geopark in India, neither at the State level or at the National level, nor at the UNESCO Global level. It is time now to consider giving the needed impetus and importance to the delineation and recognition of Geoparks in India. Since GSI has the mandate as per the listed Charter of Functions, it has to take lead in this matter and achieve tangible results before the IGC-2020 mega geosciences event in New Delhi. Geotourism is generally dependent on earth’s geoheritage, educative through geointerpretation, geoguides and increased awareness, locally beneficial through sustainable economic viability community involvement and foster geoconservation. Present contribution enumerates on inventory of geoheritage sites and recommends approaches for geoconservation with two case studies on optimally utilising potential of Jaisalmer Geopark that constitutes part of the declared Desert National Park as a unique and fragile ecosystem in dryland environment and the Jodhpur Rocks Geopark being developed by a Trust managed by erstwhile royal family, regarding protection, conservation and development of geodiversity and biodiversity thus promoting geotourism for tourist satisfaction in unique rocky dryland environment of the Thar Desert in western India.