Geotourism and geoparks as novel strategies for socio-economic development in rural areas

Geoparks, as an innovation for the protection of natural and geological heritages, play an important role in the development of geotourism. While developing geotourism, the establishment of geoparks can generate new job opportunities, new economic activities and additional sources of income, especially in rural regions. It encourages the production of local products and local handicrafts involved in geotourism and geoproducts. This paper discusses the role played by geoparks in improving the economy of local populations. To this end, 25 geopark strategies were analysed (20 in Europe and 3 in Asia [Malaysia, Japan and Iran], 1 in Australia and 1 in South America [Brazil]). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.