Keywords
geotourism
renewable energy
cultural heritage
environmental conservation
How to Cite
Citas en Dimensions Service
Abstract
In addition to being sources of renewable energy and minerals, geothermal sites are a tourist resource traditionally utilized for balneology. However, the value of geothermal sites and their manifestations —including a wide (geo)diversity of landforms and hydrothermal deposits, such as geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, solfataras, and sinters— goes beyond mere economic interests, encompassing cultural and ecological dimensions. These are places rich in myths, legends, and ancestral practices that connect communities to their past and to the Earth, strengthening their identity. Furthermore, geothermal sites are ideal spaces for environmental and scientific education, where visitors can engage with active geological processes through a sensory experience and learn about the importance of geothermal energy as a renewable resource. These sites must be managed in such a way that conservation is compatible with their sustainable use. For this purpose, it is essential to identify their natural (ecological and geological) and cultural (tangible and intangible) values before undertaking any exploitation projects. Their protection requires a holistic legal framework that recognizes, values, and harmonizes their economic, cultural, and scientific importance. In this context, geotourism emerges as a sustainable economic alternative, capable of reconciling the protection of these spaces of geodiversity and cultural significance with the economic development of local communities. This promotes a respectful and enriching interaction between people and their natural environment.
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