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Geopark Impact for the Resilience of Communities in Samoa, SW Pacifc

Fepuleai, Aleni and Németh, Károly and Muliaina, Tolu A. (2021) Geopark Impact for the Resilience of Communities in Samoa, SW Pacifc. Geoheritage, 13 (50). pp. 1-23. ISSN 1867-2477

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Abstract

Both Savai’i Island and Upolu Island of Samoa are home to numerous potential geosites that could form the basis of geopark projects at a range of scales from local, regional, or global. During the Samoa Geoparks Project Phase 1, intensive research identified Samoa’s geoheritage values, resulting in the selection of the island of Savai’i as a location for development of geosite inventories, using a first-order approach to create a scientific basis for future geoheritage, geoconservation, and geotourism ventures. The rationale behind this decision was based on the size of the island; the geodiverse and largely untouched landscapes with high geodiversity values; and superbly exposed young volcanic features that are relatively accessible. Most of these volcanic features derived from Holocene and even historical volcanic activity. Within the potential areas of geosites, volcanic features currently utilized as tourist attractions (mataaga in Samoan) are mostly associated with living cultural activities in terms of traditional stories, myth, and place names. These geoheritage components are a very significant part of the Samoa Geoparks Project in general. Workshop and training for further development of the Samoa Geoparks Project are recommended in this study to co-design and co-develop the geopark concept with local communities working in collaboration with geoscience experts. The role of external geoscientists has been redefined as facilitators of participatory methods using iterative, step-by-step processes, where each facet of the geopark is co-produced through truly inclusive methods and frameworks.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User: Fulori Nainoca - Waqairagata
Date Deposited: 10 Jun 2021 03:34
Last Modified: 10 Jun 2021 03:34
URI: http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/12800
UNSPECIFIED

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