An Emerging Paradigm for the UNESCO Global Geoparks: The Ecosystem’s Health Provision
Ronaldo Gabriel,
Helena Moreira,
Ana Alencoão,
Aurélio Faria,
Elizabeth Silva,
Artur Sá
Affiliations
Ronaldo Gabriel
Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes & Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Helena Moreira
Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development, Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes & Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Ana Alencoão
Department of Geology, Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes of the University of Coimbra, University of Trás-os-Montes & Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Aurélio Faria
Department of Sport Sciences, Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês D’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Elizabeth Silva
Portuguese National Forum of UNESCO Global Geoparks, Portuguese National Commission for UNESCO, Largo das Necessidades,1350-215 Lisboa, Portugal
Artur Sá
Department of Geology, Geosciences Center of the University of Coimbra, University of Trás-os-Montes & Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
During the 38th General Conference of UNESCO, the Member States ratified the creation of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) expressing governmental recognition of the importance of managing outstanding geological sites and landscapes in a holistic manner. In this context, the importance of human interactions with the natural environment to promote healthy lifestyles was primarily a response to the need to preserve and enhance the value of the UNESCO Global Geoparks as well as highlighting their usefulness for the sustainable development of local populations. The aim of this paper is to suggest an interdisciplinary approach to be applied to UNESCO Global Geoparks for a standardized survey and grading methodology that can be used to assess the ability to provide and promote healthy lifestyles, which is called the Ecosystem’s Health Provision Spectrum (EHPS) on an ecological scale. The suggested EHPS is in line with UNESCO’s priorities, in particular with the IGGP and its motto of “Geosciences in the Service of Society”. Therefore, the EHPS on an ecological scale will be another important tool for the UNESCO Global Geoparks, facilitating efficient management and promoting economic development, wellbeing and health.
