Instauration of Geopark Pilot: Preliminary Approach in Implementation Process of Geoconservation at Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Hasina Nirina Randrianaly^1*, Tsilavo Raharimahefa², Aroniaina Rajaonarivo³, Andrea Di Cencio⁴, Daniel Haja Tolimasy⁵

¹Département de Paléontologie et d’Anthropologie Biologique, Faculté des Sciences, Université d’Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
²Department of Geology, University of Regina, Regina, Canada.
³Isalo National Parks, Ihorombe, Madagascar.
⁴Geology & Paleontology Technical Studio, San Casciano, Italy.
⁵Institut Supérieur de Géologie de l’Ingénieur et de l’Environement Madagasikara, Antananarivo, Madagascar.

DOI: 10.4236/gep.2015.37004                

Abstract

Although Madagascar has long been recognized as a biodiversity hotspot for conservation, very little is yet known about its diverse endemic fossils and the original beauty of its geotopes. The richness and endemicity of geodiversity constitute nonrenewable natural resources, which deserve to be valorized and protected. Protection of natural heritage resources, aligned with geotourism, can provide a sustainable way for the population to rise out of poverty. The main purpose of this work is the instauration of Geopark, a long-term project in Madagascar National Parks to support geotourism and sustainable development. Given its outstanding landscape and its unique bio- and geo-diversity, we adopt Isalo Park as a pilot site, and suggest that this specific area is suitable for a Geopark. Following our field investigation, inventory and geodiversity assessments within the park are now underway, which will contribute to the implementation of Isalo Geopark.

Keywords

Geoconservation, Geotourism, Geosites Value, Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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