Developing geotourism with a focus on geoheritage in a transboundary region: the case of the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO site

A new approach to geotourism in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplified by the Curonian Spit, demonstrates how geological and geomorphological heritage can be integrated into sustainable tourism. The research introduces an innovative algorithm for designing eco-educational routes that balance conservation with recreation, addressing the growing tension between environmental protection and economic use of protected areas. This methodology, developed through international collaboration (Ecotour4Natur project), proposes a transboundary tourist route—'The Geological and Geomorphological Chronicle of the Baltic Sea'—which highlights the unique landscapes shaped by human-nature interactions over centuries. The study provides a scalable model for other national parks, offering insights into diversifying ecotourism while preserving geoheritage.

Anokhin, A. Yu., Kropinova, E. G., & Spiriajevas, E. (2021). Developing geotourism with a focus on geoheritage in a transboundary region: the case of the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO site. Baltic Region, 13(2), 112–128. https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2021-2-6