The “Gutâi-Maramureș” UNESCO Geopark Project Development and Heritage Values-Based Sustainable Tourism in the Gutâi Volcanic Zone, East Carpathians (Romania)

The Gutâi-Maramureș region, part of Romania's East Carpathians, holds significant geological and cultural heritage values that can sustainably support tourism. The proposed UNESCO Global Geopark project identifies key assets such as internationally recognized geosites, historic mining sites for precious metals, protected natural areas (including Natura 2000 sites), and five UNESCO-listed wooden churches. A SWOT analysis was conducted to define the optimal geopark territory, strengthen brand identity, and guide sustainable tourism development. The study combines geological synthesis, heritage site inventories, biodiversity assessments, and cultural documentation to inform geoeducation and geotourism strategies, leveraging local engagement and prior experiences in the region.

Kovacs, M., Szakács, A., Andrășanu, A., & Denuț, I. (2025). The “Gutâi-Maramureș” UNESCO Geopark Project Development and Heritage Values-Based Sustainable Tourism in the Gutâi Volcanic Zone, East Carpathians (Romania). Land, 14(4), 726. https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040726