Geotourism has become more popular in recent decades. Volcanism is an essential part of geoheritage and attracts a high number of visitors. In contrast to active volcanism, Tertiary volcanism is often not identified as such by a lay audience and is understandably perceived as less spectacular. The challenge is therefore to protect the volcanic heritage, to communicate its values, and to enhance it with the help of adequate geotourism offers. Germany does not have active volcanism, but a very high quality volcanic geological heritage, especially from the Tertiary period. Fortunately, this heritage is being increasingly valued and presented in an attractive way for a lay audience. The two Geoparks in the Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate) are pioneers in this field. The UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb actually offers a well camouflaged potential. The Swabian volcano, with an area of 1600 km2, is one of the most important tuff vent areas on earth, but hardly known outside of expert groups. A comprehensive strategy for the geotouristic valorization of the Tertiary volcanic phenomena does not yet exist in the Geopark Swabian Alb.

Geotourism is one of the fastest growing tourism branches. Geoparks feature prominently in geotourism as well as geoeducation. Well-designed geotrails link local geology, geoheritage and geoeducation. Unfortunately many trails do not consider or insufficiently acknowledge recent didactic and touristic findings. As a result, they fail to interest a lay audience in geological phenomena, convey relevant information, and attract tourists to the region. A catalogue of state-of-the-art criteria for the evaluation of existing geotrails based on a case study of the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb (Germany) was elaborated by a comprehensive literature research and subsequently verified on the basis of selected model trails. Finally, recommendations for model geotrails were derived. The term “model” refers in this case to aspects of geoeducation as well as geotourism. Results showed considerable enhancements, but also the further necessity of improvements such as a stronger consideration of Education for sustainable Development (ESD), a better integration of the criteria of geo-interpretation as well as the opportunities and potentials offered by the to-date too scarcely used new technologies. Our surveys in the UGGp Swabian Alb largely coincide with the results of national and international research. Often it is merely small factors that differentiate an adequate and a model geotrail. Our checklist of criteria offers a good basis for these factors.

Abstract. Although the geodiversity of the Earth is hardly less remarkable than its biodiversity, to this day there is a clear discrepancy between the protection of biotic and abiotic elements both in Switzerland and internationally. In response to the increasing threat facing our geoheritage, a dynamic geopark and geotourism movement emerged in the late 1990s. As Geoparks enjoy no statuary protection, they have to combine sustainable geotourism with geo-education, in order to raise awareness for the importance and vulnerability of our geoheritage. The valorization of geoheritage offers opportunities for regional development and tourism diversification, provided that possible risks are taken into account. Based on an extensive literature review as well as own research and geotourism projects, the main opportunities, risks and challenges of sustainable geotourism are highlighted using national and international case studies.

Calcerous tufa and sinter are among the most impressive natural spectacles in karst landscapes whose scientific and aesthetic value is universally recognized. Being visually often very appealing they attract numerous visitors. At the same time tufa landforms are extremely vulnerable and can be seriously damaged even by minor interference. The challenge is, therefore, to protect the calcerous tufa heritage, to communicate its values, and to enhance it with the help of adequate geotourism offers. Tufa geotopes are an essential part of the geological heritage of the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb in Southwest Germany. Unfortunately tufa landforms, especially tufa cascades, suffer serious impairments by (over-)tourism, particularly during the Corona pandemic. The article explores where best to strike the balance between valorization and protection, as well as how to ensure that growth in tourism is compatible with nature preservation, especially in the case of the extremely vulnerable tufa geotopes.

Les Géoparcs sont des territoires présentant un patrimoine géologique remarquable. Ils se doivent de mettre en œuvre une stratégie de développement durable impliquant leurs habitants, fondée sur le géotourisme et apportant une plus-value pour leur région. Qu’ils soient reconnus au niveau national ou européen et par l’UNESCO, les Géoparcs ne constituent pas pour autant en eux-mêmes des statuts de protection réglementaire. Il arrive souvent que les Géoparcs recouvrent tout ou partie d’une aire protégée comme des Parcs naturels ou nationaux ou bien des Réserves de Biosphère. Cette superposition territoriale peut induire tant des avantages que des risques pour les Géoparcs concernés. Le principal avantage réside dans le placement de fait des géosites du Géoparc sous couvert du statut de protection de l’aire protégée dans laquelle ils s’inscrivent. Le danger réside dans la potentielle mise en concurrence des deux statuts, ou dans la moindre visibilité du label Géoparc au regard de la plus grande notoriété de l’aire protégée préexistante. L’issue positive ou négative des interactions liées à cette situation de superposition territoriale dépend principalement de l’attitude de quelques décideurs et acteurs clefs, notamment les directeurs de structure. Le contexte territorial et le degré de recouvrement territorial semble moins crucial que l’existence d’activités conjointes et, idéalement, d’une direction et d’un personnel communs basés au même endroit. Les trois Parcs naturels allemands également Géoparcs en offrent un exemple démonstratif. La question de telles mutualisations avec des parcs nationaux ou des Réserves de Biosphère est discutable, en raison des différences relatives aux modes de financement et aux sphères politiques concernées. Néanmoins, l’enquête empirique réalisée en Allemagne révèle un fort potentiel de coopération porteuse de synergies constructives.