Geoparks Twinning Agreements, A Vision from Formality and Territorial Links. Mixteca Alta (Mexico) and Napo Sumaco (Ecuador) Geoparks as Comparative Cases

Abstract

Currently, geoparks represent territories with great potential for the generation of educational and conservation processes, with productive and community development strategies through geotourism, using their natural and unique attributes, in a coordinated effort to improve the quality of life of their communities, based on the sustainable use of sites of geological interest of global importance. On the way to the construction of geoparks, territories find elements in common with other territories pursuing similar objectives, which leads to the creation of synergies and commonwealths. Working together in a network represents one of the most solid pillars of the geoparks, being a fundamental contribution to society. Geopark twinning is an alternative to promote micro-partnerships between geoparks with similar conditions and characteristics, which allow strengthening internal processes, as well as the exchange of knowledge, strategies and experiences, and the strengthening of institutional and management capacities. In addition, twinning arrangements are management tools that also serve as instruments to merge and unite identities in territories that are compatible in several areas, beyond geological heritage. In this sense, the present work shows the case studies of Mixteca Alta UNESCO Global Geopark (MAUGG) and Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (NSAUGG), where twinning arises from aspects such as community management, traditions, cultural approaches, worldview towards the land and its use. In both territories there is a high population of local indigenous groups: Mixtecos (Mexico) and Napo Runa (Ecuador), with agricultural customs based on their limitations or environmental conditions, such as the development of lamabordos and chacras; moreover, the decision-making systems are based on the competence and trust that the population has in their leaders, and not in political or partisan conflicts (election by uses and customs). Finally, their vision of the territory is based on respect for the environment and the beings that are part of it, and on giving a sacred conception to what provides them with food and life.