Tasmanian reserve geoconservation inventory assessment using Geographic Information Technology (GIT)

Geoconservation is, at its foundation, a grass-roots movement with geoheritage represented by geosites containing the most scientifically significant and valuable geodiversity elements. Problems arise in assessment communication of inventory due part to inconsistent traditionally time-consuming, ‘snapshot’ assessments that are difficult spatially monitor. The case study kunanyi/Mount Wellington encompassing IUCN Category II Park Reserve (18,250 ha) (42°53′24″ S 147°13′48″ E, Tasmania, Australia) was chosen explore complexities geosite site assessment, detection communication. Using digital tools, we revised 25-year-old snapshot inventory, configuring ESRI ‘Collector for ArcGIS’ app in-field data collection. Putative attributes were assessed scientific value, potential touristic use, educational using Brilha (2016) method. Additional tools supported accurate, engaging interactive online inventory. Our findings suggested many putative park had low or moderate values, but higher additional use especially urban-facing zones. Though degradation risk low-moderate, sites closer proximity City Hobart might experience impacts from visitation. is protected area aims tell an important story about evolution periglaciated terrain endemic fauna flora depend upon it. In this sense, possibility not all have high value (and instead, be better classed as sites) limited concern, because myriad elements rankings (including 50% being highly ‘representative’ elements) provide opportunity who visit observe coherent Tasmania easily accessible location. opportunities realised creation process remedy issues currently hamper practical Geoconservation, improving cost, consistency standardisation quality geotouristic products. This approach could assist managers geoconservationists monitor, protect communicate over long-term.