Managing geoparks -Practical and application

Managing geoparks ---Practical and application Lin, Jiun-Chuan, Department of Geography, National Taiwan University Su, Shew-Jiunn, Department of Geography, National Taiwan Normal University Wang, Wen-Cheng, Department of Geography, National Taiwan Normal University Liu, Ying-San, Department Natural Resource and Environment, Tong-Hua University Abstract This paper mainly focuses on managing geoparks in Taiwan. There are 10 geoparks according to the Cultural Preservation Law in Taiwan and formed a Taiwan Geoparks Networks (TGN). Geo-heritage is a combination of geology and physical processes as well as the cultural characters. The awareness of the value of geo-heritage is getting more and more important in Taiwan after designation of geoparks. The methodology to conserve the geo-heritage is rather unclear before 1985 in Taiwan. However, through designation of geoparks, the conserving geo-heritage, in terms of landscape conservation, became clearer for local people to practice. This study demonstrates some typical ways of conserving landscapes in Taiwan geoparks. First of all, through environmental education; second, through legislation; third, through local participation on geopark affairs; fourth, through guided tour by local interpreters. According to Environmental Education Law, everyone including all departments of different level of government workers and schools have to take 4 hours environmental education course every year. It helps to enhance the awareness of environment conservation including conservation of geo-heritage. By Cultural Heritage Preservation Law, the designation of geoparks and natural monuments are the tools to conserve the landscapes. Local participation as local guard on geoparks are also the ways to prevent further damages. Through interpretation on the aesthetic/ scientific value by local licensed guides for visitors, it is a way to prevent further damage by human activities. This study demonstrates the such progresses at Taiwan Geoparks. Key words: geo-heritage, geo-conservation, environmental education, Taiwan geoparks