Geological heritage assessment in the central coast of Sonora and Midriff Islands region of the Gulf of California (Mexico): inventory and implications for management

This study presents an interdisciplinary effort to show how geological knowledge can inform conservation and sustainable development in northwestern Mexico. A geoheritage inventory and assessment were conducted along the central coast of Sonora and part of the Midriff Islands in the Gulf of California to support the integration of places of geological interest or geosites into local conservation frameworks. The adapted methodology combined quantitative and qualitative criteria to evaluate the scientific, educational, and touristic value of sites, as well as their degradation risk. Twenty-four places of geological interest were identified, recording key events in the region’s geological evolution, with levels of relevance ranging from local to international. Eight sites show high scientific value, twelve have strong educational potential, and six offer opportunities for geotourism. Additionally, twelve sites face medium-to-high threats due to unregulated tourism, land-use change, and limited institutional protection. Two broad management strategies were identified: (1) sites lacking formal protection, often located in ecologically valuable areas but without active management, and (2) sites within legal frameworks, such as protected areas, Ramsar sites within Indigenous territories, that benefit from some conservation but lack formal geoheritage recognition. Tailored strategies are proposed for each group, including integration into land-use plans, regulatory updates, stakeholder engagement, community-based geotourism, and educational outreach programs; however, these proposals require further validation. The results highlight the intersection of geological, biological, and cultural values—especially in Indigenous territories—and underscore the potential of geoheritage as a basis for integrated conservation. While the area could aspire to future international designations, such as a UNESCO Global Geopark, current priorities call for raising awareness on geoheritage sites and strengthening community participation. Overall, this work shows that geoconservation remains a pending task in regional conservation agendas, and that geological knowledge can contribute meaningfully to the design of locally grounded, socially inclusive management and sustainable use strategies.