198-5 Geological heritage and cultural connections of geothermal sites

Session: Geoheritage Without Borders: International Perspectives on the Conservation and Celebration of Geodiversity, Part II

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Abstract:

Geothermal sites have traditionally been valued as sources of renewable energy and minerals, and as locations for therapeutic bathing (balneology). However, the significance of these sites, with their wide geodiversity of landforms and hydrothermal deposits —such as geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, solfataras, and sinters— extends far beyond just economic interests. Furthermore, they encompass significant cultural and ecological dimensions. These sites are rich with myths, legends, and ancestral practices that deeply connect communities to their past and to the Earth, strengthening their identity. Geothermal sites also provide ideal settings for environmental and scientific education. Visitors can engage with active geological processes through sensory experiences and understand the importance of geothermal energy as a renewable resource. It is crucial that geothermal sites are managed in a way that balances their conservation with sustainable use. To achieve this, it is essential to identify their natural values (ecological and geological) and cultural values (tangible and intangible) before starting any development projects. Protecting them requires a holistic legal framework that recognizes, values, and harmonizes their economic, cultural, and scientific importance. In this context, geotourism emerges as a sustainable economic alternative, capable of reconciling the protection of these geodiverse and culturally significant areas with the economic development of local communities.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-7496

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