Geological heritage

In addition to the geological heritage and Scientific heritage the specialized geological museum of the Geological Survey of Iran (GSI), like all the specialized geological museums and multidisciplinary museums of natural sciences, is an essential factor in designing and compiling study and executive programs to protect the geological heritage of Iran. Although there is a long way to reach this goal, short-term and long-term planning as well as maintaining a closer relationship of geologists with this place can be introduced as effective measures to create a superior position, start targeted activities, and develop the concept of the museum of the Geological Survey of Iran. Considering the richness of this collection of all kinds of stones, minerals, and fossils collected from all over Iran, this geological collection and site museum is introduced as a valuable geological site with the attraction of geotourism and dinosaur geotourism. Which should be maintained and improved for scientific, educational, and tourism activities.

This research studied the Damavand mountain as a unique geological phenomenon in Amol County, Mazandaran Province with a special view on its role in sustainable tourism development. The methodological process was based on: the inventory and preliminary selection of geosite, a semi-quantitative geosite assessment, and the application of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) matrix to establish geotourism development strategies within a sustainability framework. Based on studies done, Damavand mountain is a real geosite with high geo-touristic potential which include: water fall, hot spring, glacier,volcanic crater which are a geological heritage with outstanding scientific, cultural, touristic ,industrial,and educational values. According to the results of the IELIG method in this study, the geosite of Damavand has ‘very high’ interest values considering their scientific, academic, and tourist interests and has the necessary conditions for geotourism development. The SWOT analysis reveals that travel itineraries that combine cultural heritage elements and geosites could offer a real alternative for the region’s sustainable development through geotourism.