Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity in Ecuadorian Amazon—Case Study: Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Geopark

Abstract

Geodiversity is considered the abiotic equivalent of biodiversity; it can be explained in three main fields such as scientific, educational, and tourism. In sixteen geosites of Napo Sumaco Geopark, a quantitative assessment of geodiversity was carried out using the methodology proposed by Brilha (Brilha, Geoheritage 8:119–134, 2016). This work has a field data collection phase in the geosites Shunku Rumi and Pungarayacu Quarry, where for the first time a geological sketch and stratigraphic columns were made. Regarding the quantitative assessment, it was found that the geosites Sumaco Volcano and Guagua Sumaco Lagoon and Outlook have a high scientific value, the geosite Pungarayacu Quarry has a high potential for educational use, and the Puerto Misahualli’s Bookcase has a high potential touristic use. In terms of degradation risk assessment, Pungarayacu Quarry and Hollin River geosites have a high and moderate degradation risk respectively. The remaining fourteen geosites show a low risk of degradation because there are no activities that cause degradation, and are protected by the people of communities and local guides. Finally, this work shows the need for more scientific research, improvement in the security conditions, promotion of the geosites, and development of didactic material.