Mapping Geoethical Awareness and Unveiling Environmental Engagement Profiles of Residents in Hellenic Unesco Global Geoparks

A Quantitative Survey

Bibliographic Data

ID13124848
AuthorsAlexandros Aristotelis Koupatsiaris (0000-0003-3543-8910, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, corresponding author), Hara Drınıa (0000-0002-0970-2290, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)
Year2025
Volume8
Issue7
Pages275-275
Publication date2025-07-13
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHeritage (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2571-9408 • E-ISSN: 2571-9408
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/heritage8070275
OpenAlexW4412390614
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited136

Geoethics emphasizes responsible human interaction with the Earth, promoting ethical practices in the geosciences to ensure sustainability for current and future generations. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) are designated areas that support sustainable development by integrating geoconservation, geoeducation, and community engagement, thereby raising awareness of geological heritage. This quantitative study employed an online questionnaire (n = 798) to assess geoethical awareness among residents of all nine Hellenic UGGps, with the aim of profiling environmental engagement and perceptions. The results indicate a generally high level of geoethical awareness, with Sitia UGGp exhibiting the highest average mean score (M− = 8.98, SD− = 1.34), reflecting strong community support and effective outreach efforts. In contrast, Lavreotiki UGGp (M− = 8.48, SD− = 1.15) and Psiloritis UGGp (M− = 8.33, SD− = 1.36) scored lower in areas such as community engagement and geotourism, suggesting opportunities for targeted improvement. Regional differences suggest that management, visibility, and local context significantly influence public perceptions. Cluster analysis identified four respondent profiles: (a) highly engaged environmental stewards (28.7%), (b) supportive but selective advocates (40.5%), (c) moderately indifferent participants (26.9%), and (d) disengaged or critical respondents (3.9%). Demographic factors such as age, residence, prior visits to Hellenic UGGps, and education significantly differentiated these groups. Mapping geoethical awareness provides a valuable tool for assessing societal benefits and enhancing the governance of UGGps. Overall, the findings underscore the need to shift from an anthropocentric to a more geocentric worldview that prioritizes the well-being of both humanity and Earth’s systems

Geography · Political science · Geotourism and Geoheritage Conservation · Marine and environmental studies

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