Evaluation of Geoheritage Resources in Çanakkale (NW Türkiye) within the Framework of Geotourism: A Comparative Study Using the Preliminary Geosite Assessment Model (GAM)
Geoheritage, cilt.18, sa.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 18 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12371-026-01380-w
- Dergi Adı: Geoheritage
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Geobase, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Earth, Atmospheric, & Aquatic Science Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: GAM, Geoheritage, Geotourism, Türkiye, Çanakkale
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study evaluates the geoheritage resources of Çanakkale Province (NW Türkiye) within the framework of geotourism and sustainability. Although the region hosts diverse geological and geomorphological formations, many potential geosites outside the Ida–Madra Geopark remain understudied. The main objective of this research is therefore to identify such sites, assess their geotourism potential, and examine their management conditions from a sustainability perspective. A geoheritage inventory was produced through literature review and field surveys. Twelve representative geosites were evaluated using the Preliminary Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), which measures scientific, aesthetic, protection, functional, and touristic values. To complement this quantitative assessment, SWOT analysis was applied to examine site-specific planning, conservation, and development conditions. The GAM results reveal clear differences among the sites. Nilüfer Lake and Marmaros Waterfall display high main values, whereas Salt Lake Lagoon, Yıldız Bay, and Çardak Lagoon show moderate but balanced scores. Several other sites demonstrate moderate intrinsic value but limited tourism infrastructure. These findings indicate that Çanakkale possesses considerable but unevenly distributed geotourism potential. The study contributes to the literature by providing the first comparative evaluation of multiple geosites outside the geopark boundaries and by integrating GAM results with sustainability-oriented planning insights. The results highlight the importance of site-specific management strategies that balance conservation priorities with controlled tourism development.