The Methodology of Inventory of Geological Heritage Objects as a Tool for Managing Geoparks

Using the example of the UNESCO Global Geopark "Yangan-Tau", the article presents a methodology for inventorying geological heritage objects as part of the natural heritage. The mechanism for assessing their scientific, educational and tourist significance is disclosed, the geoconservation is substantiated. The objects of geological heritage are ranked according to the value of the international, national, regional and local level. The application of the developed methodology will allow regional geoparks to approach the criteria indicators of UNESCO global geoparks. Introduction. UNESCO Global Geoparks demonstrate a model of effective management of the territory on which they are located. The status of the geopark is confirmed by seven criteria established by the UNESCO International Program on Geoparks and Geosciences. The first two of them are implemented, among other things, by conducting a detailed inventory of geological objects. The aim of research is to develop a methodology for the inventory of geological heritage objects (geo objects) of regional geoparks based on the assessment of their scientific, educational, tourist, environmental significance and the geoconservation in order to approach the criteria indicators of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Methodology. The inventory methodology involves an expert assessment of the scientific, educational and tourist value of objects, the geoconservation, the allocation of criteria for evaluating scientific, educational, tourist significance and the geoconservation, the development of indicators to determine the level of value. Results. The methodology was tested on the basis of geological heritage objects presented in the nomination dossier of the Yangan-Tau UNESCO global geopark in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The methodology revealed that over 60% of geological heritage sites have high scientific and educational significance. More than 30% of geosites have tourist significance. 12.5% of geosites require protection and preservation measures. The results of the application of the methodology demonstrated that international and national geosites have high scientific and educational significance. They are characterized by a better level of security, which guarantees the absence of significant threats. Objects of regional and local importance have medium and low scientific value, although their educational significance is quite high, and for tourists it varies between high and medium levels. Conclusion. The possibility of a regional geopark joining the UNESCO network of global geoparks is conditioned by compliance with the criteria approved by the UNESCO International Program on Geoparks and Geosciences, including various aspects of sustainable development of the territory. The methodology of inventory of geological heritage sites will allow regional geoparks to identify their strengths and weaknesses in order to approach the criteria indicators of UNESCO Global Geoparks.