| Summary: | <p>Geoheritage, encompassing significant abiotic features and processes that shape our planet, plays a vital role in understanding planetary history, supporting biodiversity, and explaining historic and prehistoric relationships between humans and nature. Over the past 30 years, the need for protecting geoheritage sites has become increasingly recognised, especially in Europe and East Asia, epitomised by the establishment of international frameworks such as the UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2015. However, in some regions, including southeast Arabia, geoheritage sites lack representation in nature conservation frameworks and the future of many valuable sites remains uncertain.</p>
<p>Southeast Arabia boasts a diverse array of geoheritage sites, including rare geological features that help geoscientists understand the structure and development of our planet, as well as newer Quaternary deposits that provide a rich story of the region’s environment. These sites have significant interdisciplinary implications, including providing data used by archaeologists/anthropologists to study human migration out of Africa. Nevertheless, geoheritage conservation remains a low priority in this region, with sporadic initiatives implemented over the last 20 years, and very little academic attention.</p>
<p>Through an interdisciplinary, mixed-method approach drawing from fields including archaeology, heritage science, geoheritage research, quantitative social science, and science communication, this thesis examines ways to advance geoheritage conservation in southeast Arabia through an evidence-based, bottom-up approach, with a focus on Quaternary sites.</p>
<p>First, a GIS-based study was conducted to identify the status quo of Quaternary geosites that have been studied in this region. Second, a science communication study was carried out to test the efficacy of highlighting the human-nature interconnection in introducing Quaternary geoheritage sites. Finally, two regional knowledge-holder-based evaluation methods for geoheritage sites were produced, with one focusing on Quaternary sites and the other focusing on geoheritage sites in general.</p>
<p>Together, the findings show high demand for geoheritage conservation in southeast Arabia, demonstrated by the high level of destruction and threats to regional Quaternary sites, and the wider public’s recognition of their need for protection, especially when introduced to the sites’ values. The studies also demonstrate the high potential of geoheritage sites for educational and touristic use. The methods and the findings of this thesis can be adapted for use in different regions, especially in locations with limited resources to kickstart the protection of geoheritage sites.</p>
<p>Together, the findings show high demand for geoheritage conservation in southeast Arabia, demonstrated by the high level of destruction and threats to regional Quaternary sites, and the wider public’s recognition of their need for protection, especially when introduced to the sites’ values. The studies also demonstrate the high potential of geoheritage sites for educational and touristic use. The methods and the findings of this thesis can be adapted for use in different regions, especially in locations with limited resources exist to kickstart the protection of geoheritage sites.</p>
<p>Although a few key developments, such as the development of related infrastructure and the engagement of local communities, are still required, the findings of this thesis serve as a useful guideline to advance geoheritage conservation in this region.</p>
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