Geotechnical Landscapes and Ecotourism: Science, Sustainability, and Stakeholders

CHAIR

Ismail  Youssef Ismail

CO-CHAIR

Aida Nayer

DESCRIPTION

"Geotechnical Landscapes and Ecotourism: Science, Sustainability, and Stakeholders"

The session highlights the interdisciplinary nature of geotechnical landscapes and ecological tourism while aligning with the main aims of sustainability, innovation, and climate resilience.
 
Session Description:
Geotechnical landscapes—from coastal cliffs and karst caves to volcanic highlands and permafrost terrains—form the backbone of many ecotourism destinations. However, these fragile environments face escalating risks and diverse challenges from climate change, over-tourism, and unsustainable infrastructure development. This session explores cutting-edge interdisciplinary research outcomes that merge the pluri-disciplinary nature of geoscience, engineering, ecology, and tourism studies to address critical transformation with an evolving visionary adaptability towards geotechnical stability, biodiversity conservation, and responsible tourism.  

Main Objective:
As ecotourism grows into a $185 billion global industry (UNWTO, 2023), its dependence on geologically fragile landscapes demands urgent scientific attention. This session will synthesize transdisciplinary insights to guide policymakers, industry leaders, and local communities toward resilient, equitable, and science-backed tourism practices.  

Main Contributions Topics:
1. Assess geotechnical risks (landslides, erosion, sea-level rise) in high-traffic ecotourism zones.  
2. Propose sustainable engineering solutions (bioengineering, smart monitoring, low-impact trail design).  
3. Evaluate policy frameworks (such as UNESCO Geoparks, IUCN protected areas or others) for balancing tourism and conservation.  
4. Showcase community-led initiatives** where Indigenous knowledge and geoscience collaborate.  

Key Topics:
- Hazard Mitigation: Slope stability, coastal erosion, and seismic risks in tourism hotspots.  
- Climate Adaptation: environmental considerations, localization of retreats, and their impacts