Abstract:

The diversity, rarity, and its potential scientific value are the most prominent characteristics of the geoheritage resources in Xigaze, Tibet. However, the lack of comprehensive research on their categories, distributions, and origins of these geological heritages restricts the protection and utilization of those resources. Based on the investigations and analysis of previous geological and geographical data, we summarized the categories, distribution, and characteristics of the major geoheritages in the Xigaze area. We divided these geoheritages into three large categories, further eleven basic categories, and twenty-two sub-categories, and identified their spatial distributions of those heritages. Moreover, the SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat) method was used to analyze the protection and utilization of geoheritage resources in the area. We therefore put forward the strategies and suggestions for the future geopark construction in Xigaze. This study strengthens the research and evaluation of the geoheritage resources, enhances the scientific cognition of the geoheritages, and constructs a collaborative development ecology for these geoheritage resources and other tourist resources, and for further protections of the environment.

Key words: Tibet, Xigaze, geoheritage, SWOT analysis, geopark