Orogenic belt landforms of Huanggang Dabieshan UNESCO Global Geopark (China) from geoheritage, geoconservation, geotourism, and sustainable development perspectives

Huanggang Dabieshan Global Geopark (DBGG), which is situated in central China, is notable for watershed of geology, climate, geomorphology, hydrology, and species between North China and South China. Scientific value of orogenic belt landscapes in the Dabieshan territory was globally recognized when the Dabieshan geopark gradually promoted under effective management framework of Dabieshan National Geopark was approved by UNESCO Global Geopark Network in 2018. DBGG has abundant geodiversity, showcasing a high representativeness and rarity of the orogenic belt landscapes, in matter of ultrahigh metamorphism, magmatism, bioecology, and culture. In order to assess and evaluate the potential of geoheritages, a detailed field investigation and description has been carried out in several localities of orogenic belt landforms within the DBGG, including Neoarchean gneiss, primitive epeirogenic granites, grotesquely shaped rocks, sedimentary rocks, gorge and floral landforms. And then both qualitative and quantitative approaches are launched to elaborate the values (scientific, educational, aesthetic, recreational, cultural, etc.), levels of significance, as well as their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). The outcomes show that orogenic belt landforms obtain high assessment values, especially in Tiantangzhai, Bodaofeng, Guifengshan, and Longtan gorge localities. The educational utility (Ved, Vsa) and convenience and attraction for geotourism (Vtr, Vti) achieve high evaluation ratings. The distinct standings of geosites owe to easy accessibility and positive promotion by the community. Finally, valuable experiences have been summarized on the promotion of sustainable local economic development. This useful information could be given to global geoparks which are in its initial stage of development, in terms of preserving geoheritage, developing geotourism, and rural tourism.