Geotourism: A Landscape Conservation Approach in Țara Hațegului, Romania

This study focuses on Țara Hațegului, a region with significant geological, ecological, and cultural resources, and examines how geosites can inform development strategies that promote geotourism while supporting landscape conservation. The research addresses the need to better integrate geosites into spatial planning by conducting geosite assessment and mapping, overlay analysis with settlement typologies, geosite density analysis, and delineation of priority landscape conservation areas. A methodological framework was developed, combining geospatial analysis, site-specific evaluation, and strategic zoning to support planning and decision-making. In the results, 48 geosites were identified and assessed, out of which 7 were classified as having high Potential Touristic Use (PTU), 13 as moderate, and 28 as low. Spatial analysis revealed that most high-PTU geosites are located in rural or adjacent uninhabited areas, indicating both development opportunities and infrastructural constraints. A geosite density map highlighted clusters suitable for coordinated management, while a prioritization model delineated three landscape conservation zones based on geosite value and distribution. The SWOT analysis further contextualized these findings, outlining strengths such as the region’s rich geoheritage and multi-layered protection, as well as limitations linked to infrastructure and management capacity. By positioning geosites as territorial assets, the research highlights their potential to support sustainable, place-based strategies in regions where geological heritage is a defining element of the local landscape.