A model for sustainable development of geoparks in Northeastern Nigeria and other underrepresented regions in Africa

Geoheritage-rich regions of Africa remain underrepresented in UNESCO Global Geopark planning despite their scientific, educational, and livelihood potential. To help address this gap, this study develops a reproducible geoheritage inventory and prioritization framework for Northeastern Nigeria. We present the first integrated, quantitative geoheritage inventory of 24 priority geosites in Northeastern Nigeria. Here, we combine (i) a 12-criterion numerical evaluation (1–5 scale) spanning scientific significance, educational and tourism potential, and conservation readiness, with (ii) SWOT analysis and (iii) the Abiotic–Biotic–Cultural (ABC) framework to capture governance and development constraints. Our ranking results identify four Tier-1, geopark-ready localities, which are Yankari Wikki Warm Springs, Mambilla Plateau, Kaltungo Horst, and the Lamurde geothermal system that jointly concentrate high geodiversity, interpretive value, and immediate conservation–tourism use. A further set of Tier-2 sites (e.g., Lake Chad, Biu Plateau/crater lakes, and the Gombe Inlier) show strong regional significance but require targeted upgrades in access, interpretation, and visitor management. Across the portfolio, the dominant limiting factors are weak geoheritage visibility, uneven protection status, and gaps in on-site interpretation, despite consistently high scientific value. We therefore propose a five-year phased geopark development roadmap anchored in policy alignment, community co-management, and inter-agency partnerships. Importantly, this study provides a transferable model for accelerating geopark planning in underrepresented regions of the Global South by translating geosite rankings into an actionable implementation pathway.