geosciences Article Calcerous Tufa as Invaluable Geotopes Endangered by (Over-)Tourism: A Case Study in the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb, Germany Heidi Elisabeth Megerle University of Applied Forest Sciences Rottenburg, Schadenweilerhof, D-72108 Rottenburg am Neckar, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany;
[email protected]; Tel.: +49-7472-951-243 Abstract: Calcerous tufa and sinter are among the most impressive natural spectacles in karst landscapes whose scientific and aesthetic value is universally recognized. Being visually often very appealing they attract numerous visitors. At the same time tufa landforms are extremely vulnerable and can be seriously damaged even by minor interference. The challenge is, therefore, to protect the calcerous tufa heritage, to communicate its values, and to enhance it with the help of adequate geotourism offers. Tufa geotopes are an essential part of the geological heritage of the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb in Southwest Germany. Unfortunately tufa landforms, especially tufa cascades, suffer serious impairments by (over-)tourism, particularly during the Corona pandemic. The article explores where best to strike the balance between valorization and protection, as well as how to ensure that growth in tourism is compatible with nature preservation, especially in the case of the extremely vulnerable tufa geotopes. Citation: Megerle, H.E. Calcerous Tufa as Invaluable Geotopes Keywords: calcerous tufa; geotourism; geoheritage; geotope protection; UNESCO Global Geopark Endangered by (Over-)Tourism: A Swabian Alb; (over-)tourism; corona-pandemic Case Study in the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb, Germany. Geosciences 2021, 11, 198. https:// doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11050198 1. Introduction Geotourism, long considered a form of niche tourism [1], has recently become a Academic Editors: popular form of themed tourism [2–8].