Over the last 25 years, research on geoparks has moved from basic research to comprehensive multidisciplinary studies related to the creation and development of geoparks, integrating the principle of sustainability. This research focuses on exploring geoparks as the core subject. The aim of this study is to synthesize the heterogeneous body of knowledge about geoparks in an exhaustive way by leveraging a multi-database bibliometric approach. The methodology applied is based on quantitative bibliometric analysis using R, including its application for non-coders and ensuring reliability with the PRISMA Statement framework. Ten databases were taken as the sources of research papers: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Nature Journals, SpringerLink, Taylor & Francis, Wiley Journals, IEEE Xplore, and CABI. The method we used has limitations, providing a restricted number of trends aligned and scaled to the database boundary conditions used in analysis. The main goals of quantitative bibliometric analysis are as follows: (1) The impact of data integration—Evaluating how merging the data from the ten databases improves research coverage. (2) Global research trends—Identifying the evolution of geopark-related studies over time. (3) Three-year forecast—Predicting the upcoming research directions using a polynomial regression model. (4) Academic performance—Assessing geographical distribution, citation impact, and productivity using bibliometric laws. (5) Conceptual contribution—Identifying the key research themes that drive future studies and potential areas for exploration. Among these, we highlighted the key elements. The integration of the ten databases provides 63% greater insight into scientific research compared to that of the Web of Science (WoS) database. Geographically, the scientific output spans 102 countries, with China leading in production over the last two decades. The most impactful paper has accumulated 768 citations, while Ruben D.A. and Wu Fandong emerge as the most prolific authors. According to the bibliometric law, the core source of scientific output is Geoheritage. The future research directions are expected to address global challenges, particularly natural disasters in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, GIS-based subtopics leveraging advanced technologies for analyzing, mapping, and promoting geological resources represent a promising area for further exploration. The projections indicate that by the end of 2026, scientific production in this field could reach 5226 published papers, underscoring the growing significance of geopark research and interdisciplinary advancements.

Since their creation, geoparks have been among the fastest growing natural environments. Their attractiveness is one of the most important factors for the success of this natural destination. Despite their importance, a bibliometric analysis on geopark attractiveness is missing from the studied databases. The aim of this paper is to synthesise a heterogeneous body of knowledge of geoparks in terms of attractiveness, highlighting the evolution and breadth of the research field. To achieve this, the following objectives were set: (a) to adopt a method based on functions provided by the bibliometrix package to automatically combine databases, namely WoS, Scopus, PubMed and Dimensions, detailing the method used and (b) to analyse the bibliometric indicators in order to identify the trends in the literature and the possible directions for future research. The applied methodology was based on bibliometric analysis using R for non-coders. From the 707 documents retrieved, the validation process resulted in 349 eligible documents published between 2002 and 2024, on which the analysis was carried out. The current study elaborated a method and examined the key information on the topic trends, which were given by production performance, productivity trends, spatial analysis and abstract approach analysis. Additionally, strategic mapping of the conceptual context was performed. Thus, the result provides a description of the automatic method with practical applications. As discerned from the three-dimensional analysis (spatial, temporal and size), the emerging research directions within scientific creativity encompassed (1) forms of tourism practiced in geoparks, especially focused on ecotourism and volcanic tourism; (2) geomorphological features, mineral springs and mud volcanoes; (3) aesthetic aspects, scenic sites and mining heritage; and (4) methodology, data analysis and modelling methods across different regions and countries.

Many studies have developed methods for assessing attractiveness, but the question is which one should be used to evaluate geopark designated areas? Therefore, the aim of this study is to find suitable criteria for assessing the attractiveness of a natural area such as a geopark in order to find the best quantifiable method as a methodological guide to evaluate attractiveness. The principle of the methodology takes into account three facts: the use of available attractiveness methods elaborated over time, the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) geopark requirements, and a certified geopark (Haţeg UNESCO Global Geopark was chosen as etalon—benchmark), then matching these together. To this end, the following specific objectives have been set: (i) an inventory of factors used to estimate attractiveness; (ii) through analysis, identifying the appropriate evaluation criteria for the field (a set for criteria’s SMART parameter, which can be clearly expressed, quantitatively measurable, and achievable); and (iii) developing a methodological guideline for geopark attractiveness assessment. The methodology is based on an analytical thinking approach, builds on the experience of existing methods, and stands out by the attributes matched to the UGGp’s evaluation criteria using the certified geopark as a benchmark. The result itself presents a method for assessing the attractiveness of geoparks. The outcome offers the attractiveness suitability for new geopark-designated areas as well as for existing geoparks aspiring to UNESCO certification.

Analysis and Evaluation of the Population Aging Phenomenon in the Mountain and Marginal Contact Area of Mureș County between 1992–2024. Trends and Implications for Public Policy Design. Our study started from the premise that demographic indicators represent essential instruments for substantiating public policies and for evaluating socio-economic dynamics at national, regional, and local levels. The population, together with its age structure and the evolution of demographic dependency indicators, constitutes key reference elements in the process of developing strategies regarding the pension system, social protection, education, and the allocation of financial resources from public budgets. At the same time, the analysis of demographic changes makes it possible to identify trends related to population aging, declining birth rates, and the intensification of migration phenomena, aspects that directly impact economic and social sustainability. In this context, the aim of this study is to analyze the evolution of relevant indicators for the demographic potential of the mountain and marginal contact area of Mureș County, identifying the evolution of the population by age groups, the demographic dependency ratio, and the old-age and youth dependency rates, as well as assessing these indicators for the substantiation of public policies. The analysis was carried out based on data provided by the National Institute of Statistics, using statistical methods of graphical and tabular representation for a clearer and more coherent interpretation of the results. The conclusions highlight the intensification of the demographic aging process and its implications for regional and local socio-economic development, thus enabling public authorities to establish local demographic development strategies and adopt measures aimed at mitigating the negative effects of demographic aging. Keywords: population, age pyramid, demographic structure, demographic dependency ratio, population aging.

This study presents a systematic literature review combined with a bibliometric analysis of ecotourism within geoparks. A dataset of 194 scientific publications was retrieved from seven academic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Dimensions, Nature Journals, SpringerLink, Taylor & Francis, and CABI, covering the period 2010–2025. The study followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to ensure methodological rigor and transparency. Automated procedures were employed, including an integrated R-based approach for bibliographic record merging and deduplication using an automated method, and an automated IF function-based screening process. The results reveal a growing trend in ecotourism-related research within geoparks. The most influential publications primarily focus on visitor motivations and preferences, ecotourism products and visitor experiences, and community-based ecotourism, as well as conservation, environmental education, and sustainable geopark management. While geotourism continues to occupy a central position in geopark development, the findings suggest that ecotourism can complement geotourism by promoting environmental responsibility, conservation awareness, community participation, and the broader sustainable development objectives of geopark territories.