An integrated fuzzy-rough multi-criteria group decision-making model for quantitative assessment of geoheritage resources

The increase in the number of studies focusing on geoheritage, geoconservation, geoparks, and geotourism around the world has brought about the problem of revealing the value of geosites as a resource. Therefore, the quantitative values and usage patterns of geoheritage resources need to be determined. In this context, the current research uses fuzzy-rough MCGDM (multi-criteria group decision-making) methods to test approaches to assess the scientific, educational, touristic, and degradation risk potentials of geoheritage resources. For this purpose, the Brilha method was integrated with the fuzzy-rough MCGDM. The proposed approach was applied as a case study to four geosites selected from the Usak province of Turkiye. In the two-stage analysis, the criteria set by the Brilha method were weighted with the IMF SWARA (Improved Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) technique, and the importance levels of the geosites were determined by the rough MARCOS (Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution) technique according to the weighted criteria. According to the results, it has been determined that the importance of Ulubey Canyon, Tasyaran Valley, Hamambogazi Thermal Springs, and Travertines as geoheritage resources are high and, accordingly, their risk of deterioration is high. The areas in question are currently extensively used for general tourism purposes. However, there are no local or national initiatives to recognise them as geoheritage resources and to ensure their sustainability by creating a conservation-use balance for these resources. The results are expected to provide practical and managerial implications to local stakeholders for developing a resource policy to promote the sustainable use of geoheritage resources. On the other hand, the proposed integrated methodological approach will also contribute theoretically to solving common problems in the geosite evaluation literature.