Insular Geoparks as Catalysts for Sustainable Local Development: A Bibliometric and Critical Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the role of Insular Geoparks in stimulating local development within island communities. The study combines bibliometric analysis of 176 peer-reviewed articles (2004-2023) from Scopus and Web of Science databases, and critical review of empirical studies across 20 Insular Geoparks globally. The Bibliometrix R-Tool was employed for science mapping, including keyword co-occurrence networks, citation analysis, and research trend identification. Insular Geoparks simultaneously contribute to economic diversification, social cohesion, and environmental conservation through geotourism, geobranding, geogastronomy, and geoeducation initiatives. However, significant variations exist in development outcomes based on community engagement levels, governance structures, and stakeholder participation mechanisms. Communities with robust co-management frameworks and inclusive decision-making processes demonstrate relatively greater socio-economic benefits. The review reveals critical methodological limitations in existing research, including absence of control groups, predominance of descriptive studies, limited interdisciplinary perspectives, and geographical concentration in Asia-Pacific and European networks. The findings suggest that reported impacts may be confounded by external factors, necessitating more rigorous causal inference methodologies. This is the first comprehensive bibliometric and critical analysis synthesizing global Insular Geopark research. It identifies critical research gaps, proposes methodological innovations including difference-in-difference approaches and randomized control trials, and provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, geopark managers, and local communities to maximize local development outcomes.