The Potential of Indigenous knowledge for Rio Coco Geopark Geotourism

AbstractThe contribution deals with the potential of indigenous knowledge for the geotourism sustainability of the aspiring Rio Coco Geopark (Nicaragua). This indigenous knowledge includes traditional, orally transmitted wisdom, skills and lifestyle of indigenous people built on their intensive linkage to nature and verified by time. The article focuses on the analysis of potential of integration of this traditional know-how passed from generation to generation and as well as other elements of collective memory into the philosophy, management and products of the emerging geotourism destination of Rio Coco Geopark. Author presumes that the integration of local indigenous knowledge into the geotourism developed by Rio Coco Geopark has potential to increase the sustainability level of this geotourism.To analyse this presumption, the local indigenous people – Chorotegas were inquired. The research of these native people was conducted in all four municipalities of Rio Coco Geopark recognized as indigenous and it employed methods of participant observation, photo-documentation, focal group discussions, life history narratives and local informants (indigenous leaders, healers, midwifes etc.) interviewing. The main potential was found in the system of values related to nature (e.g. respect for Mother Earth as a life giving entity) and related natural resources management, the systematic involvement of seniors into the top management, using cosmology and natural cycles into the local agriculture and medicine, using the traditional knowledge in processing of local crops and natural raw materials as well as keeping and transmission of many interesting indigenous legends and rites connected to the local geological heritage and other elements of local nature.Findings of the research indicate that the sensible and gradual fusion of the modern science knowledge with the traditional indigenous knowledge can essentially assist with optimization of the environmental, socio-cultural and economic tourism impacts. It could be assumed that it pays not only for the aspiring Rio Coco Geopark but also for other destinations with important geological heritage and related fragile natural and cultural heritage