Geological heritage, as a valuable part of natural heritage, requires a perspective that goes beyond technical interventions and should be based on understanding the values attributed to it. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for geological heritage conservation grounded in a value-led management approach. To achieve this, through logical reasoning and a review of relevant theoretical literature, key concepts such as value, significance, cognitive dissonance theory, and principles of value-based management were examined. The findings indicate that geological heritage encompasses a set of scientific, aesthetic, cultural, ecological, educational, and economic values, which together shape its perceived importance. Since a gap often exists between stakeholders’ attitudes toward the significance of this heritage and their actual behaviors, the theory of cognitive dissonance is employed to identify and analyze these discrepancies. Accordingly, the proposed framework introduces three core principles of value-led management—clarifying, communicating, and aligning values—as strategic mechanisms to reduce cognitive dissonance and enhance coherence among various stakeholders, including local communities, tourists, and experts. In this framework, conservation is not merely a physical act but a process shaped by value-based, cognitive, and behavioral interactions. This perspective is particularly effective for complex and multifaceted domains such as geological heritage, allowing conservation efforts to be not only scientific and expert-driven but also inclusive, sustainable, and impactful. The proposed framework can serve as a foundation for policy-making, educational program design, and the enhancement of social participation in geological heritage conservation at tourism destinations.
