RICERCA ITALIANA     

Geomorphological Heritage as a resource for a sustainable tourism

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Abstract

At this particular moment in time, a greater awareness has been developing in our society regarding its culture, nature and also its geology. This has led to a reassessment of tourism and recognition of the need for appropriate tools and new strategies for the correct and responsible fruition of geomorphological sites. Indeed the above elements have started to arouse great interest among the public, not only from the scenic or aesthetic viewpoint but also because they embody other environmental parameters.
This research project was therefore set up to meet the ever-growing needs of public Boards (Local Administrations, Consortia of Mountain Communes, Parks etc.). It aims to develop a specific awareness and propose methods and examples capable of facing these new challenges. In particular, this research programme is divided into three phases. The first phase of the research has a manifold goal: a) to propose a standardised methodology for assessing Geomorphological Assets; b) to set up and experiment techniques and methods for mapping Geomorphological Assets; c) to acquire the elements necessary for the appraisal of the landscape for tourism purposes from the geomorphological viewpoint with the integration of various cultural components. The second research phase aims to combine fruition of geomorphosites for the purpose of tourism with the concept of "environmental sustainability". In particular, two important consequences will be taken into account: i) impacts, that >>>

Principal Investigator

Mario PANIZZA Università degli Studi di MODENA e REGGIO EMILIA

Research Objectives

At this particular moment in time, a greater awareness has been developing in our society regarding its culture, nature and also its geology. This has led to a reassessment of tourism and recognition of the need for appropriate tools and new strategies for the correct and responsible fruition of geomorphological sites. Indeed the above elements have started to arouse great interest among the public, not only from the scenic or aesthetic viewpoint but also because they embody other environmental parameters. In particular, the geological and geomorphological components are not yet fully appreciated as cultural assets to be experienced and enjoyed, hence the need to find and experiment new paths and strategies to spread information about them not just within scientific or institutional circles, but among the population in general. This is the new key for presenting Geology with a more attractive face, that is not only the harsh face linked to hazards and risks - though these are very important for the safety of visitors - but also a gentler one, made up of attractive diversities, history and emotional and visual enjoyment. Although long familiar to the scientific community, the recently introduced concept of Geodiversity can provide research with new opportunities and incentives both to improve our knowledge and to safeguard and manage territorial resources. The multiplicity of geological environments making up the concept of Geodiversity is at the very basis of the variety of >>>

First Results

This first phase of research will allow us to:
- collect examples of Geomorphosite mapping and geomatic procedures, also by adding other components of the cultural landscape;
- set up and apply a quantitative assessment methodology of Geomorphosites to sample areas;
- define geomatic and build-up procedures for computer-elaborated and geo-referenced archives and maps;
- produce computer-elaborated maps of Geomorphosites in sample areas;
- produce the first climatic-tourist indexes for the areas selected and start a discussion on the production of tourist maps capable of integrating finalised geomorphological data with climatic data.This second phase of research will therefore allow us to:
- define and examine the methodologies studying anthropogenetic impacts and geomorphological hazard in relation to tourist influx;
- set up a record of cases concerning the heaviest impacts due to fruition for tourism ;
- identify situations presenting the highest risk levels;
- propose mitigation and safeguard measures.This third phase of research will allow us to:
- critically compare the results, also by means of modern geomatic instruments;
- produce a methodological synthesis and standardisation of mapping techniques;
- propose a series of norms for the management of the geomorphological heritage for tourism purposes, in terms of benefits, risks and impacts;
- propose information and educational >>>

Timescale

24 months

National and international background

Geological heritage conservation measures were first introduced in northern European countries (Norway, Sweden, Great Britain) at the beginning of the 20th century, but the most important event demonstrating modern Nature conservation policy was the "Convention on the Protection of World Culture and Nature" ratified by more than 155 Countries and adopted by UNESCO at the Paris General Conference in 1972. In addition, this Convention set up the compilation of the "World Heritage List", i.e. a list of assets which have "exceptional universal value" from the historic, artistic or scientific viewpoint. These assets make up an important part of the identity of mankind and as such should be made known to all the peoples of the world. Other conventions, subsequently signed by various European countries, are now operative in Europe. Among these, the most significant one for the goals of the present study is the "European Convention on Landscape", which was set up in Florence in October 2000 by the Congress of Local and Regional Powers of Europe (CPLRE). This congress acknowledges the paramount importance of landscape in strengthening regional identities and diversities, as well as appraising the relations between people and their territories. As regards the situation in Europe, in 1988 the first European Association for landscape promotion was created: the European Working Group for Earth Science Conservation - which in 1993 was transformed into ProGEO (European Association for the >>>