A quantitative approach to geosites assessment of the Talassemtane National Park (NW of Morocco)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/egeol.43448.520Keywords:
NW Morocco, Talassemtane National Park, Geosite assesment, UNESCO Global GeoparksAbstract
The Talassemtane National Park (TNP), registered in the tentative list of Morocco for a future nomination as World Heritage by the UNESCO, is characterized by its great biodiversity and integration in the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (UNESCO). Although authorities are very concerned about valorization and protection of biodiversity (flora and fauna), the interest in geological heritage is still much lower. Therefore, this paper intends to expose and provide value to the best sites of geologic interest (Geosites) recognizable in the area. We propose 34 Geosites as the most suitable to be considered representatives of the geological diversity of the National Park, displaying a great variety of geological typologies such as: structural geoloy, stratigraphy, sedimentology and paleontological sites, geomaterials and petrography, landforms and hydrogeology-hydraulic features. In order to classify and rank the Geosites while avoiding subjectivity, a numerical methodology based on two modules has been applied. The two modules consist of the Scientific Value (SV) and Additional Value (AV) each one being composed, in turn, by an important number of criteria. In addition, the Degradation Risk (DR) of the Geosites has also been valorized on the basis of several criteria. Some actions, following the criteria of the Global Geoparks Network by UNESCO, have been proposed for better conservation of the Geosites, as well as to contribute to education and to promote tourism. These actions would also stimulate economic activity and sustainable development in the area by attracting increasing numbers of visitors.
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