Risk assessment of Miocene – Pliocene geoheritage in SE Spain: the Reef Project

This study presents the selection and assessment of 13 geological sites in the municipalities of Elche and Alicante (Valencian Community, SE Spain), representative of sedimentary and palaeoenvironmental processes within the Bajo Segura basin linked to the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC). This assessment was made using the FOPALI (Fossils and Heritage of Alicante) method, which integrates scientific value, potential use and deterioration risk criteria, thus allowing for an objective and comparative evaluation of the vulnerability and risk factors affecting each site.

The results reveal that the outcrops possess high scientific significance due to the remarkable preservation of fossils and key stratigraphic records, as well as strong potential for educational programmes, public outreach, and geotourism. However, these sites are exposed to both natural and anthropogenic threats, including erosion processes, urban expansion, infrastructural development, insufficient legal protection, and incompatible land use. This compromises their integrity and long-term preservation and highlights the urgent need for proactive conservation strategies.

Overall, this study emphasizes the significance and vulnerability of the MSC-related geological heritage, which is included within a legally recognized context of international relevance (Act 42/2007, December 13, on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity). Beyond scientific analysis, the project aims to foster a sense of territorial identity rooted in the shared geological history of Elche and Alicante. By identifying the main risk factors, it provides a foundation for the development of strategies and practical approaches towards its conservation and sustainable use, contributing to both scientific knowledge and the education and awareness of the wider public.