Geological, cultural and emotional aspects for the valorization of existing and potential geosites: some case studies in the Valmarecchia and Montefeltro historical region (Northern Apennines, Italy).

The territories of the Valmarecchia and Montefeltro historical region have been investigated as emblematic expressions of dynamic landscapes that constantly change through time and as a consequence of human activities. Geosites of the study area represent different activity levels and periods, as some of the sites are related to anthropic activities and have witnessed the human population for decades, centuries and, for some of them, millennia. The continuous man-land interaction manifests as a wide assortment of spectacular fragments of landscape that witness destructive landslides, floods, unfortunate climate changes, mining operations and human exploitation of natural resources. The geomorphological interpretative basis has been settled for the promotion of Valmarecchia and Montefeltro geoheritage, in particular in terms of geotourism, as an example of Geomorphological Landscape. This last, according to Reynard & Panizza (2005), indicates a landscape made up of a composition of evidence and terrestrial forms closely interconnected by a network of genetic and functional relationships. The promotion has also been made by focusing on existing and newly proposed geosites as the best places for the transmission and dissemination of geological aspects, possibly through first-hand experience (i.e., guided excursions that aim to involve the user not only from a notional point of view but also from an emotional one) to better convey the content to be communicated. Three already known geosites and one new proposed geosite have been selected to carry out an educational geotouristic project named Paesaggeo. The project aims to engage a broad public sensitive to the themes of geology and natural environments, using digital tools and propose geologically themed treks in the selected geosites. Four different modes have been drafted and tested for each geosite, experimenting different approaches to communicate the same content. The purpose is to get the public closer to geological, geomorphological and geoheritage concepts, which are always connected to the naturalistic, biological and cultural heritage, and develop tourism promotion strategies based on geological heritage. Our goals are: lead locals and tourists to a greater understanding of natural phenomena and their typical time scales; spread knowledge about dynamic landscapes and natural, geological and hydrological risks to a broad public; promote an integrated form of slow tourism, which enhances the relationship between natural processes and populations through time.

Reynard E., & Panizza M. (2005). Geomorphosites: definition, assessment and mapping. An introduction. Géomorphologie: relief, processus, environnement, 11(3), 177-180. https://doi.org/10.4000/geomorphologie.337