Work

Geoheritage Degradation Risk Assessment: Methodologies and Insights

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Over the past 25 years, geoconservation studies and interest in geoheritage have grown significantly. However, the assessment of degradation risks associated with geosites remains less explored. This aspect is crucial for the effective management and conservation of geosites, which face pressure from natural and human factors. In many countries, geosites are at risk of degradation or loss due to the lack of a systematic inventory and inadequate management. Therefore, evaluating and monitoring degradation risks is a priority for the scientific community. Common investigation schemes and approaches for recognizing and preventing threats to geosites are still lacking. This paper presents the first systematic literature review on degradation risk and related terms. Through an extensive search of widely used literature databases, 130 papers were selected and analyzed. The findings highlight a growing focus on quantitative approaches for the assessment of geoheritage degradation risk, with most research conducted at local scales, while identifying climate change as an underexplored yet critical factor. Future priorities include refining spatial and temporal scales, understanding degradation processes, and fostering global collaboration to improve conservation strategies.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su162310336

Authors: Vittoria Vandelli, Lidia Selmi, Francesco Faccini, Andrea Ferrando, Paola Coratza

Institutions: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University of Genoa

Language: English

Topic: Geotourism and Geoheritage Conservation

Subfield: Geology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,728