Work

Valorisation of archaeological and geological resources in Montenegro using GAM and UGAM methodologies: case study of Municipium S

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the ancient Roman settlement of Municipium S, active from the 1st to the 4th century AD. The sites are located near Pljevlja (Montenegro). The research aimed to assess its scientific, natural, conservation, and tourist value using both quantitative and qualitative methods. It focused in particular on cultural policy and sustainable development. A major challenge is the lack of systematic tools for evaluating archaeological and geological heritage. This makes it harder to include the sites in planning and tourism. The study used the geoheritage assessment model (GAM) and urban geoheritage assessment model (UGAM) models, as well as SWOT, GAP, and PESTEL analyses. Data were collected from fieldwork, surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews. The urban geosite value of 166.88 and the tourist value of 49.70 place Municipium S in field U31 of the UGAM matrix. This is typical for research-oriented sites. The scientific value (100.47) and natural value (35.88) indicate strong archaeological significance and a unique landscape. The lower conservation value of 29.73 and the tourism value of 49.70 indicate limited infrastructure, insufficient conservation and insufficient coordination. This site is an important scientific site in Montenegro. A special contribution of this article is that the importance factor from the UGAM model was calculated for the Montenegrin tourism market. This research provides a framework for the assessment of archaeological and geological heritage. It helps decision-makers guide long-term management and promotion strategies.

Source: Open Geosciences

DOI: 10.1515/geo-2025-0998

Authors: Željko Kalezić, Slobodan Marković, Miloš Marjanović, Aleksandar Radivojević, Velibor Spalevic

Institutions: University of Montenegro, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, State University of Novi Pazar

Language: English

Topic: Geotourism and Geoheritage Conservation

Subfield: Geology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,469