Nature has always attracted people with the beauty it creates. However, for the natural potential of a certain territory to be appropriately used, nature should be valorized, geoconservation and sustainable development. Attractive geodiversity is the main source for the development of geo-tourism. The promotion of geo-tourist destinations raises public awareness of the values of the objects of the geoheritage, but also of their endangerment. From the aspect of the geoheritage of Republic of Macedonia's territory, it can be noticed that there are representative and rare geological and geomorphologic objects which are a significant factor for the development of the geotourism. The objects of the geoheritage in the Republic of Macedonia possess high values and attractiveness that can be interpreted, edited and promoted for geo-territorial purposes. This study discusses the potential of Macedonia's geoheritage, which is based on preserving and managing the landscape and on the connection with the potential of its geotourism.

The territory of Western Macedonia covers an area of 10473 km², or 40.7% of the total territory of the Republic of Macedonia. The territory includes Polog, Pelagonia and the Southwest Plan Regions. The cultural and the natural heritage in the western part exceeds the country borders, so some of them are important tourist destinations in the Balkans and Europe. The transformation of the area can be observed through the number of visitors, realized overnight stays, participation of the tourism in the national GDP and their impact on the development of linear and institutional infrastructure in this part of the country.

Natural Monument called "Markovi Kuli" is located near the town of Prilep. It is composed of a number of striking various meso and micro denudacial relief forms of which a group of small rocky forms is noticeable, rock pillars, stone blocks and depression in "gneiss" rocks. In the Republic of Macedonia in the category of natural monuments the site was first announced in 1967, and reannounced in 2006. The natural monument "Markovi Kuli" to be a protected area of internationally recognized status within UNESCO, it should fulfill certain criteria of this organization. Due to the outstanding natural values and fulfilling some of the conditions and criteria of 24.06.2004, the natural monument "Markovi Kuli" is inscribed in the tentative list of UNESCO world natural heritage. Almost 12 years ago, but still no concrete answer further about the site what will be happening. In this paper the conditions and criteria will be analyzed as to restart the idea of the natural monument "Markovi Kuli" to be nominated and placed in the official list of UNESCO as a world natural heritage.

In its geological evolution, the territory of the Republic of Macedonia was characterized by a great volcanic activity, but given the fact that active volcanic processes are not present today, the palaeo-volcanic relief forms are being emphasized. They occur in the form of volcanic cones, volcanic necks or plugs, remnants of volcanic craters, plateaus and other forms that are most prominent in the areas of extinct volcanic activity. The significance of the objects of the geoheritage is based on their defined values. Upon the termination of the volcanic activity to date, the volcanic forms are significantly morphologically modified mostly as a result of the large erosive processes and anthropogenic influences. Therefore, the prominent palaeo-volcanic relief forms that are part of the geoheritage need adequate protection. They deserve special attention, due to the fact that some of them are natural rarities that exceed not only the borders of the Balkan Peninsula but also in Europe.

Although the North Macedonia occupies a relatively small area of 25 713 km 2 , it possesses a large number of geological, geomorphological and hydrological relief forms, which due to its diversity and uniqueness are prominent as important the geoheritage sites. A large percentage of geoheritage sites are exposed to destruction or complete disappearance, and as the main factor for this are the various natural processes and human activities. This paper analyzes the several examples in danger and no longer exist geoheritage sites on the territory of North Macedonia, the level of threat and their protection. In order to stop the further degradation of the remaining geoheritage sites it is necessary to take appropriate measures of protection and adequate management of the geoheritage by the state and local governments. To ensure long-term survival of geoheritage sites as paramount priority is to perform adequate protection regulated by law.