This paper deals with the main results and methodological processing of the first inventory of Geosites of the province of Leon (Autonomous Region of Castile and Leon, Spain). The inventory was designed to be used as a tool for introducing geoheritage in regional and local environmental management. This main aim determined the methodology of selection, study, description, and evaluation of every site. One of the main contributions in this work is the proposal of classifying Geosites in five typological categories: point, section, area, complex area, and viewpoint. This grouping allows one to summarize the basic features and the best way to popularize each geosite. We also detail both the problematic of dealing with diverse types of Geosites and the management advices proposed to solve it.
Mapping is a basic requirement for land use management, as effective protection of nature requires a clear delimitation of the sites involved. Additionally, mapping has other benefits for the transfer of information, as long as it is a comprehensible way of information exchange. The knowledge of geoheritage (geological heritage) and how it can be incorporated into the management of natural areas is an emerging topic. In this paper, a methodology that can be used to map geoheritage is proposed through the example of the Regional Park of Picos de Europa (Spain). Cartography is designed to be used as a tool for both prescriptive geoheritage management and land use planning processes in the protected area. The current examples of mapping consist of two groups of maps: (1) basic descriptive maps, where geosites are represented and which offer an overview of the geoheritage in the territory and (2) applied derived maps, which use the previous base cartography but also implement specific queries for management. Information codified in the derived maps may be diverse, ranging from the geosite degradation risk to the most adequate geosite use. The designed maps also achieve an important aim: They are easily interpreted and, therefore, might be used by many different professionals involved in environmental management.
This paper focuses on the management of geological heritage and particularly on the anthropic activities that stress these geological sites. Anthropic threats to geoheritage arise from two main sources: public use and the anthropic vulnerability of a geosite. Threats from public use include mining, quarrying, infrastructure construction, conflicts with other territorial uses, and possible conflicts with other types of natural or cultural heritages. Anthropic vulnerability comprises threats raised from the scientific, educational, and recreational uses of the geosites, as well as collecting and vandalism. All of these threats are discussed through the study case of the paleontological sites in La Rioja (Spain) where significant Cretaceous dinosaur footprints occur. The categorization and analysis of several cases allow for the discussion and proposal of diverse management strategies. The solutions provided derive from a management philosophy based on two basic principles: prevention and monitoring. These two premises entail changes both in the conservation of geological heritage and in general environmental management.
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