Assessing geomorphosites used for rock climbing : the example of Monteleone Rocca Doria (Sardinia, Italy)

Abstract

Abstract. Within the framework of geomorphosite assessment with reference to tourism potential, a new field of research has opened up focusing on sites used for outdoor activities, like free climbing. This line of research in particular focuses on the suitability of geological and geomorphological characteristics of a specific site for a particular sport. Concentrating on geomorphological hazard, rock quality, tourism capacity and site vulnerability, a method of assessment was designed and tested on a number of important Itahan climbing sites. Using the results of the Monteleone Rocca Dona (Sardinia, Italy), the article presents the proposed approach of assessment. Although the site in question is recognised for its «scientific», «aesthetic» and «cultural value», it has drawn attention for its attractiveness for rock climbers in particular. Thus, the aim of the assessment was to support management of the site by proposing options for utüisation that are sensitive to both the needs of the climbers and the environment in which the site is embedded. In particular, attention was given to potential geomorphologically-related risks for climbers, the impacts linked to human presence and the specific characteristics of the geomorphosite.

Valorisation and categorisation of the geosites in the Podtatrze area (Southern Poland).

“…There are several quantitative methods for the assesment of geosites (Alexandrowicz et al, 1992;Koźma, 2009;Rybár et al, 2010;Baca, Schuster, 2011;Bruschi et al, 2011;Dmytrowski, Kicińska, 2011;Fassoulas et al, 2012) and geomorphosites (Serrano, Gonzalez-Trueba, 2005;Panizza et al, 2007;Reynard et al, 2007;Zauros, 2007;Pereira, Pereira, 2010;Rodriges, Fencesca, 2010). All of these methods are based on a method of grading points, which assigns values corresponding to the described features (Sołowiej, 1987).…”

Geoheritage, Geotourism and the Cultural Landscape: Enhancing the Visitor Experience and Promoting Geoconservation

“…In contrast, Eastern and indigenous cultures have placed a much stronger emphasis on harmony with nature and landscape appreciation through different cultural filters [29]. Consequently, a landscape can be understood and appreciated as a cultural image [30], involving all its natural and cultural components existing in a symbiotic, rather than a dichotomous relationship [3,[31][32][33][34][35][36]. For both the dedicated geotourist and particularly the general visitor who has less specialized interest in geology, the nature-culture symbiosis provides a means to enhance the visitor experience of engaging with geoheritage through different aspects of landscape appreciation.…”

“…The former include movable (e.g., paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and fossils) and immovable (e.g., buildings, townscapes, monuments, archaeological sites and rural landscapes) constituents; the latter, oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, cuisine, traditional skills and technologies, religious ceremonies and storytelling. As noted by Panizza and Piacente [31,37], aspects of geoheritage may in themselves be interconnections involve complex interactions of cultural practices and values within environmental spaces (in this case geosites and geoparks). As well as providing economic benefits from tourism activities, they also give rise to a range of relational benefits: shaping people's identities (belonging, sense of place, spirituality); experiences (tranquility, inspiration) that enhance well-being, mental and physical health; and knowledge skills and capabilities [55].…”

Directions in Geoheritage Studies: Suggestions from the Italian Geomorphological Community

“…As is often the case of leisure sports activities, the geomorphological resource is often the main motivation for destination choice. It is therefore advisable not to ignore the possible risks linked to the dynamic nature of the environment in which these activities take place (Panizza and Manca 2006;Panizza and Mennella 2007).…”