The Mt. Catria–Mt. Nerone Ridge in the North-Marchean Apennines (Central Italy): A Potential Geopark?

Abstract

The inventory and evaluation of geosites are fundamental steps of any geoconservation strategies and in setting priorities for the management of protected areas. The North-Marchean Apennines (central Italy) host an extraordinary geoheritage, making its use by society worthwhile and meaningful (e.g., teaching/learning, tourism, and recreation). An area of 600 square kilometres embracing 18 municipalities, mainly distributed along the Mt. Catria–Mt. Nerone ridge, is home to numerous spectacular geosites. The purpose of this study is to analyze the environmental heritage of the North-Marchean Apennines through the recognition, selection, and description of an extensive list of geosites, with a view to providing useful data for the establishment of a possible geopark discussed in the context of a region that is rich in protected areas. Among these, seven geosites were chosen as representative of the area and were processed through a quantitative evaluation method. The calculated Q-values are indicative of geosites of high significance and well represent the great variety and strong potential of this area. The seven geosites, witnesses of sites with a high aesthetic value, are framed from a geological and geomorphological point of view, without neglecting the additional values that make these localities particularly attractive for geotouristic and educational purposes. The study area is finally framed in the context of the region’s protected areas, with a view to the conservation and enhancement of its environmental heritage.

The Backgrounds of Renaissance Paintings in the Ancient Duchy of Urbino (Central Italy): Exploring New Forms of Valorization of Geoheritage through Their Inclusion in UNESCO Cultural Landscapes

“…During the Pliocene (about 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago), the orogenesis reached its peak; the Marchean basin was subjected to great compression with uplift of the sedimentary deposits, and a series of eastward folds and overthrusts formed [26][27][28]. The deformation and emersion of the chain persisted until the Quaternary period, and, concomitantly, the area was shaped by exogenous agents on different lithotypes [29], producing the present-day, highly articulated, and suggestive scenario, characterized by extraordinary geodiversity [30,31].…”

Attractiveness Assessment Model for Evaluating an Area for a Potential Geopark—Case Study: Hațeg UNESCO Global Geopark (Romania)

“…Many researchers have established scoring systems [12,43] or included a weighted method [18,19]. The geopark theme [44,45], the destination geoheritage assessment point of view, and the assessment of certain areas for possible geoparks [46] have been considered as well.…”