Due to the increasing interest in geoconservation studies, several methods of geosites assessment have been published since the 1990s. A much less explored topic in this domain has been the degradation risk assessment of geosites, which, nevertheless, is of paramount importance, providing key information for their management and conservation. In fact, geoheritage is constantly under pressure due to natural or anthropogenic factors and processes. In many countries, geosites are at risk of degradation or even total loss as a consequence of the lack of a systematic inventory and the related ineffective management. Research for the evaluation of degradation risk and for monitoring the state of conservation of geosites therefore should be a priority for the scientific community. Despite this, few studies have dealt with the concept of geosites degradation risk, leading to the use of ambiguous terminology and with some of the terms being used interchangeably. Degradation risk is understood as the susceptibility to deterioration of a geosite. Admittedly, its assessment is fundamental to have an overview of geosite state of conservation and to schedule a correct monitoring plan in order to preserve the geoheritage relevance and/or restore stable conditions that were lost. It should be highlighted that the recognition and prevention of threats affecting geosites still lack common investigation schemes and approaches. In this context, this paper presents research aimed at providing the first systematic comprehensive literature review on degradation risk and related terms. In particular, the research is aimed at: (i) understanding how methods of geoheritage degradation risk developed and compare them; (ii) shedding light on terms related to degradation risk; (iii) putting the ground for the implementation of a generalized methodology/approach to assess geoheritage degradation risk. This will help future research to consider using the best methodology and to evaluate how their own work.
Comparative Analyses of Degradation Risk Assessment Methods
Faccini F.;Ferrando A.;
2023-01-01
Abstract
Due to the increasing interest in geoconservation studies, several methods of geosites assessment have been published since the 1990s. A much less explored topic in this domain has been the degradation risk assessment of geosites, which, nevertheless, is of paramount importance, providing key information for their management and conservation. In fact, geoheritage is constantly under pressure due to natural or anthropogenic factors and processes. In many countries, geosites are at risk of degradation or even total loss as a consequence of the lack of a systematic inventory and the related ineffective management. Research for the evaluation of degradation risk and for monitoring the state of conservation of geosites therefore should be a priority for the scientific community. Despite this, few studies have dealt with the concept of geosites degradation risk, leading to the use of ambiguous terminology and with some of the terms being used interchangeably. Degradation risk is understood as the susceptibility to deterioration of a geosite. Admittedly, its assessment is fundamental to have an overview of geosite state of conservation and to schedule a correct monitoring plan in order to preserve the geoheritage relevance and/or restore stable conditions that were lost. It should be highlighted that the recognition and prevention of threats affecting geosites still lack common investigation schemes and approaches. In this context, this paper presents research aimed at providing the first systematic comprehensive literature review on degradation risk and related terms. In particular, the research is aimed at: (i) understanding how methods of geoheritage degradation risk developed and compare them; (ii) shedding light on terms related to degradation risk; (iii) putting the ground for the implementation of a generalized methodology/approach to assess geoheritage degradation risk. This will help future research to consider using the best methodology and to evaluate how their own work.
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