Application of density analysis for quantitative assessment of the geoheritage and its implementation in the Courel Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark (Spain)

Abstract

<p>Inventories of geosites and their quantitative assessments constitute solid and efficient tools to conduct geoconservation and geotourism actions towards suitable management. The criteria addressed for listing and evaluating geosites vary widely according to the target, subject, value and work scale of the inventory, as well as different ways of understanding geoheritage. All this complicates the display and understanding of the geoheritage and its grade of implementation in a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp).</p><p>The objective of our work is to apply density functions to display graphically the numerical assessments of the geosite inventory of the Courel Mountains UGGp (Spain) and the degree of implementation of the geoheritage in its local development. The inventory focuses on tourism and educational uses and involves five main quantitative indexes (environmental value, scientific value, geoconservation, potential use, real use); in detail, the potential use results from four secondary indexes (visitability, promotion, local services & leisure, other interests). The density curves were performed for each selected index projected on an X-axis that ranges from “very low” to “very high” values.</p><p>The natural value density curve shows an expected approximately normal distribution. The scientific value function has two maxima at “middle-high” and “low” value, and the geoconservation index corresponds to a normal distribution in which the mean is located at high-very high values. The highest abundance of the potential and real uses curves fit the low score; in the same way, the modes of the secondary indexes range from the “very low” to “medium” values. The density curves reveal the occurrence of well-preserved geosites with a variable natural interest and scientific knowledge. Many geosites required additional scientific studies. The low potential use suggests the implementation of the geosites into the UGGp development should be encouraged through the promotion of geosites, the improvement of their visitability (mainly accessibility and viewing), and the provision of new local services and outdoor activities in their surroundings by local enterprises.</p><p>In conclusion, density functions constitute a useful tool to display visually and make easier interpretations of the geosite quantitative assessment. The density curves also represent the global state of the local geoheritage and its implementation in the performance of the UGGp.</p>