The enhancement of the geological heritage of the Taburno-Camposauro Regional Park as an opportunity for sustainable development in Campania (Italy)

Abstract

The Taburno-Camposauro Regional Park extends for almost 137 km2 in the internal areas of Campania. The park includes the mountain ranges that give it its name, which are located in the southern segment of the Apennine chain, as well as their foothills. Belonging to this segment is evident from the geological history, which can be read in the outcrops of the rocks, in the form of the landscape and in the surface and underground waters present in this area. The same history of man, who has frequented these places from very long times, seems to be embedded in these characteristics, indeed over the centuries man has appreciated the advantages of using these assets. In fact, as it was not possible to detect in the eastern Camposauro, the beauty of the shallow marine limestone outcrops of the middle Cretaceous. In that period these limestones were found suddenly emerged and therefore subject to phenomena of atmospheric degradation, so they were altered and corroded. The filling of the cracks and cavities with residual deposits has caused these rocks to assume polychrome colours mostly of various shades of red. Soon they became the object of mining, and today these worked stones, called "marbles", adorn the monumental buildings not only in Italy (Caserta, Naples, Rome), but also abroad (France, England and even Russia). But how can we forget among the geological assets, the richness of the widespread karst forms of the Taburno and Camposauro. Those present on the highest plateaus are represented by sinkholes and polje, which are still frequented today by flocks and herds of one of the oldest activities in these territories: the breeding. While, the numerous caves that open on their slopes, not always entirely attributable to karst phenomena, were places of worship and devotion, or a refuge for shepherds, brigands and hermits. Today in some of them we recognize the "footprints" they left behind (eg the 12th century rock paintings). Another aspect that should not be underestimated is water. In addition to the numerous small springs scattered almost everywhere in the Park area and the hydrographic network that diverges from the reliefs to extend to the surrounding plains to feed the precious crops of the territory, the water spring of the south-eastern side Taburno known since Roman times. They were once so abundant that they fed the western coastal areas with monumental aqueducts, also recognized by UNESCO. These geological assets, mentioned above, are just some of those present in the Park heritage, which could be enhanced to ensure not only their protection, but the development of economic and tourist activities in an internal area. In fact, the position of this area places it in constant marginalization. Such enhancement integrated by the variety of ecosystems as well as other cultural, gastronomic and intangible heritages in the Taburno-Camposauro Regional Park could represent a real development opportunity for the present and for future generations.