The geological heritage for the promotion and enhancement of a territory. A proposal of geological itineraries in the Matese area (Molise, Southern Italy)

Abstract

Geosites are an essential part of the cultural heritage of a territory and can provide an important contribution to its promotion and enhancement. To this aim, based on the regional geosite inventory, several activities and initiatives have been carried out for the Molise territory. In the present paper, seven geo-itineraries are presented for the south-western sector of the Molise region, including the Matese Massif, aimed at the disclosure of its geoheritage to a non- scientific audience. The itineraries allow illustrating the most typical and representative geological aspects of this area by considering two different levels of knowledge/learning. They present, furthermore, multiple added interests allowing in this way a wider, integrated fruition of the cultural heritage and recreation opportunities. The itineraries proposal can support future actions aimed at geoheritage exploitation and contribute to the development of a sustainable tourism within the Molise territory.