A geotouristic proposal for Amendolara territory (northern ionic sector of Calabria, Italy)

• Published in: Geoheritage Vol. 4; no. 3; pp. 139 - 151
• Main Authors: Bruno, Delia Evelina, Perrotta, Piero
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.09.2012
• Subjects: Biogeosciences; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Historical Geology; Landscape/Regional and Urban Planning; Mineralogy; Paleontology; Physical Geography; Review Article; GIS; Cave; Geologic heritage; Cultural geomorphology
• ISSN: 1867-2477; 1867-2485
• DOI: 10.1007/s12371-011-0047-8

The Calabria Region is one of the most interesting areas in the world for the extraordinary variety of structural and geomorphologic configurations, an interest which reflects primarily the complex geological processes that characterise it. Moreover, in the Amendolara, geological resources represent both scientific and cultural values and together define the geodiversity significance of this territory. Such geological resources therefore represent an important part of the cultural component because they are connected to historical events. On-site and photo-aerial investigations were carried out in the Amendolara area, allowing us to develop a thematic map in which the “geomorphologic memory places” could be identified. These were divided into geosites (typically geological and geomorphological sites) and geoarchaeological sites (the “Hermit caves” specifically). All geosites were identified, mapped and described in conformance with the “Italian geosites inventory method”. The adoption of a GIS software system allowed us to both obtain a geotourism map as a final output and integrate potential environmental factors as these represent a significant added value to social structures in the area. A conceptual geotourism route has been developed which will contribute to and provide a framework for the development of eco-sustainable tourism. This route commences with the oldest lithologies and geological features, and continues down slope towards coastal areas which are characterised by the earliest record of human interactions in the territory. This linear trail design is preferred to a loop trail as it provides better continuity between morpho-geological and historical features. The route is very simple for visitors as it follows the course of main roads and the beginning, the intermediate stops and the end all correspond to well-known places. This proposal offers a useful support to planning-management decision-making processes, as the destruction of “geomorphologic–geoarchaeologic monuments” would result in an enormous loss to future generations.