Geomorphosites and geomorphodiversity of Apennine mountain landscapes to sustain geotourism in protected areas: Some examples from Southern Italy

The Apennine mountain areas host a significant variability of landscapes and related high geomorphodiversity. Thanks to their notable natural heritage and high degree of biodiversity, many of these areas host natural protected areas. However, although the natural values of protected areas are undoubtedly connected to their geological-geomorphological features, the fruition of the geomorphological heritage is still very limited. The present study illustrates the possible contribution of geomorphosites and geomorphodiversity sites to sustain the development of geotourism in protected areas. To this aim, two mountain areas of the Molise region (Southern Italy) were selected, falling in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and in the recently established Matese National Park, respectively. The rich geomorphological heritage of these areas was analyzed and archived in a GIS database. It included 29 geomorphosites and 5 geomorphodiversity sites referring to the categories structural/tectonic, karst, glacial, fluvial, and complex sites. Among these sites, we selected 15 geomorphosites and 4 geodiversity sites, which were retained particularly suitable for geotourism purposes and best representing the distinguished geomorphological heritage and diversity in both areas. Site selection was based on literature review and relative precedent geosite evaluations through quali-quantitative procedures, integrated with field surveys and territorial GIS analyses. The selected sites, thanks to their characteristics, can be useful tools and destinations to sustain the development of geotourism activities and increase sustainable tourism within the two park areas.