Volume 7 , Issue 1 (89-111)

Geoconservation Research (GCR)

https://dx.doi.org/10.57647/j.gcr.2024.0701.06

Current Trends and Future Directions for Geoheritage Assessment Methodology in Morocco

Mustapha El Hamidy1*

1. Governance of Territories and Societies Research Team, Polydisciplinary 0000-0002-6960-2769 Faculty, Safi, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco

2. Geodynamics, Geoeducation, and Geological Heritage team, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco

*Corresponding author: Mustapha El Hamidy Email: [email protected]

Original Research

Received:

21-Feb-2024

Revised:

24-May-2024

Accepted:

09-Jun-2024

Published:

29 Jun 2024

© The Author(s) 2024

Abstract

Inventorying and assessing geoheritage is a prerequisite for developing measures to preserve unique geological and geomorphological sites. Several researchers have developed methods for assessing and determining the value of geological and geomorphological sites. Given rapid envi- ronmental and climatic changes, it is crucial to improve the state of geoheritage assessment and inventory development. This overview presents an analysis of research on geoheritage assess- ment conducted in Morocco over the past 14 years (2008–2022). The objective is to provide an overview of the main methodological approaches. The analysis is based on a search of the Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify publications dealing mainly with Mo- roccan geoheritage sites. We find that most studies have concentrated on the identification and characterization of various geoheritage sites across the country, employing only the descriptive method. However, as the field has progressed, earth scientists are applying quantitative inventory and assessment methods, with some initiatives to propose new methods adapted to the Moroccan context.

Keywords: Geoheritage, Geoconservation, Inventory, Assessment, Morocco.

Introduction

Since the late 1990s, there has been growing in- terest worldwide in the study of geoheritage sites. Geoheritage sites are objects belonging to abiotic nature, associated with the concept of geodiversity (Gray et al 2013; Hobléa et al. 2017; Bétard et al. 2018; Brilha et al. 2018), and are an integral part of natural heritage. These geoheritage sites have been broadly defined by scientists and internation- al organizations, most notably UNESCO, which considers them to be “all natural geological sites possessing, considerable value to humans includ- ing their scientific, educational, aesthetic, cultural

significance and humanity’s sense of belonging” (Kubalíková 2013). Geoheritage can be defined as geological facts of global, national or local im- portance, and geological sites that represent phe- nomena (volcanism, magmatic segregation, meta- morphism, weathering, sedimentation, etc.) and/or bear witness to the Earth’s history (paleontology, global tectonics, climate, sea level, etc.).

The first proposals of quantitative methodolo- gies for assessing geosites date back to the early 1990s (Grandgirard 1997; Panizza 2001; Bruschi and Cendrero 2005; Reynard and Panizza 2005; Pralong 2005; Pereira and Pereira 2007; Reynard

et al.. 2007). These initiatives aimed to demon- strate the importance of geoheritage for science and society, and specialists (geographers, geomor- phologists, and geologists) took steps to develop scientific methods for the enhancement of these geoheritage sites through a precise popularization process (Cayla 2009; Sellier 2009). Diagnostic and landscape mediation tools were proposed to enhance geomorphosites and make them known to the general public. Mediation targets different categories: specialists, geographers, geologists, geomorphologists, non-specialists, tourists, resi- dents, land managers, etc. Surveys are one of the most interesting tools in landscape mediation in helping to guide measures for the protection and enhancement of geomorphological heritage by bringing together all the players who benefit from and exploit these major elements of nature (Martin 2013).

In Western countries, geoheritage (geosites or geo- morphosites) inventory work has been carried out, along with actions and programs to enhance them (Hobléa et al. 2017) based on scientific method- ologies (Fontana 2008; Kubalíková 2013). Other research has been devoted to geoheritage map- ping using different cartographic representation methods: geomorphological maps, thematic maps of scientific and additional values, and geotour- ism maps (Reynard and Lambiel 2015, Fox et al. 2022). Geotourism tours have also been proposed, as a means of enhancing geoheritage, for example, the Danube Gorge guide in Romania (Iosif 2014). Finally, there is research dealing with the percep- tion of local stakeholders towards geoheritage.

In the countries of the greater Maghreb and Af- rica, on the other hand, interest in geoheritage is relatively absent, and no State inventory initia- tives have been carried out to date, despite their often remarkable and unique geological and geo- morphological wealth. However, initiatives are beginning in some countries as part of universi-

ty research groups on geoheritage (Errami et al. 2013, 2015a). The African Association of Women in Geosciences (AAWG), for example, has de- veloped an “African Geoparks Network (AGN)” project, which has organized, in collaboration with other partners, several activities to promote geoheritage and the geoparks concept in sub-Sa- haran Africa (Errami et al. 2009, 2013, 2015a).

Morocco, situated between the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north, is known for the diversity of its landforms, alternat- ing Saharan reliefs, high Atlas Mountains, high plateaus, and vast plains drained by water basins and river systems, fostering an important ecolog- ical and agricultural life. However, despite the enormous importance of its geodiversity, Morocco has not yet made its protection a priority in its heri- tage policies (El Hamidy et al. 2024a, Errami et al. 2024). The absence of specific legislation leaves emblematic sites, including world-renowned di- nosaur tracks and ancient rock engravings, vulner- able to degradation and exploitation. The absence of a national strategy for cataloging and preserv- ing geoheritage exacerbates this problem, jeopar- dizing invaluable scientific and cultural resources. Urgent action is needed to implement comprehen- sive protection measures and raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding Morocco’s geo- diversity for future generations (El Hamidy et al. 2024c).

On the other hand, national and regional recogni- tion of the importance of geoheritage is growing, notably with the establishment of the M’Goun Geopark in 2004, located in the Béni Mellal Khénifra region. It was the first geopark in the Maghreb to be designated by UNESCO in 2014 and approved in 2018, confirming the remarkable geodiversity represented by the central High Atlas in which the geopark is located.

In parallel with this regional dynamic around geo- heritage, several university initiatives have led

to the production of a series of geological guides covering the whole of Morocco, and other initia- tives led by geologists and geographers with the inventory and evaluation of around 100 geosites as part of research groups associated with universi- ties (Fig. 1, 2; Table 1). There is growing interest- ed in the inventory, protection, and enhancement of these geoheritage sites, in line with Morocco’s new ambition to become one of the world’s 20 top

tourist destinations, according to the 2020 tourism development strategy. This focuses on diversify- ing the tourism offer, in particular by exploiting and enhancing natural, cultural, and human assets.

The main objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of geo- heritage and geosite evaluations in Morocco. By synthesizing the relevant literature, the study aims to elucidate the main methodological approaches

‌Figure 1. Map illustrating the geographic distribution of studies related to geoheritage across Morocco from 2008 to 2022.

‌Figure 2. Examples of geoheritage sites: A) Jbel Irhoud Geosite, the Cradle of Humanity,Youssoufia Province (El Hamidy et al. 2024b); B) Source of Ain Sebou in BouIblane (Baadi et al. 2020); (C) Issafen’s flatirons in SW of the Issafen city (Berred et al. 2019b); D) Ras El Oued cave in the Northern Middle Atlas (Baadi et al. 2021a); E) Giant trilobite specimens from the locality of Ouled Slimane (Zagora) (Beraaouz et al. 2019), Examples of one of the landscape paintings performed by the Belgian artist Jean Verame in granitic landforms near Tafraoute, known as the “Roches Peintes”(Druguet et al. 2015).

‌Table 1. Publications related to geoheritage in Morocco

employed in the evaluation of geoheritage sites in the Moroccan context. In addition, it seeks to identify gaps and challenges in existing method- ologies, paving the way for future research direc- tions and the development of more objective and universally applicable evaluation criteria.

Materials and Methods

Geoconservation cannot be successful without the development of a geosite inventory and assess- ment as a first step. Several methodologies have been proposed (Grandgirard 1995, 1996, 1999;

Cendrero 1996; Wimbledon 1995, 1996; Alexand- rowicz and Kozlowski 1999; Panizza 2001; Brus- chi and Cendrero, 2005; Coratza and Giusti 2005; Pralong, 2005; Pralong and Reynard 2005; Zouros 2007; De Wever et al. 2006; Pereira et al. 2007; Reynard et al. 2007, 2016; Panizza and Piacente 2008; Bruschi and Cendrero 2009; García-Cortés

and Carcavilla 2009; Erhartič 2010; Fuertes-Guti- érrez & Fernández-Martínez 2010; Lima et al. 2010; Pereira and Pereira 2010; Ruban 2010; Pereira et al. 2010; Bâca & Schuster 2011; Poirier and Daigneault 2011; Bruschi et al. 2011; Feuillet

and Sourp 2011; Vujičić et al. 2011; Wimbledon et al. 2011; Bollati et al. 2012, 2013, 2016; Fassou- las et al. 2012; Doktor et al. 2015; Brilha 2016, 2018; Sellier 2016).

These proposals for quantifying elements of geo- diversity attempt to establish criteria for assess- ment and to define priorities for site conservation and enhancement. Researchers have attempted to minimize, if not eliminate, the subjectivity inher- ent in quantifying elements of geodiversity. Most methodologies present a set of values that are sub- divided into a set of criteria to be scored and as- sessed through a formula that enables geosites to be compared.

In our study, we carry out a literature review to provide a framework for future research efforts through a comprehensive review of the literature, data and subsequent evaluation. There are three phases: (1) an exhaustive search, (2) a selection of relevant publications related to Morocco, and

(3) a review and analysis of the selected literature (Fig. 3).

‌Figure 3. Methodology adopted for the study.

We used three online scientific literature databas- es: Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar, searching articles, conference papers, editorials, commentaries, and book chapters. These three databases were chosen to guarantee the quality of the literature selected. The keywords used for the search were (ALL = (“Inventory” OR “Geosites” OR “Geomorphosite” OR “Geoheritage assess- ment” OR “Geosite assessment” OR “Geoconser- vation” OR “Geotourism” OR “Geoeducation”)), examining the title, abstract, and keywords of each. The literature identified was then fed into the second phase of the study, in which we extract- ed information on the inventory and assessment of Moroccan geoheritage sites.

Results

We identified 84 relevant documents published

since 2008 (Table 1). In these, different authors have tried to inventory and present geosites and areas with geological heritage, where 50 papers (59.5%) focus on geosites, 18 (21.5%) on geomor-

phosites, and 16 (19%) on both (Fig. 4).

In the papers, different approaches are used to identify geosites and evaluate them: 55 (65.5%) used the descriptive method, 16 (19%) used the Reynard et al. (2016) method, 6 (7.5%) used the

Brilha (2016) method, and 7 (8%) proposed new approaches (Fig.5). These results suggest that the literature in general is insufficient as most use only the descriptive method.

In further detail, 24 (28.5%) of the papers focused on inventory, 29 (34.5%) on presentation of a geo- site or an area containing geological and/or geo- morphological heritage, 28 (33.4%) on inventory

‌Figure 4. Type of sites.

‌Figure 5. Methodologies used in Moroccan papers.

and quantitative assessment, and only 3 (3.6%) presented a geosite with a quantitative assessment (Fig. 6).

We identify two distinct periods in the study of Moroccan geoheritage: the introductory phases (2008–2015) and the growth phase (2016–2022)

(Fig. 7).

• During the introductory phases, there was limit- ed growth in publications focusing on Morocco’s

  geological heritage. The authors relied mainly on descriptive methods to describe aspects of the geological inventory and the presentation of spe- cific regions of the country.

• In contrast, the growth phase saw a remarkable increase in scientific output, indicating growing interest and commitment within the Moroccan scientific community. Researchers employed a range of methodological approaches to quantify,

  
  

  ‌Figure 6. The focus of Moroccan paper.

  
  

  ‌Figure 7. Trends in the assessment method used in publications from 2008 to 2022.

  
  

  assess, and manage geosites and geomorphosites, including those of Reynard et al. (2016) and Bril- ha (2016). In addition, some new methods adapt- ed to the inventory and assessment of Moroccan geosites and geomorphosites were proposed (Ait Omar et al. 2019: Baadi et al. 2020; Ech-charay et al. 2022).

  Discussion

  Geoheritage assessments based on qualitative methods in Morocco range from very general stud- ies, such as the inventory of geosites in a given area, to detailed studies, such as the presentation of a single geosite or geomorphosite. In Moroc- co, two quantitative methodologies are commonly employed:

• Brilha (2016): the method evaluates geoheritage according to four criteria: scientific value, educa- tional value, tourist value, and risk of degradation. Each criterion is divided into sub-indices (from 5 to 13), and the scores are then added together. The maximum possible score is 400 points.

• Reynard et al. (2016): the procedure includes four steps. First, a comprehensive description of the site under consideration is provided, detail- ing its geological and geomorphological features. Second, the assessment examines the intrinsic value of the site, considering its scientific signifi- cance alongside additional values such as cultural, ecological, and aesthetic attributes. Third is doc- umentation of the current use and management status of the site, including evaluation of the site’s protection measures, ownership, existing dam- age, and potential threats. Fourth is synthesis of the collected data and observations to provide a comprehensive overview of the site’s characteris- tics and suitability for various purposes, such as conservation, tourism, and education.

The methodologies proposed by Ait Omar et al. (2019), Baadi et al. (2020), and Ech-charay et al. (2022) are built upon previously established evalu-

ation criteria, combined to enable their application to various types of sites to provide a comprehen- sive assessment of all aspects of a geomorphosite or geosite’s value in Morocco.

For the geoheritage inventory of a large area with many geosites, the presentation of the results of the assessment (tables, graphs, thematic map...) is an important step in securing and supporting the next steps in the geoconservation strategy, as it helps managers to prioritize protection and management. It is recommended that sites with a high potential for a particular type of use and a high risk of degradation be given higher priority in management and planning. However, it should be noted that such a presentation is not necessary for the assessment of a single geosite.

The results of the quantitative assessment of geo- heritage sites constitute an invaluable tool for the effective management of these sites, which is a fundamental aspect of any action plan for geocon- servation (Prosser et al. 2018) and geotourism de- velopment (Newsome and Dowling 2018).

In general, inventories are based on the research- er’s perspective, retaining only those geosites that the researcher is aware of or has previously visit- ed, while other geosites that have scientific value are ignored, which means they will also be ignored during the legal protection process. The inventory must be systematic and include all geosites within the region.

It is essential to recognise the lack of clarity sur- rounding the application of geoconservation strat- egies, particularly in the context of geosite eval- uation methodologies. This lack of clarity could potentially lead to the unintentional exclusion of important sites or the inclusion of less significant sites. Awareness-raising and training can help to address this issue and ensure more effective con- servation efforts.

Conclusion

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts

of interest associated with this study.

Open Access

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Li- cense, which permits use, sharing, adapta- tion, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give ap- propriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third par- ty material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the ma- terial. If material is not included in the ar- ticle’s Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from

Morocco is home to a multitude of areas that are of significant scientific, cultural, touristic, and educational value. However, the development of these sites has been constrained by the lack of ad- equate identification and documentation. Conse- quently, a significant proportion of the population is unaware of the aesthetic, cultural, geological, and economic importance of these sites. Recog- nizing and understanding the diversity of these sites is crucial. Comprehensive studies aimed at identifying and documenting these sites in Moroc- co are essential to provide detailed insights into the significance of geoheritage sites, thereby em- powering local communities and government of- ficials at both the state and central levels to man- age them effectively and responsibly. By gaining insights into the value and potential uses of these sites, stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding conservation, tourism development, and educational initiatives. Ultimately, effective man- agement and promotion of these sites will not only preserve Morocco’s rich heritage but also contrib- ute to local economies and promote cultural ap- preciation and awareness.

The study of geoheritage is an important field of geographical and geological research in environ- mental protection. Preserving the natural creations of the past is the key to preserving the present for the future. Researchers are currently at the scien- tific research stage, as no general methodology for evaluating geoheritage sites has yet developed.

The diversity of methods for evaluating geoheri- tage sites is due to the particularities of their struc- ture and conditions of formation in different parts of the world. There are three groups of assessment methods for geoheritage sites: qualitative, quan- titative, and quantitative-qualitative. Qualitative evaluation methods consist of a general scientific description and justification of the objects in terms of their conformity with the criteria for belong-

ing to the geological heritage. These methods are not precise, as they rely mainly on the subjective opinion of the researcher. Quantitative assessment involves defining clear criteria, classifying them, and assigning them a corresponding weight. These methods are more reasonable, but they do not ex- clude the subjective evaluation factor.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interest

Acknowledgments

We greatly thank the Editor Prof. Michael Ben- ton and anonymous reviewers for the useful com- ments, suggestions, and remarks to improve the manuscript

the OICCPress publisher. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/4.0

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