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Factors in the Responsible Management of the Luna Valley Complex Geosite (NW Spain)—A Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Esperanza Fernández-Martínez

    (Palaeontology Area, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Ismael Coronado

    (Palaeontology Area, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Luna Adrados

    (GEOLAG, Turismo Geológico, Barrio La Vallina and 20-4ª, 33191 San Claudio, Spain)

  • Rodrigo Castaño

    (IGME-CSIC, Av. Real, 1, 24006 León, Spain)

Abstract

The Luna Valley complex geosite (northwestern Spain) is a region of geoheritage significance located in an area with high environmental value. Geological studies began in the mid-20th century and continue to provide scientific data of significant relevance to the knowledge regarding the Palaeozoic stratigraphy of northern Gondwana and the tectonics of the Variscan orogen. This region also has high value for geoeducation, being visited regularly by both students and the general public. Educational use of the area has promoted the creation of several publicly available materials and activities that include trails, guides, displays and brochures, as well as the development of a small museum. However, over time, weathering; the abandonment of rural life; and the intensive, uncontrolled, and careless use of this region as a geosite for scientific and educational purposes has led to significant degradation and the consequent loss of its geoheritage value. This paper describes the geology of five key geosites in the Luna Valley. This is followed by a review of the promotional initiatives carried out in the area. These data, along with our knowledge of the area, allow us to develop a heritage analysis that includes the main geological interests, conservation status and some key management issues for each of these five individual sites. Several recommendations aim to control the physical degradation of the geosites, encourage their regular monitoring and the updating of the outreach materials using virtual tools, and promote the involvement of the local population in the conservation of this unique site.

Suggested Citation

  • Esperanza Fernández-Martínez & Ismael Coronado & Luna Adrados & Rodrigo Castaño, 2022. "Factors in the Responsible Management of the Luna Valley Complex Geosite (NW Spain)—A Case Study," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-31, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:11:p:2082-:d:977335
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Pietro Marescotti & Giulia Castello & Antonino Briguglio & Maria Cristina Caprioglio & Laura Crispini & Marco Firpo, 2022. "Geosite Assessment in the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark (Liguria, Italy): A Case Study in Linking Geoheritage with Education, Tourism, and Community Involvement," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-19, September.
    2. Julian Stolz & Heidi Elisabeth Megerle, 2022. "Geotrails as a Medium for Education and Geotourism: Recommendations for Quality Improvement Based on the Results of a Research Project in the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-37, August.
    3. Antonio Martínez-Graña & José Ángel González-Delgado & Celia Ramos & Juan Carlos Gonzalo, 2018. "Augmented Reality and Valorizing the Mesozoic Geological Heritage (Burgos, Spain)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-16, December.
    4. Rasa Raeisi & Iulian Dincă & Seyed Ali Almodaresi & Magdalena Petronella (Nellie) Swart & Ali Boloor, 2022. "An Assessment of Geosites and Geomorphosites in the Lut Desert of Shahdad Region for Potential Geotourism Development," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-25, May.
    5. Kejian Xu & Wenhui Wu, 2022. "Geoparks and Geotourism in China: A Sustainable Approach to Geoheritage Conservation and Local Development—A Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-20, September.
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