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Geoheritage as a Tool for Environmental Management: A Case Study in Northern Malta (Central Mediterranean Sea)

Author

Listed:
  • Lidia Selmi

    (Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy)

  • Paola Coratza

    (Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy)

  • Ritienne Gauci

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Mauro Soldati

    (Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy)

Abstract

The recognition, selection and quantitative assessment of sites of geological and geomorphological interest are fundamental steps in any environmental management focused on geoconservation and geotourism promotion. The island of Malta, in the central Mediterranean Sea, despite having a steadily increasing growth in population and tourism, still conserves geological and geomorphological features of great relevance and interest, both for their contribution to the understanding of the geological processes acting through time on landscape and for their aesthetic importance. The present work proposes an inventory for northern Malta, through three main stages, with the outcome of a final list of geosites that have the potential to be recognized as both natural heritage and tourist resources with potential economic benefits. In particular, the assessment methodology applied combines scientific value and additional and use-values, showing the links existing between geoheritage and other aspects of nature and culture of the sites. The results provide useful knowledge for the definition of strategies aimed at the development of a sustainable and responsible tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Lidia Selmi & Paola Coratza & Ritienne Gauci & Mauro Soldati, 2019. "Geoheritage as a Tool for Environmental Management: A Case Study in Northern Malta (Central Mediterranean Sea)," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-25, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:8:y:2019:i:4:p:168-:d:280666
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ritienne Gauci & John A. Schembri & Rob Inkpen, 2017. "Traditional Use of Shore Platforms: A Study of the Artisanal Management of Salinas on the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean)," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(2), pages 21582440177, May.
    2. Sara Biolchi & Stefano Furlani & Stefano Devoto & Ritienne Gauci & Doriano Castaldini & Mauro Soldati, 2016. "Geomorphological identification, classification and spatial distribution of coastal landforms of Malta (Mediterranean Sea)," Journal of Maps, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 87-99, January.
    3. Mariacristina Prampolini & Federica Foglini & Sara Biolchi & Stefano Devoto & Serafino Angelini & Mauro Soldati, 2017. "Geomorphological mapping of terrestrial and marine areas, northern Malta and Comino (central Mediterranean Sea)," Journal of Maps, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(2), pages 457-469, November.
    4. Mariacristina Prampolini & Christopher Gauci & Anton S. Micallef & Lidia Selmi & Vittoria Vandelli & Mauro Soldati, 2018. "Geomorphology of the north-eastern coast of Gozo (Malta, Mediterranean Sea)," Journal of Maps, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(2), pages 402-410, November.
    5. Niccolò Baldassini & Agata Di Stefano, 2017. "Stratigraphic features of the Maltese Archipelago: a synthesis," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 86(2), pages 203-231, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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