Towards a Model for Monitoring Threatened Geosites

The conservation of geosites is essential for geoconservation. It requires systematic management, particularly for severely degraded and threatened geosites, along with consistent monitoring to ensure the long-term preservation of geoheritage. This study reviews the main concepts, principles, and frameworks for geosite monitoring and proposes a systematized model applicable across diverse geological frameworks. Management is the planned and sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and protection of geosites to maintain their value (scientific, educative, cultural and touristic) and the benefits they provide to society. Monitoring is highlighted as a critical tool for evaluating conservation status, guiding decision-making, and establishing cause–effect relationships between processes and degradation of the most threatened sites. Although international initiatives have advanced geoheritage sites recognition, the lack of standardized monitoring indicators for geoconservation remains a significant challenge. To address this gap, we propose a framework comprising two phases and twelve stages, integrating geoconservation strategies and monitoring phases: threat identification, indicator selection, parameter definition, and measurement techniques. The model emphasizes the interdependence of conservation status, potential use, and conservation needs in prioritizing actions. Future challenges include adapting the methodology to varied legal and administrative contexts, developing multidisciplinary management teams, and applying the framework in other study cases. By systematizing monitoring procedures, this study contributes to establishing clearer cause–effect relationships in geoconservation threats, enhancing scientific communication, and supporting sustainable site use. The proposed framework provides a flexible yet robust tool to strengthen geoconservation through monitoring and promote the long-term safeguarding of geoheritage.