Suitability of Valleys of Cantabria Area for a UGGp Proposal

Jaime Bonachea (), Alberto González-Díez, Javier Hernández-Blanco, Juan Remondo and Victoria Rivas
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Jaime Bonachea: Department of Earth Sciences and Physics of the Condensed Matter, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
Alberto González-Díez: Department of Earth Sciences and Physics of the Condensed Matter, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
Javier Hernández-Blanco: Mancomunidad de Municipios Sostenibles de Cantabria, Ed. La Lonja, 39740 Santona, Spain
Juan Remondo: Department of Earth Sciences and Physics of the Condensed Matter, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
Victoria Rivas: Department of Geography, Urban Planning and Land Planning, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 12, 1-23

Abstract: UNESCO-designated geoparks, intended for conservation, seek to drive economic development via geological heritage education and tourism. Since 2018, within the framework of the European project Atlantic Geoparks (Interreg Atlantic area program), the Valleys of Cantabria project has been promoted to declare a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in the Cantabria region (northern Spain). The Valles de Cantabria proposal, aligning with UNESCO objectives, evaluates the region’s geopark potential, emphasizing sustainable development and societal education. Covering 600 km 2 in eastern Cantabria, the territory involves 19 municipalities and has a population of 60,600. The geological context, ranging from the Triassic to the Quaternary periods, reflects the complex evolution of this territory, which has been influenced by tectonic forces, geomorphological processes, and sea-level changes. Detailed reviews and fieldwork performed by experts, including university researchers, have identified 66 sites of geological interest (SGI). The geosites, which have different geological–geomorphological significances, have been assessed according to their scientific value (including educational importance), potential of use (mainly geotouristic use), and vulnerability or risk of degradation. The geological heritage is directly related to the high biodiversity of the area. The challenges of this territory, such as depopulation and the low income of the inhabitants, can be improved with the declaration of a geopark, which would help to create new job opportunities related to geotourism and sustainable development. UNESCO recognition could catalyse scientific research, address socioeconomic challenges, and foster rural revitalization, strengthening the symbiotic relationship between geoconservation and local economic growth. Collaboration with other Atlantic geoparks has enabled the exchange of experiences that will hopefully deepen in the future. Consequently, the aim of this work is to explore the potential of this territory in terms of high-quality geological features and biological and cultural heritage, as well as to evaluate the socioeconomic context that makes the territory potentially suitable for promoting a UGGp.

Keywords: UNESCO geopark; sites of geological interest (geosites); geotourism; Valles de Cantabria; northern Spain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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