GEOTOURISM as a Tool for Learning: A Geoitinerary in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni Geopark (Southern Italy)

Nicoletta Santangelo, Vincenzo Amato, Alessandra Ascione, Elda Russo Ermolli and Ettore Valente
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Nicoletta Santangelo: Department of Earth, Environmental and Resources Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
Vincenzo Amato: Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, C.da F. Lappone, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy
Alessandra Ascione: Department of Earth, Environmental and Resources Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
Elda Russo Ermolli: Department of Earth, Environmental and Resources Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
Ettore Valente: Department of Earth, Environmental and Resources Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy

Resources, 2020, vol. 9, issue 6, 1-23

Abstract: “Geotourism” is a particular type of “sustainable tourism” that is still in an embryonic stage, especially in Italy. The main goal is the transmission of geological knowledge to increase the awareness about geoheritage, geo-resources and geo-hazards. The geoparks represent ideal sites, with a strong educational significance for students, teachers, geo-tourists, and guides interested in geological and environmental sciences, though at different levels. With this in mind, we propose a geoitinerary through some of the most geologically interesting coastal areas in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni Geopark. The aim of the geoitinerary is to provide a good example of how geosites could be promoted through geotourism and used as means of divulgation of geological and environmental knowledge. The selected sites are the San Marco coast, the Licosa Cape and the Elea-Velia archaeological area. They are included in the official list of geosites and geomorphosites of the Geopark and have a relevant stratigraphic and geoarcheological value. The San Marco coast and the Licosa Cape are the “best sites” in the Geopark where Quaternary coastal deposits and morphologies are represented. The Elea-Velia site is one of the most famous archeological sites in the Geopark, which is also representative of complex human-environment interactions. Despite their high scientific significance, the sites that we have selected are not included in a specific promoting program. We have so tried to fill this gap by providing the scientific background for their geotouristic promotion that could also serve as an instrument for the increase of the local economy.

Keywords: geoparks; geosites; geotourism; geological knowledge; geoarcheology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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