Identification and assessment of geosites for territorial enhancement – the study and geoheritage exploitation of the Torre Salsa natural reserve (Sicily)

Abstract

The “Ecological Cross-­‐border Networks Malta-­‐Sicily” (RE.MA.SI.) is an international research project founded by the Italia-­‐Malta 2007-­‐2013 Programme. A part of the project aims to carry out a multidisciplinary study for the identification and enhancement of geosites in the Maltese Islands and Sicily. Some areas have been picked out; these areas are spectacular and interesting for the tourists and can make a significant contribution to the understanding the geological and geomorphological history. Field surveys took place for the identification and classification of the most significant geomorphosites and the verification of the collected bibliographical data; in particular, the identification and selection process concentrates on the following range of values: scientific, additional and use. By application of these already tested qualitative guidelines, the obtained territorial data have been put on in a standard forms in order to create a common geomorphosite inventory and a GIS-­‐database. An example of this approach for the Torre Salsa natural reserve located on the southern coast.