Last update: 26/02/2008
Geological heritage and geodiversity
In the past few years, a national and European scientific debate
on the issue of knowing and improving the geological heritage has
provided several indications on methods and criteria for
identifying, studying and promoting sites of geological interest
(geosites).
Some scientists identified geosites as indicators of geodiversity,
because of their geological uniqueness. But geosites can also be
more commonly described as elements, areas or places of geological
and geomorphological interest and are important for conservation
and protection. In this way, geosites become consequential elements
of a condition of geological diversity (or uniformity) that exists
in a specific context.
In Italy, several national, regional and subregional
initiatives, scientifically supported by Universities, have
contributed to creating a growing awareness of knowing and
conserving the geological heritage.
In carrying out its institutional duty of protecting nature and
biodiversity, APAT develops activities aimed at integrating
information on the protection of the geological heritage with
particular interest in:
