Geotourism as a development tool of the Geo-mining Park in Sardinia

Abstract

Theory and practice about geoparks and the geotourism concept consider not only the geological heritage, but also its relationship to all other aspects of the natural, cultural and intangible heritage as a cornerstone of sustainability and well-being. In doing so, geotourism could be a powerful tool for the preservation and development of the heritage. The Geo-mining Park in Sardinia marks centuries of geological, mining and historical and environmental heritage. The recognition of the Sardinian Geopark by UNESCO in 1997 as innovative, and as a heritage of great importance, created administrative and legislative opportunities. However, the territory lacks a territorial development strategy and administration structure for managing the heritage. With the indirect pressure from the tourism industry the region faces, over the next few decades, a deep social-economic crisis and neglect of the landscapes and settlements. This paper aims to examine geotourism as sustainable strategic approach and territorial planning tool that based on multi-source networking and, that benefits both, development of the local community and preservation of the Geo-mining Park in Sardinia.