Designation of natural monuments by the local administration: the example of Viana do Castelo municipality and its engagement with geoconservation (NW Portugal)

Abstract

A geosite inventory done in the coastal area of Viana do Castelo district (NW Portugal) revealed the occurrence of important geodiversity elements, mainly geomorphological features such as granite, tectonic, fluvial, aeolian, and cultural landforms. This geoforms record regional tectono-eustatic changes and the major paleoclimatic events from MIS11 to MIS1. The quantitative assessment showed that among 17 geosites, 6 of them have exceptional scientific value, high to very high potential for tourism and educational uses, and medium to high risk of degradation. Based on these results, the Viana do Castelo municipality has decided to designate these 6 geosites as 5 local natural monuments, according with the Portuguese legislation of nature conservation. This paper shows a good example of the importance of the involvement of local administration in the implementation of effective geoconservation strategies, once solid scientific studies reveal the real relevance of geodiversity.