Geoheritage: inventories and evaluation

Abstract

The recognition of what is geoheritage is based on the perception that some geodiversity elements have something that it is unusually important, which means that they have an extra value. Due to this high value, these elements must be protected, particularly when the risk of degradation caused by natural or anthropic factors is critical. This chapter details methods for the identification and inventorying of geoheritage. In addition, in order to prioritise subsequent management actions, the numerical assessment of the geoheritage value and risk of degradation are proposed, based on a set of criteria that intends to decrease the subjectivity inherent to any evaluation procedure.