Synthèse globale de la candidature Geopark

In order to elaborate a methodological proposal that could be useful in scenarios similar to the study area, we started from the study of the local geodiversity, combining the review of the literature on inventories and geoconservation, within the framework of the UNESCO Geoparks, with the fieldwork in collaboration with local experts in nature sciences (geo and bio) and tourism. The data collected from these activities have been used in a SWOT analysis, to obtain a diagnosis of the study area (the Zat Valley, in the High Atlas close to Marrakech).

A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) was carried out considering the management needs of the geological heritage of the geoparks. It is not a holistic analysis but a specific one for the evaluation of the utility of geodiversity as a natural resource for scientific, didactic or tourist use. This analysis has been made with the data collected from the bibliography, field work and meetings (formal and informal) with local experts, which incorporate input from local communities.

A set of geosites has been proposed by the UAB research team based on qualitative and quantitative assessment:

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Joan POCH, Antonio TEIXELL, David GOMEZ-GRAS, José MARTINEZ, Esteve CARDELLACH & Jose Luis BRIANSO

Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain