Abhatoo - Centre Nationale de Documentation

The present paper provides the first comprehensive analysis of Jbel Amsittene’s geoheritage based on quantitative and qualitative assessment of its geological and geomorphological sites, in order to promote their values and their geoconservation. Based on the analysis of twenty-two geosites, the methodology of central and additional values was adopted and adapted to match the regional and geological context of Morocco. Thus, the scientific and additional values were considered as main criteria for the assessment of the geosites. We used this methodology based on the identification and assessment of values related to geomorphological features, to survey all the geological components of the area and we adopted the term "Geosite" instead of "Geomorphosite". Collected data from literature, field work, and values’ assessment were stored and managed in a geodatabase. The output results are illustrated in tables and synthetic maps, which show that the study area has a very high scientific value and a very significant educational and touristic potential. Accordingly, protection and promotion propositions through geoeducation and geotourism are presented.
This inventory is an important issue for the worldwide researchers working on geoheritage to take in consideration the local and regional context in the geosite classification and assessment, as well as a decision-making tool for local and regional authorities to promote rural socio-economic development through geoheritage linked activities such as geoeducation and geotourism.