The Geotouristic Project “the Geological Adventure” to the Rescue of an Iconic World Heritage Geosite, the Ammonites Slab of Digne-les-Bains (National Geological Nature Reserve of Haute-Provence and Unesco Global Geopark, France)
Abstract
Protected under National Nature Reserve, managed by the Departmental Council of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, and labeled UNESCO Geopark, the Ammonites Slab of Digne-les-Bains (SE France) exhibits 1,550 ammonites over a large open-air surface. Despite the virtual absence of special enhancement for the visitors, this spectacular geosite of high scientific and heritage value has played an important role in the years 1990–2000 in the emergence of notions of geological heritage, geological nature reserve, geotourism, and Geopark. Due to its exposure to mountain weather conditions, the Slab suffers from significant conservation issues. Several studies have shown that its condition was much worse than expected. Without major restoration work, the Slab was in danger of collapse in the short term. Given the high cost of the needed rescue work, the geotourism project “The Geological Adventure” was developed under European Interreg ALCOTRA funding. More broadly, this project aims to develop a sustainable experiential geotourism around the geoheritage of the Southwestern Alps cross-border (France–Italy), partly in situ and thanks to digital tools (22 geosites concerned). An important place is given to scientific pedagogy. Concerning the Ammonites Slab, the project consisted of (1) stabilizing and ensuring the sustainability of the fossiliferous layer; (2) planning and developing the overall geosite (parking area, reception area, observation platform); (3) allowing accessibility for people with disabilities; and (4) offering progressive and immersive educational mediation to make scientific culture accessible to as many people as possible.
Domains
Paleontology
Origin : Files produced by the author(s)