GEOSITES AND PARKS FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF INNER AREAS: THE MATESE MOUNTAIN (ITALY)

Abstract

The paper focuses on the potentiality of geosites valorisation in supporting a sustainable rural development strategy. An inner area in Southern Italy with a valuable naturalistic and geological, heritage is considered. The area is analysed under demographic, economic, environmental, agricultural and tourism profiles to bring out limits and strengths that a strategy of geological valorisation can meet. Results highlighted the fragility of the Mountain -in terms of depopulation, ageing, unemployment and low firm density, that has not been affected by a proper tourism development. The valorisation of geosites can achieve its potential if all components of local heritage are reinforced and built around common peculiarities.

Keywords

• Geosites
• protected areas
• tourism
• inner areas
• Italy