Management of geoheritage in the Apennines in the frame of a Master Plan

The conference

The lecture will be focused on an integrated environmental rehabilitation scheme applied to a valley located in the Emilia Apennines, at the foothills of the Province of Reggio Emilia (Northern Italy). During the past 50 years, quarrying activities have deeply modified the pristine landscape of this valley, which however still holds biotic and abiotic features of great natural interest and scientific value. In particular, the investigated area combines interesting geological and geomorphological features, rich and diverse wildlife and habitats, as well as cultural elements related to the quarry industry. At its initial stages, the rehabilitation scheme took in serious consideration geoheritage recognition, assessment and enhancement, including the design of geotourist routes, as a first step of an environmental rehabilitation Master Plan. The aim of the lecture is to present methodological approaches and actions undertaken in collaboration with the local community.

The speaker

Mauro Soldati is Professor of Geomorphology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Since 2017, he is president of the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG). His research focuses on geomorphological mapping, slope instabilities, relationships between landslides and climate change, as well as coastal and mountainous hazards. The investigations have mainly been carried out in the Italian Dolomites, in the Northern Apennines and in the Maltese archipelago