Assessment of geomorphosites in natural protected areas: the Picos de Europa National Park (Spain)

Abstract

The study area, located in the Cantabrian Range in northern Spain, was the first area of Spain to be declared a National Park. The landscape is characterised by glacial and karstic landforms, an elevated mountain environment with an oceanic climate, a high level of human use, and environmental changes induced by mining and tourism. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology for the assessment of geomorphosites that could be applied to natural protected areas at the local scale. It focusses on providing an inventory of geomorphosites and a natural and cultural assessment for their management. The methodology is based on the realisation of a geomorphological map in order to identify landforms, processes and reconstruct landscape evolution. Using the detailed geomorphological map as the basic document, descriptive and analytical cards were realised for each selected site. The cards include the most important features defining the unit: morphostructures, bedrock, landforms, observed dynamics, singular elements, management, past human and cultural features, natural fragility, current land uses and cultural values, and unit vulnerability. The assessment cards also specify the three assessment scoring criteria: scientific value, cultural value and use value. In this study, twenty-two geomorphosites of different sizes and categories were selected, classified and assessed. The geomorphosites are classified and compared, and potential uses are proposed according to conservation priorities.