An integrate framework for geoheritage conservation, management, and enhancement in the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy).

Geoheritage conservation requires integrated approaches capable of linking scientific knowledge, site assessment, risk evaluation, management priorities, and public engagement. This thesis develops and applies an integrated framework for the conservation, management, and enhancement of geoheritage in the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark, located in Liguria, north-western Italy. The study area represents a particularly suitable case study because of its outstanding geological diversity, its long-established protected-area framework, and its role as a territory where geoconservation, geotourism, education, and sustainable local development are closely interconnected. The research follows a progressive and operational pathway. First, the existing geosite inventory of the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark was critically revised and updated through the identification of geological frameworks and the qualitative assessment of integrity, representativeness, and outreach value. This process led to an updated inventory of 40 geosites, providing a more coherent and management-oriented knowledge base for the geopark. The geosites were then quantitatively assessed in terms of scientific value, potential educational use, potential touristic use, and degradation risk, allowing the identification of priorities for conservation, education, and geotourism development. A further component of the research focused on the mineralogical, lithological, and geochemical characterization of selected geosites, with particular attention to ophiolitic rocks and soils. This analysis contributed to a better understanding of local geological conditions and their implications for conservation, land use, environmental communication, and visitor safety. Degradation risk was subsequently assessed through the application and comparison of three existing methodologies, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and suitability for geopark management. Building on these results, the thesis proposes a new methodological framework that integrates area-level threat analysis, qualitative assessment of touristic potential, and site-specific degradation risk evaluation. This framework is designed as a practical decision-support tool for protected area and geopark managers, helping to balance geoheritage enhancement with the need to prevent or reduce degradation. Finally, the thesis explores the role of interpretation as a strategic component of geoheritage enhancement. Through a participatory approach involving local stakeholders, geo-themes and an interpretive geo-route were developed to translate geological knowledge into accessible narratives and visitor experiences. Overall, this thesis demonstrates that geoheritage conservation cannot be limited to inventory and protection alone. Its main contribution lies in the development of an integrated and replicable workflow that connects geosite knowledge, degradation risk assessment, sustainable geotourism, management actions, and interpretation, supporting evidence-based geoheritage management in UNESCO Global Geoparks and protected areas.