GEOHERITAGE AND GEOTOURISM IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Abstract

Nature has always attracted people with the beauty it creates. However, for the natural potential of a certain territory to be appropriately used, nature should be valorized, geoconservation and sustainable development. Attractive geodiversity is the main source for the development of geo-tourism. The promotion of geo-tourist destinations raises public awareness of the values of the objects of the geoheritage, but also of their endangerment. From the aspect of the geoheritage of Republic of Macedonia’s territory, it can be noticed that there are representative and rare geological and geomorphologic objects which are a significant factor for the development of the geotourism. The objects of the geoheritage in the Republic of Macedonia possess high values and attractiveness that can be interpreted, edited and promoted for geo-territorial purposes. This study discusses the potential of Macedonia’s geoheritage, which is based on preserving and managing the landscape and on the connection with the potential of its geotourism.