The geosites of Safi province (Marrakech-Safi region, Morocco): Inventory and assessment for geoconservation, geotourism, geoeducation, geoparks, and local sustainable development

Abstract

Safi province, which belongs to the Western Moroccan Meseta and the Variscan domains, hosts several geosites characterised by distinct sedimentological, geomorphological, paleoclimatic, and stratigraphic features. This region is of great importance, not only for understanding the geodynamic and geomorphological evolution of the region, or that of the Mediterranean basin as a whole, but also for its rich diversity in both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The present study focuses on the inventory and quantitative assessment of 11 geosites within the Safi province. A five-stage model, comprising a detailed description of the site, a scientific value (considered to be central), additional values, potential use value, and a synthesis allowing calculation of the tourist value and educational value as well as identification of the risks of degradation, is used for the quantitative assessment of geosites. The results show that the Sidi Bouzid escarpment, Lalla Fatna escarpment, the lagoon of Oualidia, Souira lgdima, and El Goraan cave geosites have the highest scientific value. Most geosites in Safi province have the potential for both education and tourism purposes, as they have final scores higher than 6 out of 10. Regarding the risk of degradation, the majority of geosites face a medium risk due to human intervention and natural factors. This work could be considered as the basis of any geoconservation strategy and geotourism action plan in the area since it focused on the two first steps of it. This may help foster sustainable development in the Safi province through the creation of a geopark, the promotion of new income-generating activities through geotourism and geoeducation, and the implementation of a comprehensive geoconservation strategy. Such an initiative is particularly crucial in the global context of climate change.