Geo-landscape and geo-heritage assessment to promote geo-tourism and geo-conservation of Ehden region in North Lebanon

This study deals with the contribution of Ehden's region geo-landscape and geo-heritage to make better known the Lebanese landscape and to promote geo-tourism and landscape conservation in Lebanon. It tends to acknowledge the landscape as the core of the unalterable integrated relationships between geology, geomorphology, geography and tourism. The region of Ehden in North Lebanon and its surroundings is characterized by a high geodiversity along with the natural coexistence and closeness of different landscape units and geological features. It sets a great sample as a cross-section of the variety of landscapes that identify the Lebanese territory. Geo-tourism potential of Ehden's area is evidenced based on a first of its time geomorphological study of the landscape presented through this paper. A geo-heritage field assessment was conducted to localize the main geosites using ArcGIS online base-maps. Based on a regional inventory, seven geosites have been selected, assessed and valorized through a rank of most to least geo-touristic potential based on a specific assessment framework. These geosites are identified as the most characteristic and illustrative of the distinguished landscape sectors. For each geosite, one or more landscape perspectives have been detected. The selected geosites are easily perceptible both onsite and further through the extensive scenery within Ehden area and the surroundings. They are well-reserved and maintain a major role within the identity and recognition of the region through both the natural and cultural aspects. The study validates the landscape for the instrument and right tool to interpret geosites and to promote geo-tourism and geo-conservation.