Protection and promotion of geomorphological heritage in the Île-de-France region (Paris Basin, France): Overview and prospects
Only recognized for about ten years, geomorphological heritage has recently received greater attention from scientists and stakeholders, due to the growing threats to the preservation of landforms and landscapes, but also given the potential offered by the cultural and tourism value of geomorphological sites (or geomorphosites) for local development. In France, the Ile-de-France region concentrates high stakes in terms of conservation and valorization of geomorphological heritage, especially facing rapid urbanization that threaten to degrade it; moreover, residents and visitors represent a public increasingly interested to know and discover this new type of geoheritage from a cultural or tourism viewpoint. This article attempts to draw up an overview of the protection and promotion of geomorphological heritage in the Paris region, by examining (i) the tools that have been used so far to protect the striking geomorphosites of the region and (ii) the stakeholders involved in the process of educational and tourism development based on geomorphological heritage. Selected examples illustrate in the field the means that have been implemented on geomorphosites for the protection, management and educational/tourism development. Perspectives are presented at the end of this analysis, given the current inventories, the national strategies for creating protected areas and the local political will to showcase the geomorphological heritage of their territory.