Several factors and processes, both natural and anthropogenic, can threaten the integrity of any geosite, leading to their degradation. For this reason, geoheritage degradation risks should be considered a fundamental step in any geoconservation strategy, all the more when the aim is to tackle the effects of climate change. The present work proposes a quantitative methodology for the degradation risk assessment of geosites by considering the extrinsic factors that can damage the geoheritage. The methodology has been tested on the Maltese Islands, where considerable previous research has been undertaken in order to highlight the international significance of the Maltese landscapes. Three criteria to assess the degradation risk are proposed: natural vulnerability, anthropogenic vulnerability and public use. For each criterion, several parameters have been identified in order to propose a detailed numerical evaluation. The results show that the degradation risk of geosites is mainly related to negligence and lack of knowledge of its inherent geological heritage, and which leads to public misuse and mismanagement of the geosites. The results give an overview of the condition of the geosites and provide information for the design and management of suitable protection measures, especially in the light of future threats related to climate change.

Natural and anthropogenic factors and processes can threaten the integrity of geosites, leading to their degradation or even loss. For this reason, geoheritage degradation risk should be considered in any geoconservation strategy and should be assessed in the first stages of geoheritage studies, all the more when the aim is to tackle the tangible effects of climate change. The present research proposes a quantitative methodology for the degradation risk assessment of geosites by considering the extrinsic factors that can damage or destroy the geological heritage. The proposed methodology has been tested on the Maltese Islands (central Mediterranean Sea), where considerable previous research has been undertaken in order to highlight the international geomorphological significance of the Maltese landscapes. The methodology considers three criteria to assess the degradation risk: natural vulnerability, anthropogenic vulnerability and public use. For each criterion several parameters have been identified in order to propose a detailed numerical evaluation. The results show that the degradation risk of geosites in the study area is mainly related to negligence and lack of knowledge of its inherent geoheritage, which leads to their public misuse and mismanagement. In fact, most of these areas are intensively used by locals and tourists alike for recreational activities, some of which may damage the sites. With respect to natural vulnerability, sites in proximity to the coast are more threatened by natural processes, making the complex environment of coastal areas more sensitive to natural hazards and deeply impacted by the effects of climate change (e.g. sea level rise, intensity changes in coastal deposition and erosion processes, increase of violent meteo-marine storms and tsunamis). Moreover, the pressure of tourism and infrastructures are concentrated in these areas. The results obtained give an overview of the condition of the geosites and provide useful information for the design and management of suitable protection measures in a geoconservation context, especially in the light of future threats related to climate change.

The volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands constitute one of the most distinctive geoheritage assemblages in Spain, underpinning the scientific, educational, and touristic values that have contributed to the Spanish Inventory of Geological Sites of Interest (IELIG), multiple natural protected areas and UNESCO designations. These volcanic features not only embody an extensive record of geological processes but also offer an exceptional basis for sustainable tourism initiatives. In this context, the project ‘Canary Islands: Destination of Volcanoes’, seeks to establish a science-based geotourism product capable of enhancing public engagement while strengthening the conservation and responsible use of natural resources. The project employs a comprehensive methodology structured into nine main activities that integrate fieldwork, analytical procedures, and digital data processing. Building on the 300 geosites identified in the IELIG for the Canarian Archipelago, a specific assessment framework has been designed to select the 50 volcanic environments with the highest scientific, educational, and touristpotential. This process combines standards and requirements of sustainability, conservation status, degradation risk, accessibility, safety, and scenic-scientificvalues. The selected sites are being documented through the development of digital mapping products, adhering to international standards for spatial data quality and metadata. Complementary tasks include the acquisition of high-resolution drone imagery, photogrammetry, and 3D geological reconstructions that support the creation of virtual and augmented reality models. These digital products will serve to design interpretive scripts, animations, and immersive environments that aim to communicate complex geological processes in an accessible way to the general public. Additional activities address the creation of a unified geotourism brand, development of training programmes for local employment, and support for emerging business initiatives in the blue and green economy. Although the results are still in progress, the project is expected to generate a robust portfolio of scientifically validated and technologically innovative tools that enhance the touristic use and outreach of volcanic heritage. The integration of digital maps, VR/AR applications and scientific communication through innovation has the potential to diversify the regional geotouristic model, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen long-term conservation strategies. Ultimately, this initiative aspires to position the Canary Islands as an international reference for volcano-based geotourism grounded in science, sustainability, and innovation.Sub-Project 1 ‘Canary Islands, destiny of Volcanoes’ is funded by PROMOTUR Turismo Canarias, S.A. through Next Generation EU funds, PRTR. 2024krQ00nnn.

Keywords: monitoring, criteria, degradation, geoheritage, Vale de Meios, PortugalMonitoring is one of the main stages in geoconservation strategies, essential to guaranteegeoheritage sustainability. Nevertheless, few studies focus on geoheritage monitoring techniquesand methods, unlike the multitude of works focusing on procedures to inventory and assess thevalue of geosites. Moreover, criteria used in these methods can be applied on monitoringprocedures, specifically those supporting degradation risk and scientific value quantitativeassessments. In this context, a geoheritage monitoring model is being applied in Vale de Meios(Alcanede, Portugal), an abandoned limestone quarry with well-preserved Middle JurassicTheropod footprints, inside the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. This geosite waspreviously assessed for its scientific value and vulnerability and it is included in the Portugueseinventory of geoheritage with national and international relevance. A set of “scientific value” and“degradation risk/vulnerability” criteria were reviewed to assess the degradation of the geositeand used to identify the most suitable monitoring model. The “integrity” criterium used in mostmethods to assess the scientific value of geosites, also credited as “conservation status”, is strictlyconnected with the deterioration of the geoheritage elements in the past and present, whiledegradation risk is normally referring to the threats and potential losses in the future. Fourteen“degradation risk” assessment sub-criteria (intrinsic active processes, deterioration of geologicalelements, size, extrinsic active processes, proximity to active processes, economic potential,collectible elements potential, protection status, proximity to human activities, accessibility,population density, visitor facilities, degradation by public use, and visitation control) can bedistributed by the main criteria fragility, natural vulnerability, anthropic vulnerability, and publicuse. A detailed analysis of the criteria and the specific characteristics of each geosite support thedefinition of suitable monitoring indicators. In the Vale de Meios geosite, monitoring actionsshould primarily consider: active natural process, deterioration of geological elements,accessibility, visitor facilities, degradation by public use, and visitation control in order to definethe monitoring indicators. An analysis of the conservation status over the past decades has beencarried out, using time indicators of deterioration. Long-term monitoring results will provide moredata about the geoheritage degradation though partial data show that in Vale de Meios the mainconcern is related with the high natural vulnerability of the Theropod footprints, which areexposed to natural erosion. Despite the protection status of the area and design of a plan forvisitation control measures, conservation procedures should prioritize physical protectioninitiatives in the geosite management strategies.

The conservation of geosites is essential for geoconservation. It requires systematic management, particularly for severely degraded and threatened geosites, along with consistent monitoring to ensure the long-term preservation of geoheritage. This study reviews the main concepts, principles, and frameworks for geosite monitoring and proposes a systematized model applicable across diverse geological frameworks. Management is the planned and sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and protection of geosites to maintain their value (scientific, educative, cultural and touristic) and the benefits they provide to society. Monitoring is highlighted as a critical tool for evaluating conservation status, guiding decision-making, and establishing cause–effect relationships between processes and degradation of the most threatened sites. Although international initiatives have advanced geoheritage sites recognition, the lack of standardized monitoring indicators for geoconservation remains a significant challenge. To address this gap, we propose a framework comprising two phases and twelve stages, integrating geoconservation strategies and monitoring phases: threat identification, indicator selection, parameter definition, and measurement techniques. The model emphasizes the interdependence of conservation status, potential use, and conservation needs in prioritizing actions. Future challenges include adapting the methodology to varied legal and administrative contexts, developing multidisciplinary management teams, and applying the framework in other study cases. By systematizing monitoring procedures, this study contributes to establishing clearer cause–effect relationships in geoconservation threats, enhancing scientific communication, and supporting sustainable site use. The proposed framework provides a flexible yet robust tool to strengthen geoconservation through monitoring and promote the long-term safeguarding of geoheritage.