Assessment of the visual fragility of geomorphological landscapes and geodiversity sites in the Sierras Subbéticas UNESCO Global Geopark (southern Spain)

Abstract

UNESCO Global Geoparks are unified geographical areas that manage sites and landscapes of international geological significance through an integrated approach encompassing conservation, education, and sustainable development, with active involvement of local communities. The Sierras Subbéticas Geopark is among the 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks, recognized for its outstanding ammonite fossil deposits and distinctive geomorphological landscapes, particularly those associated with karst landforms. Given their undeniable aesthetic value for both visitors and local residents, assessing the visual fragility of the landscapes in which these features are embedded is crucial for effective management, especially in the face of sudden territorial changes (e.g., forest fires or land-use transformations). To address this, the study applied a multi-step methodology: i) mapping and inventory of geomorphological landscapes; ii) selection of geodiversity sites associated with landforms; iii) spatial analysis of the visual fragility of geomorphological landscapes and selected geodiversity sites based on observation points along road and trail networks; and iv) simulation of the impact of a sudden landscape change (e.g., forest fire). The results revealed: i) the presence of six geomorphological domains within the Geopark, primarily shaped by exokarstic and fluvial processes, with structural geology playing a significant role in the southern sector; and ii) several geodiversity sites exhibited high vulnerability to abrupt landscape alterations, particularly those located at higher elevations, on steep slopes, or in highly visible locations. Overall, the study offers valuable insights for land managers to design and implement mitigation strategies aimed at preserving the visual and geological integrity of geodiversity sites under the pressures of global change.