Assessing Geosites for Sustainable Geotourism: A New Practical Tool Applied in the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy)

Abstract The increasing recognition of the value of geodiversity has highlighted the need for practical tools that balance geoconservation and sustainable geotourism. This study presents a methodology designed to support managers of protected areas, UNESCO Global Geoparks, and aspiring geoparks in identifying geosites with high touristic potential, while simultaneously assessing their risk of degradation. The proposed method comprises: (i) the evaluation of threats to geoheritage at the scale of