Karst heritage: a sustainable resource of the Bauges Massif Regional Nature Park and Geopark
Abstract
Located between the alpine towns of Chambéry and Annecy, the Massuf des Bauges is a French subalpine massif with calcareous folded reliefs. It includes extensive challenging narrow caves networks (over 230 km). This network is actively explored by various caving clubs of the area. Some selected cavities are used pédagogically with the public, to promote type of geological assets. This rural mountainous territory became a Regional Natire Park in 1995 and a Global Geopark in 2011 (UNESCO Global Geopark since 2015). Amon other geological assets, karst geosites and heritage played a major role in the recognition of the Bauges Massif as a Geopark. Surficial or underground karstic assets represent 28 out of 70 geosites of the Geopark (40%). At firts, the Bauges massif karst geosites are introduced in their geological context; secondly is highlighted, using few examples (SpeleoRando geotrail, protection of the Fitoja Chamber...), how karst heritage is supposed to be respectfully used and managed as a fragile and precious resource for the sustainable development of the territory in context of climate change.