Testing municipal inventories to explore local geoheritage in the Chablais UGGp, France.
Abstract
Recognized for its geological heritage of international importance that tells the story of the formation of the Alps, and also of the last great glaciation, the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, France, has a formal inventory of 85 geosites. These major sites of scientific interest, of which certain are included in the French geoheritage inventory for their regional, national or international interest, have been selected using a robust methodology.To explore and share how geoheritage shapes the everyday lives of its inhabitants, its culture, local economy and future development, a new initiative has been undertaken. Working at the municipality scale, over a five-month period, a local inventory was established on the « small geoheritage » (different from the national method for the « major geoheritage »). A threefold approach was applied: a structured inventory established by the Chablais UGGp supported by the Scientific Advisory Committee, discussions and visits with local heritage associations, engagement with the school and the local inhabitants. This led to the creation of a trial inventory sheet that was carefully prepared from existing methodologies and tested in two municipalities of the Chablais UGGp. The objective is to develop and improve this basic tool applicable in all municipalities.However, the importance of the project goes beyond the data collection. The interest of the project is being able to share local information, raise awareness and understanding about local geological heritage and improve its conservation. This was particularly interesting to explore because the municipalities concerned by this project do not necessarily feature major landscaped geosites that are promoted Geopark sites. The project allowed stronger bonds to be built between the local population, their heritage and the Geopark.