Geomorphosite assessment and management in protected areas of Greece Case study of the Lesvos island-coastal geomorphosites

Geomorphosite assessment and manage¬ ment in protected areas of Greece. Case study of the Lesvos island coastal geomorphosites This paper presents a methodology for assessment of geomorphosites located in protected areas. The methodological process involves definition of «geo¬ morphological value» of all sites using six criteria: 1) «scientific» and «educational value»; 2) geodiversity, 3) «ecological» and «aesthetic value»; 4) «cultural value»; 5) potential threats and protection needs; and 6) potential for use. The assessment method was implemented in Greece on various geomorphosites at different scales: landscape scale (national parks and monuments) and landform scale (Lesvos Island Geopark). For this purpose, eight representative national parks and natural monuments were classified and assessed using the proposed methodology at a large scale. The same methodology was also used to evaluate 15 distinet geomorphosites found in the coastal zone of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark. Here, geomorphosites of different sizes and catego¬ ries were selected, classified and assessed. In order to protect the identified geomorphosites and ensure their proper management, the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest, which is the management structure of the Lesvos Geopark, proposed the devel¬ opment of the Western Lesvos Marine Park. This park is to include the existing coastal visiting parks and a series of geomorphosites and marine fossil Sites. Zusammenfassung: Bewertung und Management geomorphologischer Geotope in Naturschutzgebieten Griechenlands. Fallstudie der Insel Lesbos geomor¬ phologische Geotope im Küstengebiet Dieser Artikel stellt eine Bewertungsmethode für geo¬ morphologische Geotope in Naturschutzgebieten vor. Anhand von sechs Kriterien konnte durch den Bewertungsprozess der geomorphologische Wert aller unter¬ suchten Gebiete ermittelt werden: 1) der Wissenschaft180 Geographica Helvetica Jg. 62 2007/Heft3 liehe und der Didaktische Wert; 2) die Geodiversität; 3) der Ökologische und der Ästhetische Wert; 4) der Kulturelle Wert; 5) die möglichen Bedrohungen und die Schutzbedürfnisse; 6) die potentielle Nutzung. Die Methode wurde für die Bewertung von geomorpho¬ logischen Geotopen auf zwei Maßstabsebenen ange¬ wandt: dem Landschaftsmaßstab (Nationalparks und natürliche Sehenswürdigkeiten) und dem Maßstab der geologischen Form (Insel Lesbos-Geopark). Acht repräsentative Nationalparks und natürliche Sehens¬ würdigkeiten sowie 15 geomorphologische Geotope im Küstengebiet des Versteinerten Wald-Geoparks auf Lesbos wurden klassifiziert und bewertet. Um die aus¬ gewählten geomorphologischen Geotope zu denen der Versteinerte Wald-Geopark und marine fossile Gebiete gehören zu schützen, hat das naturhistori¬ sche Museum des Versteinerten Waldes von Lesbos, das sich um die Leitung des Lesbos-Geoparks küm¬ mert, den Marine-Park von West Lesbos gegründet. Der jetzige Park setzt sich aus einigen geomorpho¬ logischen Geotopen und submarinen Fossilgebieten sation. La methode proposee a ete utihsee pour l'eva¬ luation de geomorphosites ä Techelle du paysage (les parcs nationaux et monuments naturels) et ä l'echelle de la forme geomorphologjque (le Geoparc de l'ile de Lesbos). Huit parcs nationaux et monuments natu¬ rels representatifs ainsi que qmnze geomorphosites situes dans la zone cötiere du Geoparc de la Foret petnfiee de Lesbos ont ete classifies et evalues. En vue de proteger et de gerer les geomorphosites identrfies, qui incluent la Foret petnfiee de Lesbos et certains Sites fossiles manns, le Musee d'Histoire naturelle de la Foret petnfiee de Lesbos a cree le Parc marin de Lesbos occidental.

Geomorphosite assessment and management in protected areas of Greece Case study of the Lesvos island -coastal geomorphosites Nickolas C. Zouros, Mytilene 1 Introduction: geomorphosites and geoparks The term geomorphosites is not broadly used in the international literature but it can be used to describe landforms that are of particular importance for the comprehension of Earth history, as well as being spatially delimited and scientifically clearly distinguishable from their surroundings (Geandgieaed 1997; Reynaed 2005).During the last decade, several Synonyms have been used: geomorphological assets (Panizza & Piacente   1993), geomorphological sites (Hooke 1994), geomor¬ phological geotopes (Geandgieaed 1997), and sites of geomorphological interest (Rivas et al. 1997).According to the broad definition proposed by Panizza (2001), geo¬ morphosites are geomorphological landforms that have acquired a «scientific», «cultural/historical», «aesthetic» and/or «social/economic value» due to human perception or exploitation.According to a more restrictive defini¬ tion, a geomorphosite is defined as a part of the Earth's surface that is of particular importance for the knowl¬ edge of Earth, climate and life history (Reynaed 2004).These sites can be Single geomorphological objects or wider landscapes (Reynaed & Panizza 2005).
Every geomorphosite is located within a particular land¬ scape.Current landforms are the result of three evolutions, the history of rocks, the history of tectonic deformation and the history of landforms (Reynaed 2005).
The geopark coneept was developed mainly in Europe in Cooperation with UNESCO.Geoparks are nationally protected areas which include either a number of internationally important geological heritage sites (geosites and geomorphosites) at any scale, or a mosaic of geological entities of special scientific importance, rarity or beauty These features are representative of the region's geological history and the events and processes that formed it.Geoparks have well-defined limits and comprise a large enough surface area to serve local economic and cultural development (Edee  & Patzak 2004; Zoueos 2004; UNESCO 2004).
2 Geomorphosites in Greek protected areas Greece with its complex geological and geomorpho¬ logical setting and evolution, the great variety in climatic conditions and the numerous islands and con-voluted coastline presents a great diversity of natural scenery The abiotic diversity and the «mosaic» of micro-climatic types are reflected in the presence of a highly diverse flora and fauna and a great variety of ecosystems.
Since 1937, Greece has been identifying natural areas of specific ecological importance to be placed under special protection.Today, protected areas make up more than 20% of the total land surface and include 11 national parks, 2 national marine parks, 51 natural monuments, 11 Ramsar wetlands, 529 landscapes of natural beauty and 239 areas selected as «Sites of Community Importance» within the framework of the Natura 2000 Network, funded by the European Union.
Greece is primarily a mountainous country, with 70% of its territory covered by mountains (42 summits over 2000 m).Its very long coastline boasts a plethora of peninsulas and islands.
The Hellenic orogen is composite in character, con- sisting of three orogenic belts: Cimmerian, Alpine and Mesogean (Mounteakis 2005).The Cimmerian internal belt was formed in pre-Late Jurassic times as a result ofthe northward drift of Cimmerian Continen¬ tal fragments from Gondwana towards Eurasia.The Rodope mountain ränge is the most prominent fea- ture on this belt.The Alpine orogenic belt was created during Cretaceus-Tertiary times after the Neotethyan subduetion beneath the Cimmerian-Eurasian plate and the collision of the Apulia with the great plate.The Pindos mountain ränge is the main feature of this belt.The Mesogean orogenic belt along the external Hellenic are formed as a result of the Mesogean-Afri¬ can underplate moving beneath the Alpine-Eurasian plate in Miocene-Pliocene times and the exhumation of the Cretan-Southern Peloponnesus tectonic Win¬ dows.During Alpine and Mesogean orogenic proc¬ esses in Tertiary times, a southwest migration of suc- cessive compressional and extentional tectonic events took place, producing nape stacking and extensional exhumation of underplate rocks.From the Pliocene until recent times, the extentional processes continued in the broader Aegean area producing normal and strike-slip faults (Fig. 1).
As a consequence of this complex geological and geo¬ morphological setting and evolution, the Hellenides boasts the presence of a high geodiversity, speetacular landscapes and a large number of geomorphosites.

M
Although the intrinsic value of geomorphosites for the natural environment is broadly aeeepted, their acknowledgment in Greece is connected mainly to either the conservation of habitats and ecosystems or to the protection of cultural sites.Geomorphosites have failed to gain attention autonomously as areas of value for conservation and management.Geomor¬ phosites are neither mentioned in the management plan of the national parks, nor in their educational publications and promotional materials.Reliable geo- morphosite assessment methodologies could help to emphasise their value and importance as locations worthy of conservation, research and sustainable man¬ agement.
In 1986, the Environmental Law 1650/86 made avail¬ able for the first time in Greece a legal framework for the autonomous recognition of geological and geo¬ morphological entities, even though it did not provide for their sustainable management.A wide ränge of new assessment approaches and initiatives followed the legal provision.The establishment of the first two geoparks in Greece, that is the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark in 2000 and the Psiloritis Geopark in Crete in 2001 (Zoueos 2004), refiects the desire within Greece to preserve the rieh geodiversity of the country.These initiatives have allowed experience to be gained in both geoconservation and the active involvement of the local communities in their earth heritage manage¬ ment.
«ecological» and «cultural value» and «management value» are made more visible.
As may be seen from the assessment, the percentage of high-scoring geomorphosites is significant, with high scores attained for «scientific» and «educational value», «ecological» and «cultural value», as well as «management value».
The same methodology could be used to evaluate other geomorphosites in national protected areas in Greece, thus making it a useful management tool.
In geoparks, the identification ofthe different facets of value of earth heritage sites is part of an holistic con¬ eept of protection, education and sustainable devel¬ opment.Assessment methodology, such as the one presented here, could help geopark management to quantify the values of their geomorphosites in relation to the whole geographical setting of the region.
3 Geomorphosite assessment in Greek protected areas As mentioned above, geomorphosite assessment is a recent appearance.A survey of the appropriate litera¬ ture indicates that the ränge of criteria used for this particular form of assessment is similar (Geandgieaed 1997;Reynaed 2004Reynaed , 2005 a quantitative approach to assessment was selected, each of the indicators is gjven a value between 0-10 or 0-5, with the highest possible score representing the highest value.The score of each criterion is thus the sum of its indicators.The quality of a geomorphosite can therefore be expressed by its total number of credits, with 100 being the highest score attainable. In order to test the methodology at different scales, geomorphosite assessment was implemented at national park and monument level at the landscape scale and at geopark level (Lesvos Island Geopark) at the landform scale (Tab.1).
The results of the assessment of eight major geo¬ morphosites (or geomorphological landscapes) from protected areas in Greece (Fig. 2) are shown in Table 2.This overview of the results allows comparison of attribute distribution and contribution to the overall score of the geomorphosites.Similarly, particular dif¬ ferences between sites with regards intrinsic value, 4 Geomorphosite assessment in the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark The Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark is located on the western peninsula of Lesvos island in the northeastern Aegean sea.Due to its large aecumulations of exposed fossilised tree trunks, it was declared a National Natu¬ ral Monument in 1985 (Velitzelos & Zoueos 1998,   2000) and is considered to be home to important geo¬ morphosites (Zoueos 2005).
Aiming at protecting and efficiently managing the petrified forest, the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest was founded in 1994.It is a non-profit Organisation involved in the research, pro¬ tection, promotion and rational utilization ofthe petri¬ fied forest and incorporates the management structure of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark.This geopark includes a core zone (15,000 heetares of protected petrified forest) and a broad buffer zone (more than 20,000 heetares of the central volcanic terrain).Neogene volcanic rocks, which cover two thirds of the total surface of the Lesvos island (Pe-Pipee & Pipee 2002), are prominent features of the Lesvos Geopark.
Geomorphosites within the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark, apart from the fossil sites, include volcanic, tectonic, karstic, erosional (tafoni), coastal and fluvial landforms (Zoueos 2005).The Lesvos Geopark integrates a ränge of sites and resources found in the broader region which include existing geological tourist attractions (the petrified forest visiting parks and the museum), a number of well exposed geomor¬ phosites, particular landscapes, wetlands, sites of natu¬ ral beauty and «ecological value», as well as cultural integrity depends on the degree to which a geomorphological structure or process blends into the site and on its level of preservation 10-0 1.2 rarity depends on the number of similar Sites at different levels (unique, international, national, regional, local) 10-0 1.3 representativeness depends on the degree to which the site is typical of a certain geomorphological process 10-0 1.4 exemplarity depends on the usefulness of the site for helping the general public to understand a geomorphological structure or process 10-0 2 geodiversity number of geological and geomorphological phenomena that appear at each site 10-0 characterization by international designation or by national or regional legislation (WHS -natural world heritage site or MAB-biosphere reserve, national park or national natural monument, natural park, regional park, locally protected site) 10-0 4 cultural value characterization by international designation or by national or regional legislation (WHS -natural world heritage site, national cultural monument, cultural landscape or landscape of outstanding aesthetic beauty, regional monument, local monument) legal protection the existing level of legal protection (international designation, national park or monument, protected by national legislation, regional protection, poor protection, no protection) recognizability the level of recognition (international, national, regional, local, known only by scientific Community, unknown) 5-0 6.2 geographical distribution the percentage of the space occupied by the geomorphosites in relation to the total surface of the protected area 5-0 6.3 accessibility the level of accessibility (by a road of regional or national importance, by local road, by unsurfaced road, by foot path, with permission only, no access) 5-0 6.4 economic potential number of visitors per year (more than 75.000 visitors, more than 50.000visitors, more than 20.000 visitors, more than 5.000 visitors, less than 5.000 visitors, no visitors) 5-0 Tab. 1: Criteria and indicators of geomorphosite assessment methodology Kriterien und Indikatoren der Bewertungsmethode Criteres et indicateurs inclus dans la methode d'evaluation monuments (the Sigri Castle, the Ypsilou monastery, the Eressos acropolis),picturesque villages, traditional gastronomy and local produets.
Several fossil sites were known to exist along the coast and on the beach but the actual importance of the coastal and the marine zone of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark was only recognized when a research project carried out by the Museum delivered evidence of the presence of important fossil sites and erosional geomorphosites under the current sea level (Fig. 3).
In the marine zone, five main fossil sites were identified (Zoueos et al. 2004b).Some of the fossils are Standing, while others lie at the bottom of the sea at a depth of 4 to 5 m.The diameters of the petrified tree trunks in the marine fossil sites vary between 0,5 to 3 m.
In the coastal zone, several areas of special interest were identified, such as the Sigri and the Plaka Petri¬ fied Forest visiting parks, Faneromeni, Sarakina peninsula, Limena and Tsichliontas delta and the Nisiopi island.
The creation of the Sigri and Plaka Petrified Forest visiting parks was stimulated by its abundance of pet¬ rified tree trunks, the quality and Variation of the fos¬ sils and the presence of impressive geomorphosites Source: Depaetment of Geogeaphy, Univeestty of the Aegean; cartography: N Zoueos (Photo 1).In both parts of the terrestrial zone of the Plaka Park, several Clusters of petrified trees have been found and grouped in 45 different fossil sites (Fig. 4).
The Nisiopi Island Petrified Forest visiting area is less developed but it includes sites of high «scientific» and «educational value».
The impressive fossils and erosional landforms on the Sarakina peninsula also led to its declaration as a nat¬ ural monument.Unfortunately, poor protection and management measures have been applied tili now.
Apart from the fossil sites, the coastal area is character- ized by unique volcanic, tectonic, erosional and coastal geosites.Along the coast, some spectacular tafoni structures may be found (Photo 2).Tafoni are characteristic cavernous weathering features which ränge in size and can lead to arch shaped entrances, concave inner walls, overhanging margins and fairly smooth gently sloping, debris-covered floors.They developed mainly on the andesitic boulders of the Sigri pyroclastics (Gumus & Zoueos).
In order to identify the potential use of the coastal and marine zone of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark, Tab.2: Results of selected geomorphosite assessment in protected areas of Greece Bewertungsresultate geomorphologischer Geotope in ausgewählten Naturschutzgebieten Griechenlands Resultats de l'evaluation des geomorphosites selectionnes dans les zones protegees grecques fifteen geomorphosites of different sizes and from dif¬ ferent categories were selected, classified and assessed.
The above presented geomorphosite assessment meth¬ odology was applied on these specific geomorphosites of smaller scale (landforms) in order to create a new inventory for the Lesvos Geopark's coastal and marine zone and to assess the potential use of the sites.
As may be seen in the results presented in Table 3, geomorphosites of medium «scientific» and «educa¬ tional value» dominate.Five sites appear to be particu¬ larly worthy of protection (S2, S4, S5, S7 and S15).The results emphasise the strong natural characteristics of the coastal zone of the Lesvos Geopark.
Although the «ecological value» of these sites is con¬ sidered high, their «cultural value» or human use is low.
It is possible that due to the dominance of «desertification» processes in the region, the «cultural value» of the sites has not been recognized to its füll potential.
Differences were also observed on-site between geo¬ morphosites integrated in visiting parks and those in less frequented and unsupervised areas.Whereas the damage of sites in the first group was moderate, possibly due to protection through law enforcement, the sites in the latter group suffered from vandalism.
This appears especially the case for sites that can be reached by visitors using private boats (Tab. 3).
Based on the results, the geomorphosites can be divided into two groups, the first group consisting of seven sites with high overall value (S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S14) and the second group with eight sites of medium value.
As a consequence of the identification of valuable geomorphosites, the management of the Lesvos Pet¬ rified Forest Geopark developed the idea of a West¬ ern Lesvos Marine Park which is to include the three coastal visiting parks and a marine route joining the marine fossil sites.The marine route has been designed to promote the volcanic origjn of the coastal land¬ scape and will take on the form of a guided tour.It is assumed that this measure will contribute towards improved protection and management of the sites.
This combination of a unique landscape and a rieh eco- system with geosites of high «scientific» and «educa¬ tional value» is seen to be particularly interesting from the view point of tourism promotion.Not only will this park offer an alternative destination for tourists that ja Photo 1: Petrified tree trunk (upper right) embedded in the Sigri pyroclastics is visible due to coastal erosion having destroyed the tree's root System.Tafoni structures (left) are typical of volcanic material to be found in Plaka Park.
Photo: N Zoueos have already visited other fossil sites in the Lesvos Pet¬ rified Forest, it may also capture the interest of those who have little or no knowledge of the earth sciences.
5 Geomorphosite management in the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark The Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark applies certain management measures for the protection, conservation and promotion of all types of sites present in the territory.
In 2000, a broad initiative for the identification and map- ping of the various sites of interest was launched.The main product was the creation of the Lesvos Geopark inventory.This inventory fed into decisions made for the Geopark's management plan and led to the creation of five visiting parks with different foci regarding earth her¬ itage, as well as to the creation of a network of pathways linking geomorphosites and other sites of interest on the terrestrial part of the Lesvos Geopark.
Site management in the Western Lesvos Marine Park has been defined using the results of the site assess¬ ment and includes a network of activities to monitor and safeguard the coastal and marine geomorphosites, such as regulär maintenance (cleaning and marking), employment of rangers to patrol and monitor the condition of geosites, measures and protective installations against weathering and erosion, especially along the coast; conservation activities, description of geomorphosites with onsite information panels, leaflets and field guides, as well as the Organisation of on¬ site activities that aim to raise public awareness of the importance of geodiversity.
Conservation of terrestrial fossil sites has been car¬ ried out and special shelters have been constructed for the more vulnerable sites.Small interventions were implemented where necessary to effectively conserve the fossil sites and to facilitate visitor access.These included the construction of protective low shelters, cobbling of pathways, installation of stone stairs and erection of stonewalls and wooden fences along the trails to guard the petrified trunks and protect them from run-off water and erosion.Two of the most significant remaining threats to the coastal zone of the Lesvos Geopark are illegal collec¬ tion of natural goods and coastal erosion.However, the negative consequences for the environment of increas¬ ing tourist numbers attracted to the coastal area and increasing direct abrasion of visitors Walking past or Standing on fossils may also be significant.
Further, the Museum offers educational programs for students to promote greater understanding of the importance of the geomorphosites of the coastal zone for the insight they offer into the geomorphological and geological processes that have formed the Aegean over the last 20 million years. 6

Conclusions
Geomorphosites have the potential to be acknowledged as natural and tourist resources with interesting economic benefits, especially if located in protected areas.The proposed methodology for assessment of geomorphosites located in protected areas was applied in Greek national parks and natural monuments in con¬ texts in which geomorphology and geology had not been taken into consideration for conservation and manage¬ ment.The results of the assessments indicate that the examined large scale geomorphosites (landscapes) fulfil the required criteria to be characterized as major tour¬ ist attractions in terms of «scientific» and «educational value», aesthetic appeal and potential for use.
The same methodology was also applied at a smaller scale, focusing on the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark.
Its aim was to evaluate specific geomorphosites (land¬  forms).The results proved useful for the Classification and characterization of the sites investigated.
Furthermore, the results fed into the proposal for the Western Lesvos Marine Park.The park has allowed a network of activities to be set up that ensure monitoring and safeguarding of the geomorphosites, the promotion of local identities, the creation of the nec- essary tourist infrastructure and the development of  local economic growth and creation of new opportunities for employment.Thus, it is expected that the new park will allow the most to be made of the relations that exist between earth heritage protection, nature conservation and sustainable local development.
Abstract: Geomorphosite assessment and manage¬ ment in protected areas of Greece.Case study of the Lesvos island -coastal geomorphosites This paper presents a methodology for assessment of geomorphosites located in protected areas.The methodological process involves definition of «geo¬ morphological value» of all sites using six criteria: 1) «scientific» and «educational value»; 2) geodiversity, 3) «ecological» and «aesthetic value»; 4) «cultural value»; 5) potential threats and protection needs; and 6) potential for use.The assessment method was implemented in Greece on various geomorphosites at different scales: landscape scale (national parks and monuments) and landform scale (Lesvos Island Geopark).For this purpose, eight representative national parks and natural monuments were classi- fied and assessed using the proposed methodology at a large scale.The same methodology was also used to evaluate 15 distinet geomorphosites found in the coastal zone of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark.
Here, geomorphosites of different sizes and catego¬ ries were selected, classified and assessed.In order to protect the identified geomorphosites and ensure their proper management, the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest, which is the management structure of the Lesvos Geopark, proposed the devel¬ opment of the Western Lesvos Marine Park.This park is to include the existing coastal visiting parks and a series of geomorphosites and marine fossil Sites.

Fig. 2 :
Fig. 2: National parks and other protected areas in Greece Nationalparks und andere Naturschutzgebiete in Griechenland Parcs nationaux et autres territoires proteges de Grece