GeoMedia-web: Multimedia and Networks for Dissemination of Knowledge on Geoheritage and Natural Risk

Geological knowledge is fundamental for the assessment and mitigation of natural risks, as well as for the successful exploration and management of georesources. The GeoMedia-web project aims to improve people awareness of geological issues by establishing a network of researchers, teachers, and scientific institutions sharing innovative multimedia solutions for the dissemination of Earth Science contents, focusing on natural hazards and geological heritage. Through the enhancement of awareness of geodiversity, we pursue to highlight evidences of past environmental changes and evolutionary processes, and also to make available information needed to accurately foresee future environmental changes, related risks and for providing adequate adaptation plans and/or prevention measures. The concept inspiring the GeoMedia-web project is based on principles of geoconservation and virtual reality applications. By means of collaborative sharing and creation of dissemination products, we want to fill the gap existing in Italy between these theoretical frameworks and their effective application in geodiversity action plans, and in the proactive management of natural risks.