Integrating Cultural Sites into the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (North-West Italy): Methodologies for Monitoring and Enhancing Cultural Heritage

UNESCO Global Geoparks are recognised in the scientific community for their exceptional geological significance, but their potential to embrace and preserve cultural heritage sites is underestimated. This study delves into a pioneering approach within the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (NW Italy), examining the integration of culturally significant sites into conservation and promotion strategies. To achieve a successful integration, we adapted a methodology used for the identification and assessment of geosites, incorporating the criteria of cultural significance, to assess the value of 10 cultural sites within the geopark and compare the results with the assessment values of 10 geosites. Moreover, we submitted survey questionnaires to geopark tourists to understand their interest in visiting both geosites and cultural sites. The findings reveal the remarkable scientific, educational, and touristic values of these cultural sites, which constitute an important resource for the geopark, to be enhanced and protected together with the geosites. Interestingly, the higher scientific value of cultural sites corresponds to increased visitor interest, which is in contrast to the trend observed for geosites. Through this unified approach, the monitoring of cultural heritage within the geopark is simplified and improved, enabling a comprehensive inventory and efficient administration. Moreover, by aligning visitor interests with scientific value, the Sesia Val Grande Geopark can enhance conservation and sustainable tourism efforts.