Human and natural influences impacting the Geodiversity and Geosystem services in mountain regions: An application of DPSIR framework

The DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, Response) framework is a widely utilized tool for analyzing the relationship between human activities and their impacts on the environment (O’Neill et al., 2002). In this study, we applied the DPSIR framework to examine the loss of geodiversity and degradation of geosystem services in the Monte Rosa (North Western Italian Alps, Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark). Using the DPSIR framework, we identified both the human and climatic drivers of change in geodiversity and geosystem services in the mountain areas, including glaciers, permafrost, temperature, precipitation, rivers and torrents. These drivers exert various pressures on the environment, including, the more frequent extreme events by rainfall, permafrost degradation, fluvial processes, glacial processes and glacial shrinkage. To accurately measure the drivers and pressures that are influencing mountain system, we compiled a list of data, sources, techniques and tools that are appropriate for this purpose. We assessed the current state of geodiversity and geosystem services in the area and evaluated the impacts of these pressures. Our results showed that the available services can be dilapidated overtime due to the active influence of these drivers of change. Our study demonstrates the utility of the DPSIR framework for understanding the complex interactions between human activities, climate change and the environment, and for identifying strategies for conserving and preserving geodiversity and geosystem services. The findings of this research can inform decision-making and policy development at the local, regional, and national levels, with the ultimate goal of mitigating the negative impacts of human and climatic activities on the environment.