Geodiversity action plans for dissemination activities of Progeopiemonte Project

The multidisciplinary research project “PROGEOPiemonte” (“PROactive management of GEOlogical heritage in the Piemonte region: innovative methods and functional guidelines for promoting geodiversity knowledge and supporting geoconservation activities (“PROGEO-Piemonte”; coord. M. Giardino) aims to achieve a new conceptual and operational discipline in the management of the geological heritage of the Piemonte Region by means of the development of techniques for recognizing and managing its rich geodiversity at the local and regional scale. After a systematic review of inventoried geosites, 9 strategic geothematic areas will be investigated to represent the geodiversity of Piemonte, each characterized by high potential for scientific studies, enhancement of public understanding of science, recreation activities and for economic support to local communities. Geological history, climate and environmental changes, natural hazards, soil processes and georesources will be popularized not only with geosites but also with museum collections, evidences of mining activity and quarrying, science exhibits and nature trails. The recognition of the economic value of geodiversity will lead to the production of regional guidelines for Geoconservation integrated quality management system, suitable for tourism and sustainable development strategies. An international advisory board will evaluate yearly project advancements, proposed strategies and products. One of the main target of the project is to improve public awareness on major earth science challenges, both from the hard and applied Earth Sciences point of view. Since the general public, both the young and adults, have a sort of illiteracy with respect to Earth Sciences, we plan to get them involved in an easy but complete way in to the subject. We experienced in the last few years two approaches to disseminate and share geodiversity and geoheritage contents in Piemonte; the first one involved local partners, such as primary and secondary schools (proposing specific research-action curricular activities) or science museum (both at the local and regional level), for the design of scientific exhibits focused on specific subjects related to the impact of dramatic geologic events (vulcanos, earthquakes, floods, coastal hazards, etc) on human presence and activitiy; the second one was focused on road exhibits (European researcher’s night, ESOF-European Science Open Forum - science in the city) where several scientific experiments, dealing with multi-faceted geological subjects, were developed such as the following: plate tectonics experiments; models of slope instabilities; the discovery of the fossil record and the reconstruction of past climate changes; the exploration of the decorative stones of Torino's historical buildings; awareness of fibrous mineral (asbestos) and mineral particles impacts on health; classification of mineral collection by using the five senses. These live experiments or games are the ideal start for the present project, and we plan to improve both their scientific content and the general organization. From these past experiences we will focus on new outcomes of the project, that will include didactic tools for educators, schools and public in general, together with more traditional museum exhibits, real and virtual geological tracks, interactive websites and training courses for geonaturalistic guides. The produced material will be shared with teachers for local school projects, natural science museums and public administrations of Piemonte. Moreover, long-term objectives and short-term targets for geodiffusion actions will meet the requirements of local communities in the geothematic areas. Local partners will offer human and financial resources for the achievement of the geodiffusion objectives. Last but not least, geological literacy of children, young persons and adults will thus have a positive deep impact on every day life and on our future.