Updating the Inventory of Geosites in the Mixteca Alta UNESCO Global Geopark Through the Application of Participatory Strategies

Abstract Geosite inventories are necessary tools to frame the main geological and geomorphological interests present in a territory, being frequently developed by collegiate bodies of geoscientists with diverse areas of specialization and geological knowledge. In the particular case of UNESCO Geoparks, inventories should explore the existence of geological heritage of international relevance, and at the same time it should be used as instruments that enable actions to strengthen local development. This paper presents the generation of an inventory of geosites in Mixteca Alta UNESCO Global Geopark (MAUGG) and an analysis of vulnerability and risk of degradation, based on a participatory process that corresponded to a series of systematic phases with appropriate follow-up by the scientific committee. Among the most important results, stands out a list of 48 geosites with geomorphological, tectonic, petrological, mineralogical and other interests, including sites of international, national and regional importance. Likewise, the analysis of vulnerability and risk of degradation establishes that this territory has a low level of deterioration, which is related to the territorial management model of the nine municipalities of the geopark, based on internal regulatory systems or uses and customs, however, despite the high conservation quality of the geosites inventoried, there are some exceptions. This inventory promotes the dissemination of the concept of geoparks, geotrails and geosites, and strengthens community participation in the management of local geoheritage.