Integrating Geosystem Services classifications: a preliminary framework from the piedmont area of the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark

A variety of geological structures, landforms and processes, known as “geodiversity”, influences both human society and natural ecosystems. It offers essential services and benefit as Geosystem Services (GS), a concept raised in the last two decades from the better known “Ecosystem Services” (ES). Despite the importance of GS, their classification remains underdeveloped. The present study integrates the two most accepted classification frameworks for ES and GS, to provide an advanced tool for assessing georesources and planning related management in the piedmont sector of the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, an area rich in geodiversity and potential GS. By combining literature knowledge, remote sensing and field surveys data in a GIS-based environment, main GS services connected to geological and human activities have been mapped. Results suggest that an integrate classification approach provide a more comprehensive overview of GS in the territory. This in turn is fundamental for achieving more conscious management plans in the perspective of sustainable development within Geopark territories.