Geocultural Heritage and Geocultural Sites: Interpreting Geoheritage–Cultural Heritage Relationships Through a Management Matrix Framework

Geoheritage is increasingly recognised as an integral component of the broader natural-cultural heritage of human societies. However, existing conceptual and methodological approaches often remain fragmented, relying either on spatial coincidence or on separate analytical treatments of geoheritage and cultural-historical values, which limits the understanding of their functional integration. This review paper advances the conceptualisation of geocultural heritage and the geocultural site by moving beyond simple spatial coincidence towards a functional integration of abiotic and cultural-historical values. In this context, geocultural heritage is defined as a hybrid form of natural and cultural heritage in which geological and cultural-historical components are mutually co-constitutive, generating value through their functional, historical, and symbolic integration rather than mere spatial co-occurrence. Within this framework, the primary aim is to develop a theoretical perspective that supports a holistic understanding of the integrative relationships between geoheritage and cultural-historical heritage. Its primary aim is to develop a theoretical perspective that supports a holistic understanding of the integrative relationships between geoheritage and cultural-historical heritage. The study identifies and demonstrates three fundamental levels of geocultural synergy, including spatio-material, causal, and symbolic-transcendental, through representative case examples from Slovakia. To bridge the gap between theoretical recognition and practical governance, the paper introduces a semi-quantitative assessment instrument, the Geocultural Management Matrix (GCMM). This framework aggregates assessment criteria into two synthetic dimensions: the Geocultural Value and Integrity Index (GVII) and the Management and Potential Index (MPI). Based on the interaction of these two dimensions, sites are assigned to four distinct management profiles, linking analytical assessment with differentiated management strategies. In this way, the matrix provides a methodologically consistent bridge between geocultural heritage assessment and site-specific decisions concerning conservation intensity, interpretative development, and management orientation. The proposed model strengthens the practical applicability of geocultural research by offering a transferable framework for geoparks, heritage conservation and management.