Evaluation Features of Fossil and Coastal Geosites: Selecting Assessment Criteria for Geotourism Purposes

Abstract

Fossil deposits are among the most attractive geosites in nature parks and geoparks. The Register and Cadastre of the Bulgarian geological phenomena includes several outstanding fossil deposits estimated as geosites of national significance. However, they are assessed according to the general methodology for evaluating all classes of geosites: geomorphological, paleontological, petrographical, etc., so their specific characteristics remain in the background. This also applies to coastal geosites which are not present in the Register at all, except for a few dune fields. This article discusses indicative criteria that can be used to create an expert card to assess fossil and coastal geosites based on their common feature – fossils, and their scientific and tourist value. The aim is to identify possible common features and to develop a set of criteria highlighting the specific characteristics of the fossil and coastal geosites. In this way, their value will be enhanced beyond the basic level of significance established on the basis of general criteria such as aesthetic, ecological, cultural, etc. values that are not sufficiently indicative of the true scientific and tourist value of fossil and coastal geosites.