Assessing Degradation Risk of Geosites in the Safi Province (Marrakesh–Safi Region, Morocco)

Abstract

Geosites in the Safi Province in Morocco are increasingly exposed to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors (landslides, karstification, pollution, improper visitor behavior, etc.) that threaten their integrity and accelerate their degradation. Assessing geoheritage degradation risks is therefore a fundamental step in any geoconservation strategy, particularly given the growing impacts of climate change on Morocco’s Atlantic coastline. This study proposes a quantitative methodology for evaluating degradation risk by integrating extrinsic factors that can damage geosites. The methodology was applied to the Safi Province, an area characterized by exceptional geological diversity—ranging from coastal cliffs and marine terraces to karst systems, Quaternary deposits, and paleontological and archaeological sites of international significance such as Jbel Irhoud. Three main criteria were used to assess degradation risk: anthropogenic vulnerability, public use, and natural vulnerability, each supported by a set of detailed parameters enabling precise numerical evaluation. The results show that degradation risk in Safi’s geosites is primarily driven by a lack of awareness of and recognition of their geological importance, leading to public misuse, inadequate management, uncontrolled access, and unregulated extraction. Moreover, the region’s strong coastal dynamics amplify natural vulnerability, especially at geosites along exposed cliffs, beaches, and estuarine environments. Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive assessment of the condition of Safi’s geosites and constitute a valuable tool for the planning, prioritization, and implementation of effective protection and management measures, particularly in the face of increasing pressures associated with climate and environmental change.