Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 5
Meetings in Tunisia, with
local population during the visit
of the Zaghouan aspiring
geoparks (
a
) and with
representatives of the Geological
Survey (
b
)
geoheritage, especially its fossiliferous sites, that are of global
interest and need to be preserved, for example those of the
Palaeozoic of southeast Morocco, such as the Erfoud and
Tazarine areas, which are being overexploited either as
ornamental rocks or as rare specimens that are sold for private
collections (Errami et al.
2008
,
2013a
; El Hadi et al.
2011
)
(Fig.
8
). These sites are at risk of irreparable destruction. It is
important to note that the geoheritage inventory in Morocco is
still in its early stages, despite some localized endeavors by
earth scientists resident in universities.
Morocco has nonetheless created its
the Central High Atlas mountains. The geological history of
the territory goes back to the Triassic (250 Ma ago) and is
mainly characterized by dinosaur remains and footprints.
Three other geoparks projects are in progress:
(1) The Doukkala-Abda aspiring geopark is located in the
northwestern part of central Morocco and is charac-
terized by a varied and rich natural heritage, which
includes geomorphological, geological and cultural
features (Fig.
9
a, b). Its biodiversity and geodiversity
and signi
cant geotouristic potential offer the prospect
of cultural geotrails for both education and tourism
(Errami et al.
2013b
; Enniouar et al. this volume).
rst geopark and the
rst in Africa and Middle-East, M
'
Goun geopark, in 2004 in
