Sara Biolchi, Stefano Devoto, Stefano Furlani, Igor Belamarić, Franco Cucchi, Radoslav Dodig, Goran Glamuzina, Jernej Jež, Bogdan Jurkovšek, Tea Kolar-Jurkovšek, Karmen Peternelj, Fabiana Pieri, Luca Zini, Gordana Zwicker Kompar, Irina Žeger Pleše
The following sections summarize the outputs of integrated research, which includes the outputs of office work, expert geological fieldwork, and the inventorying of platy limestone quarries. Special attention was devoted to the identification of possible geosites.
Fossils (from Latin fossilis, obtained by digging) represent the remains of animals, plants, and other organisms from the distant past. Fossils vary in size, from microscopic – some micrometers in diameter – to gigantic, such as dinosaurs and trees, which can stretch many meters and weigh many tons. In this project we considered fossils considered to be significant in the scientific context, such as fishes, plants, dinosaurs, etc.
Before starting any major ground works with shafting in the territory of platy limestone (excavation of major land reclamations, etc.) the competent institutions should be notified, and if necessary, they should organize the paleontological monitoring and storage of excavated limestone slabs for the reconstruction of authentic local architecture.
In order to preserve the paleontological heritage, the presence of paleontologists and geologists is crucial during exploitation work, since they can assist quarry operators in recognizing and evaluating the importance of fossil outcrops.
In the future, the exploitation of platy limestone and the preservation of natural heritage should be integrated under common legislation and good practice; platy limestone and similar types of stone should enjoy and be subject to laws similar to those regulating natural protection and sustainable exploitation.
Geology is a fundamental aspect of nature, and geoheritage is a key component of global natural heritage, because it deals with certain special sites and objects that play a key role in the understanding of earth’s history (Wimbledon and Smith-Meyer, 2012). These localities and objects provide special insights into the evolution of the Earth. Their conservation, protection and management for scientific research, education and training represent a key challenge for the future. Such localities are called geosites (geo, gr. earth + situs, lat. site) and represent a site or area that enables a better understanding of evolution and similar (Wimbledon and Smith-Meyer, 2012). Geosites are generally distinguished by their own particular features of interest, sometimes by their particular vulnerability together with their specific fundamental importance for earth sciences.
Here are some proposals for geosites as examples for future protection of natural heritage (Map 4.2).
