Methodology for assessing the geoheritage of the western part of the North Pokutia Upland
Authors: Zahriichuk Volodymyr , Brusak Vitaliy 
Published: December 2024

An objective assessment of unique geological and geomorphological formations as objects of geoheritage is a necessary requirement for developing conservation measures. A number of methodologies for evaluating and determining the recreational value of geological and geomorphological objects have been developed by both foreign and ukrainian researchers. Prominent researchers in the development of geoheritage and geodiversity assessment methods include Reynaud (Reynard, Brilha, 2018; Reynard, Coratza, 2013), Brilha (Brilha, 2016), Zouros (Zouros, 2007), Ferrero (Ferrero et al., 2012), Fassoulas (Fassoulas et al., 2012), Asrat (Asrat et al., 2012), Grey (Grey, 2013), Pereira (Pereira et al., 2013), Rocha (Rocha et al., 2014), and others. The essence of these methodologies lies in assessing geoheritage objects according to certain criteria based on the functional significance of the object. The listed researchers propose various numbers (ranging from 4 to 7) and lists of criteria, among which the most important are scientific, educational, and ecological-conservation. The criteria include a number of sub-criteria (sub-indices) and a general scoring system (from 1 to 10).
Our research is based on the methodological developments of the aforementioned authors. We propose a qualitative-quantitative methodology for assessing abiotic nature objects. The qualitative assessment involves a general scientific description and justification of the objects in terms of their compliance with the criteria for belonging to geoheritage. The quantitative assessment of the objects involves defining clear criteria, ranking them, and assigning corresponding weight scores. In the study, the following criteria are used: scientific, educational, aesthetic, conservation, cultural, and recreational. Each criterion encompasses three sub-criteria that specify its essence. According to the logical set of indicators, the sub-criteria assess the geological and geomorphological objects on a five-point scale. The maximum score is assigned to the best or most favorable indicator. The characteristics of the objects and assessment indicators are obtained as a result of their passportization (standardized description of objects in kind) and the summarization of information from open sources.
The methodology for assessing geoheritage has been tested on 10 objects located in the western part of the North Pokutia Upland. These include nature monuments and reserves: Boryvetska, Kadubivska Cliff, Sovytskyi Level, Vasylivski Waterfalls, Doroshivets Waterfall, Tovtrivska Cliff, Pioneer Cave, Mytkivska Cliff, Onutskaya Cliff, and Balamutivska Cave. The highest assessment scores were obtained by Balamutivska Cave, Onutskaya Cliff, Mytkivska Cliff, Kadubivska Cliff, and Doroshivets Waterfall.
The use of the qualitative-quantitative assessment methodology for abiotic nature objects allows for an objective justification for granting conservational status (protected area, nature monument) to the most valuable geological and geomorphological formations in a specific natural or administrative region, taking into account the characteristics of the object of study and the natural features of the area being researched. The significance of the conservational status of a valuable abiotic nature object (whether of national or local importance) should be justified based on the total score of its value.
Key words: geoheritage; geodiversity; geoheritage assessment methods; assessment criteria.