Geoheritage and Geoconservation, from Theory to Practice: The Ghost Town of Craco (Matera District, Basilicata Region, Southern Italy)

Abstract

Several theoretical and applied studies are concerned with the topics of geological heritage management and geoconservation. The diversity of natural and anthropic scenarios into which geological heritage is inserted, as well as its troublesome management, make these topics challenging for scientific discussion. However, on the other hand, these topics highlight the complexity of a theoretical schematization of approaches and procedures, as well as of the practical application of theoretical assumptions. This paper concerns a practical application of a case study in geoconservation actions, which begins with the identification and the basic description of a site of multicultural interest (characterized by the coexistence of geo and non-geo aspects); subsequently, the needs and aims of the potential end users and stakeholders are analyzed. Finally, several geoconservation actions, differentiated according to end user and stakeholder goals, are proposed. The chosen area includes the Craco ghost town in southern Italy. It is a characteristic, evocative place, where it is possible to observe natural and anthropic contexts. The Craco ghost town is also nationally and internationally renowned, since some movie productions have been set there (such as some scenes in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of Christ movie). In this area, the abBandono vErsus riGenerazIoNe (BEGIN) Project (ROP ERDF Basilicata 2014–2020 interregional and transnational cooperation projects) aims to develop an operative, unequivocal, and multi-layered procedure focused on sustainable management, disseminating knowledge and enhancing and using the cultural context of abandoned sites as an attractive force for tourist purposes.