Valorization of the Geological Heritage of the Western High Atlas Coast (Agadir, Morocco)

Abstract

The Western Coastal High Atlas, located in southwest Morocco, presents a rich paleogeographic context that testifies to a notable geological and paleontological history. The geological formations, dominated by detrital facies ranging from the Triassic to the Plio-Quaternary, constitute a geological heritage of significant value. This study aims to identify and evaluate the geological heritage of the region, with an emphasis on heritage processes and their role in conservation and geotourism development. The methodology is based on field analysis, supplemented by bibliographic research, field surveys, and the evaluation of geosites using multi-criteria approaches (such as site integrity, accessibility, representativeness, tourist attractiveness, and more), in accordance with the methodology of Brilha (2016). The scientific objective of this article is to analyze the potential of geosites of stratigraphic, tectonic, sedimentological, and paleontological types as vectors for the promotion of geological heritage, while addressing issues of conservation, education, and sustainable tourism within an integrated framework of preservation and sustainable development. To illustrate this potential, the study proposes a geotourism route between the city of Agadir and the Haha–Essaouira Plateau region, highlighting the richness and diversity of the geological heritage of the Western Coastal High Atlas.