PROMOTION OF GEOTOURISM AND GEOHERITAGE AT THE OASES OF OUED NOUN

Abstract

The objective of this study is to restore the value of Oued Noun Oases that has been less estimated for several centuries, without destroying the collective memory. Our duty is to look through certain models of geotourism and geoheritage practiced elsewhere, which would be the best approach to preserve this natural landscape that has become very fragile. A systematic survey was conducted on sever al selected geosites, including inventory, characterization, classification, evaluation and appreciation. That is to say, qualitative and quantitative assessme nts were carried out on the basis of geoheritage values of international significance. This paper is focused on the efforts should be made in all these sites to ameliorate and develop geoheritage and geotourism in Oued Noun Oases. This research is conducted not only for scientific research and indication of sites, but also to developing geological, ecological and cultural infrastructures within the reach of tourists.

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PROMOTION OF GEOTOURISM AND GEOHERITAGE AT THE OASES OF OUED NOUN
Saїd MIRARI*
Mohammed V University, Faculty of Science in Rabat, Laboratory of Tourism Engineering, Heritage
and Sustainable Development of the Territories, P.O. BOX 1014 RP, Rabat, Morocco, e-mail: Mirarisaid@gmail.com
Abdelouahed BENMLIH
Mohammed V University, Faculty of Science in Rabat, Laboratory of Tourism Engineering, Heritage
and Sustainable Development of the Territories, P.O. BOX 1014 RP, Rabat, Morocco, e-mail: benmlihabdelouahed@yahoo.fr
Citation: Mirari, S., & Benmlih, A. (2020). PROMOTION OF GEOTOURISM AND GEOHERITAGE AT THE OASES OF OUED NOUN.
GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 32(4), 1433–1440. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.32435-591
Abstract: The objective of this study is to restore the value of Oued Noun Oases that has been less estimated for several centuries, without
destroying the collective memory. Our duty is to look through certain models of geotourism and geoheritage practiced elsewhere, which would be
the best approach to preserve this natural landscape that has become very fragile. A systematic survey was conducted on several selected
geosites, including inventory, characterization, classification, evaluation and appreciation. That is to say, qualitative and quantitative assessments
were carried out on the basis of geoheritage values of international significance. This paper is focused on the efforts should be made in all these
sites to ameliorate and develop geoheritage and geotourism in Oued Noun Oases. This research is conducted not only for scient ific research and
indication of sites, but also to developing geological, ecological and cultural infrastructures within the reach of tourists.
Key words: Geotourism, Geosite, Geoheritage, Geodiversity, Development and Oued Noun Oases
* * * * * *
INTRODUCTION
Sustainability is a principle of action; however, investigating closely this concept, reveals that it does not cover a unified program. A
group of factors could be considered as solutions to the current problem only if there is a growing governance in the recogni tion of the
gravity of the issue. According to an advanced regionalization plan, Morocco has adopted a new policy of development that integrates the
environmental component, the rationalization of natural resources, measures for poverty reduction and an appropriate social a nd spatial
distribution of wealth (Benkada et al., 2018). Geotourism, which is a new and fundamental concept in the vision of tourism traced by the
government for 2020, has currently been demonstrated as a key factor for sustainable development.
The field of tourism responds to a strong demand when it takes into account the programs and the strategic plans implemented by the
decision makers and the players of the industrial tourism (Reynard et al., 2017; Pica et al., 2017). Oued Noun Oases faces numerous natural,
human-induced, institutional, organizational and legal constraints. Hence, there is a need for a practical tool that would reconcile the
imperatives of conservation (Hakim and Soemarno, 2017), the demands of the local population and tourism, and at the same time positively
address the constraints that hamper the management of the site. It, therefore, constitutes a sector of undeniable tourist value and an important
tourist destination according to its specialization in the territorial offer and thanks to the particularity and specificities of its goods and
services related to the geotourism activity that could arise (Nazaruddin, 2019). The identification of geological heritage values (Lazzarini et
al., 2014; Brilha, 2016) constitutes the first principle in the elaboration of geotourism circuits and the basis for promoting the revitalisation of
rural areas through new tourism opportunities (Ólafsdóttir, 2019; Farsani et al., 2011). This orientation is reflected in the initiation of a broad
debate within society on the subject of geotourism, geoheritage and geoconservation (Carcavill et al., 2008, Carcavilla et al.,2009, Poiraud et
al., 2017, Duval et al., 2010), in a world of increased industrialization, the environmental issues have been omitted (Henriques et al., 2011).
The need to preserve the ecological and geological (El Hadi et al., 2015) space is a major concern in an economic context that promotes the
integration of alternative tourism in the new philosophy of the national strategy in the tourism sector (Mirari and Benmlih, 2018).
STUDY AREA
The Oases of Oued Noun are situated in Guelmim-Oued Noun region, province of Guelmim, on a surface of 2170 ha (Chmourk, 2011).
The province establishes a buffer zone between Sahara and Souss on a surface of 10783 Km² that is 18.34% of the total surface of the region.
It is limited by the province of Sidi-ifni in the north, the province of Tan-Tan in the WS, the province of Assa-Zag in the East, the Atlantic
Ocean West and the province of Tata (Souss-Massa region) in the East (HCP, 2015).
The plain of Guelmim is a part of the western anti-atlas. It contains two main morphological units: the trays of limestone of western anti-
atlas and Jbel Baní which is considered the source of Feijas (Weisrock et al., 2006), establishing a bridge between the desert zone and the
semiarid sub. The city possesses a dry and Saharan climate (MEMWE, 2010) due to the interference of several geologic and geomorphologic
aspects: the closeness of the Atlantic Ocean, the influence of the cold currents, and the presence of a mountainous barrier of the anti-atlas
(SMDHBA, 2013). All these factors insure a protection against the east and south east sandy winds in addition to the effect of the Saharan
continental character, especially in summer. The average annual temperature is 19, 6 °C (SMDHBA, 2013).
The hydrological network of surface is established by three main wadis: Noun, Bouissafe and Aouriouira, on a 9300 Km² surface. The
aquifer represents the underground water resources: the deep aquifer at oscillating levels of lower limestone of the Georgian then the
groundwater and alluvial aquifer between 15 and 45 m (Mahmouhi et al., 2016). The biodiversity of the various ecosystems of the region is
based on a sheltered biotope. Thanks to their aridity and the rarity of human activity and especially in a little isolated area, numerous
endemic species find an environment which is favorable to them (Cuzin, 2003). The region contains a vegetable belt of forests on 31700 ha,
* Corresponding author

Saїd MIRARI, Abdelouahed BENMLIH
1434
as well as an identified and endemic flora, according to the peculiarities of each life area. The fauna consists of a fair important number of
mammalian organisms, avian, amphibians and rare and endangered reptiles (Bergier et al., 2017).
Figure 1. Oasian area in the Oued Noun Oases
Geographical and Geological outline of the study area
The chosen study region is located on the southwest of Guelmim city (N28°9, W10° 02, altitude 540 m), in a large synclinorium which
forms, on a regional scale, a narrow depressed basin between the Precambrian basement in the South and the Paleozoic cover in the North
(Belfoul et al., 2001; Michard et al., 2011).
The lithostratigraphic successions of the region (Table 1) studied are basically formed by Cambrian formations, formed by shales with
paradoxids and by sandstones with conocoryphs and lingules (SMDHBA, 2013). The Ordovician series are represented by green silstones of
lower arenig age, the thicknesses is 150 m contain trilobites, Graptoliths as well as Echinoderms (Destombes et al., 1985). On the geological
map (Figure 2) of Goulimine and the lower Drâa wadi, these basic terrains pass towards the summit with sandstones and quartzites dating
from the middle arenig. Their thickness does not exceed 50 m (Naser, 2006). Caradoc-age quartz deposits and micro-conglomeric sandstones
form the last visible bars before the tectonic contact of E-W direction which separates them from detrital carboniferous deposits (Figure 2).
These facies are similar to the periglacial Ashgill age (Ettayfi, 2013; Pique et al., 2007). Between the pleated Bani and the Devonian ridges
of the Rich, lies the plain of Assa-Aouinat Torkoz, whose quaternary (Pique et al., 2007) cover generally masks the Silurian shales.
Beyond the Western anti-atlas, also pleated, but with more moderate relief than the Bani, spreads out again a broad plain, that of the Drâa
wadi with shale (Choubert, 1963) substratum of the Upper Devonian, most often masked by the quaternary alluviums. On another note a
geological point of view, the Guelmim area is part of the Anti-Atlantic chain elongated in a WSW-ENE direction, where Precambrian and
Sub-Cambrian to Cambrian terrain outcrops (Pique et al., 2007). The southern slope of the Anti-Atlas, to which the region belongs, has a
fairly gentle slope with sharp ridges (HCWFFAD, 2008). The terrain is of post-Cambrian Paleozoic age (Pique et al., 2007).
Figure 2. Geological map of the study area

Promotion of Geotourism and Geoheritage at the Oases of Oued Noun
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Table 1. Synthetic stratigraphic column of the Plioquaternary of the Guelmim plain SMDHBA, 2011
Plioquaternaire
Unit
Stratigraphic units
Unit 4
 Scree regs and cones at the foot of the reliefs
 Limestone crust, saline crust
 Alluvium, sand and pebbles around watercourses, silt on the plain.
Unit 3
 Alternation of :
- Lake limestones
- Sandy marls passing laterally to sandy clays
- Marly to marnocalcareous limestone with sand passages
 Presence of fossil bed alluvium below these formations
Unit 2
 Conglomerate
 Clay and Marly Clay
Acadian
Unit 1
Surface weathered shale with inclusion of sandstone levels
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This article is based on a set of materials which contain literatures, maps, and photographs related to Oued Noun Oases. The
methodology used in this work is the inventory of geosites, its characteristics, classification and evaluation. The inventory was carried out by
the identification, classification and distribution of the most important geosites of the Oases through a geological survey. The survey was
developed by reading literature reviews, field trips and interviews with specialists in local geological heritage.
The geosites characterization was based on direct observation, relevant selection, detailed description and specialized classification
through work on geodiversity (Gray, 2005), vision between the works of Pralong, 2006; Brocx and Semeniuk, 2007; Predrag and Mirela,
2010 and the scale (Brocx and Semeniuk, 2007) (Nazaruddin, 2019).
Two evaluation approaches are adopted for the development of this article: a qualitative approach (Aoulad-Ali et al., 2019; Nazaruddin,
2019), which gives particular attention to the geographic and geological heritage values for classification and description, a quantitative
approach which aims to assess the geosites and its geoheritage value and SWOT analysis to establish development strategies.
RESULTS
1. Inventory of gosites
The enhancement and the conservation of the geological heritage (Chakrabarty and Mandal, 2020) have become very important in
several countries (Giusti, 2012), especially for sites that have scientific, cultural or economic interest (Ranjbaran et al., 2020). This
importance is mainly due to the appearance of a strong tourist demand, who no longer seeks “4S” tourism (Sand, Sea, Sex, Sun) (Cheng,
2016) but “4E” tourism from the beginning of this millenniumto improve awareness of responsibility: Educational tourism, Environment and
clean nature, culture and history Event, Entertainment and fun.
The Guelmim plain encompasses a vast territory that greatly exceeds the sole area of the Oases; it is to incorporate pre-desert areas of
great scenic beauty, but also to house elements that constitute the geological wealth of the plain (Mirari and Benmlih, 2018). To select
geosites of geoheritage significance, several criteria must be taken into account: Uniqueness, representativeness and rarity (Predrag and Mirela,
2010; Brocx al., 2011; Pralong, 2006). In this map (Figure 2), we offer some geosites of geotourism importance with a descriptive table.
Table 2. List of selected geosites as potential geoheritage resources and geotourism attractions in Oued Noun Oases
N°
Geosite
Location
Main geological feature
Other Characterizations
1
Amtoudi
Rural Municipality Amtoudi:
N 29 ° 14.930’; W9 ° 11.127 ’
Illustration of the Lower Cambrian formations
corresponding to the upper limestones, the
schisto-limestone series, the schistous series and
the terminal sandstones.
the sandstone-quartzitic series of the 1st Bani and the
plain corresponding to Feijas which are covered with
quaternary deposits
2
Adrar
ZerZem
Rural municipality Taghjijt:
N 28 ° 926; W 9 ° 042
It is in the form of a rocky ridge oriented E.-0.
which overlooks the right bank of the Seyad wadi
The engraving station is located on the rocky outcrops
overlooking the plain alluviale surrounding
3
Abaynou
station
Rural municipality d’Abaynou
N°29°093; W10°019
It is an emergence of this Saudi tablecloth appear
at the northern limit of the Guelmim basin
Sandy clay generally less than 7 meters thick
4
Pigeon
cave
Rural municipality Ait Boufoulen
N 29 ° 300; W9 ° 695
The caves are made up of a set of dark and
narrow rocks
Rainwater enters and emerges in a pond called Bizane
in Agjgal wadi.
5
Assaka
Basin
Rural municipality Targa Wassay
N 29 ° 07; 'W10 ° 25'
Georgian and Precambrian mass forms an
external feija broad of 5Kms on average
It is made up of eruptive rocks dating from the
Precambrian II and III (Andesites, Basalts and Granites).
6
Asrir
Oasis
Rural municipality of Asrir
N 29 ° 074; W 9 ° 432
It is made up of schist, sandstone and Georgian
limestones, belonging to the upper part of lower
limestone of the Adoudounian
-
The characterization of the geosites was developed by direct observation and description of the sites during the field trips and supported
by data from the literature and interviews with geology scientists and the locals. These geosites have a noticeable geological importance
which must enhance its geoheritage, such as geological, archaeological, morphological, hydrogeological and sociocultural values. The
following part is a description of the selected geosites at Oued Noun Oases, Guelmim province.
Geosite "Amtoudi"
This site is a Berber village in southern Morocco (Figure 3) it has a very rich landscape of the Western Anti-Atlas. It is an oasis of
mountainous nature located at the bottom of a canyon where about 325 households live.
With a respectable age of more than 2 billion years, the Stromatoliths of the Anti-Atlas correspond to discoid or nippled constructions
produced by mats of bacteria, mainly cyanobacteria (blue algae). Islands are formed elongated fossils forming a relief, about 1 to 5 cm high.
They can be caused by the agitation of the swell on the beaches, or the action of sea currents on the bottom. They are found on the upper
surface of a finely detrital layer and bear witness to a shallow marine environment.
Amtoudi travertines
On an altitude of 930 m with geographic coordinates N29°14.361 ’; W9°10.108 ' (Figure 4), there are travertines which show a particular
type of limestone rock which forms at the emergence of certain sources and on the slopes of river beds, as a result of changes in the physico-
chemical conditions induced by plants and algae which fix carbon dioxide causing precipitation of travertine.

Saїd MIRARI, Abdelouahed BENMLIH
1436
Amtoudi waterfall and Bougaa source
At an altitude of 931 m, with geographic coordinates N29°14.36’; W9 ° 10.108’, a log of Oued Amtoudi follows the old faults where
water flows all year round (Figure 5); the springs and waterfalls are the result of a resurgence in the gorges cut into the shale-limestone
alternation of the lower Cambrian at the bottom of the palm grove of Amtoudi. The First village includes a great part of Agadir (Robles-
Marín et al., 2014), spread over the two rivers, but at fairly high level and perched on the cliffs, some were inaccessible. The history of the
word Agadir which is the emblem of the region is often explained as collective granaries, and Agadir designates the nose of an eagle.
Amtoudi's stratigraphy
Illustration of the Lower Cambrian formations which corresponds to the upper limestones, the schistolimestone series, the schistous
series and the terminal sandstones (Figure 6). The "upper limestones" are a transgressive set of dolomites and limestones ranging in thickness
from around 400 m in the Western Anti-Atlas to 75 m or even 0 m in the eastern part of the massif.
Archaeological Geosite "Adrar Zerzem"
The Adrar ZerZem Site is located in the rural commune of Taghjijt, 80km towards Tata (Figure 7). This site dates back to almost 2,500
years before our era (Louart et al., 2013). A quality of about 37 mortuary monuments of former Amazigh inhabitants and other monuments
confirm human settlement in the region (BOKBOT et al., 2005). This area shelters a very important archaeological complex which includes
several types of vestiges: rock engravings showing a great thematic variety, burial mounds connected to other dry stone structures with
circular plan, and finally, an outdoor habitat with abundant archaeological material surface.
These discoveries will contribute to the enrichment of historical research concerning this important period in the history of Morocco
which preceded the discovery of the Moroccan coasts by Phoenician sailors (Figure 8).
Figure 3. Panoramic view of the Amtoudi basin
Figure 4. The Amtoudi lineaments
Figure 5. Bougaa source
Figure 6. Tumulus in "Adrar Zerzem ((Bokbot et al., 2005)
Figure 7. Rock carvings
Geomrphological geosite "Cave of pigeons"
Located at Ait Boufoulen 50 km towards Agadir (Figure 9), the caves are made up of a set of dark and narrow rocks. Access to these caves is
difficult. A set of palm groves is spread across the geographic space of this site, among others, such as those of Bouzakarn and Ait Boufoulen.
Thermal Geosite "Abaynou"
The Abaynou source, located at the rural commune of Abaynou 10 km to the north, is an outlet of this Adoudounian water table
appearing at the northern limit of the Guelmim basin (Figure 10). Water of this spring comes out with a temperature of 45°C and a sulphate-
calcium facies. Its origin is deep and probably appears at a fault affecting the Georgian limestones of the West of Ouggoug Oases

Promotion of Geotourism and Geoheritage at the Oases of Oued Noun
1437
(SMDHBA, 2013). In the upper part, at the entrance to the gorge taken by the Guelmim-Ifni road, there are thick banks of black limestone.
The series are said to be 400 to 500 m thick south of Abaynou. This unit is distinguished by more accentuated reliefs, with a characteristic
light color on satellite images. The water from this spring has healing properties, particularly with regard to dermal and rheumatic diseases.
Figure 8. The waterfalls of the wadi Amtoudi
Figure 9. Travertine in the vicinity of the cave
Figue 10. Chematic section illustrating the deep origin of the source of Abayno, SMDHBA.2013
Figure 11. A panoramic view of the Assaka bassin
Figure 12. A panoramic view of the Asrir oases
Hydrogeological geosite "Assaka Basin"
A beautiful outcrop of sandstone and greenish subhorizontal shales on the Seyad wadi (dip of 5-10° to the SE). We are at the top of the
“terminal sandstones”, in the zone of passage to the schists at paradoxides (Figure 11). The terminal sandstones were formerly stored in the
lower Cambrian, but are now dated to the beginning of the middle Cambrian. The top of several benches shows bioturbations and
asymmetrical ripple marks in the N-S direction. The Wadi bed is guided by these deaclases (Weisrock et al., 2006).
Sociocultural geosite “Asrir Oases”
The Asrir Oases, formerly known as "Noul-Lamta" (Joumani, 2008), has played a very significant role in the history of the southern
provinces (Figure 12) thanks to its strategic position between the Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic plains. Asrir represented a place of
ancient settlement of human groups and a point of convergence and crossing point for many transhumant tribes. Furthermore, this site shows
particular, cultural, archaeological and geotourist features which are represented by rock shelters, Kasbahs, granaries and others.
Figure 3 Figure 4

Saїd MIRARI, Abdelouahed BENMLIH
1438
2. Classification of geosites
Table 3. The classification of selected geosites
N°
Geosites
Geodiversity
Scope
Scale
1
Amtoudi
Relief / Landscape / Rock
Geomorphological
Big ladder
2
Adrar ZerZem
Relief / Landscape /
Archaeological
Medium scale
3
Abaynou station
Relief / Rock and Hydrological Process
Geomorphological / hydrogeological
Medium scale
4
Pigeon cave
Relief / Landscape / Rock
Geomorphological
Medium scale
5
Assaka Basin
Hydrological process
Hydrogeological
Bigscale
6
Asrir Oases
Relief / Landscape / Oasis
Geomorphological
Big ladder
Table 4. Qualitative assessment of selected geosites for potential geoheritage resources and geotourism attractions in Oued Noun Oasis, Morocco
N°
1
2
3
4
5
6
geosites
Amtoudi
Adrar Zerzem
Abaynou station
Pigeon cave
Assaka Basin
Oasis Asrir
Scientific
(and
educational)
value
Formation of the cascade
and diaclase scade and
diaclase lithology
Formation of the rock
engraving process,
Tumulus
Hot spring process training
/ Geothermal system
Cave /
sinkhole
formation
Formation processes
of waterfall; the
lithology of the
waterfall
Formation of the
Oasis / Fieja
process
Aesthetic
value
Relief and Landscape and
panoramic view of the
Anti-Atlas
Relief and Landscape of
Monuments
Relief and Landscape /
Biodiversity
Relief and
Landscape of
Discovery
Vegetable landscape
of middle mountains
Pre-Saharan
landscape
Recreational
value
Leisure activities and
hiking on site
Discovery activities and
scientific research
Leisure activities, hiking
and swimming
Exploration
activities
Leisure activities,
hiking
Leisure activities,
hiking
Cultural (and
historical)
value
An Amazigh village in
southern Morocco /
heritage of the collective
granary
the history of Morocco
which preceded the
discovery of the
Moroccan coasts by
Phoenician sailors.
-
-
-
Dating of the site
exists during the
Almoravids
period (Noul-
Lamta)
Aesthetic
value
Relief and Landscape and
panoramic view of the
Anti-Atlas
Relief and Landscape of
Monuments
Relief and Landscape /
biodiversity
Relief and
Landscape of
Discovery
Vegetable landscape
of middle mountains
Pre-Saharan
landscape
Functional
value
-
-
Curative virtues in particular
with regard to dermal and
rheumatic diseases
-
-
-
Religious value
National
International
Regional
State
State
National
Contents
documentary
Iconographic
Symbolic
Indicial
Indicial
Indicial
Table 5. Numerical assessment of selected geosites for potential geoheritage resources and geotourism attractions in Guelmim Oasis
N°
Geological
site
Scientific (and
educational) value
Aesthetic
value
Recreational
value
Cultural (and
historical) value
Economic
value
functional
value
Significance
level
Total
1
Amtoudi
5
5
5
5
5
0
4
29
2
Adrar ZerZem
5
5
2
5
0
0
5
22
3
Abaynou station
5
5
5
0
5
5
3
28
4
Pigeon cave
5
5
0
0
0
0
2
28
5
Assaka Basin
5
5
3
0
2
0
3
18
6
Asrir Oases
5
5
5
5
5
0
4
29
DISCUSSION
The degradation processes with the action of mass tourism presents a strong threat to the oases of Oued Noun. However, care must be taken
to avoid any disturbance that could, in the long term, affect its biological and heritage quality through geotourism. The Amtoudi site and Asrir
oasis represent the main heritage of Oued Noun Oases and they must be maintained in an optimal ecological state as much as possible.
This synthesis values the quality of the Oases's geosite and geodiversity, the sharing of geoconservation standards, best practices in
geotourism development, the exchange of expertise and support for geoheritage preservation (Henriques et al., 2011; Reynard and Brilha 2018;
Gordon et al., 2018). On the other hand, this synthesis makes it possible to present the geosites with a notion of responsibility and at the same
time to valorize the quality of the geodiversity of the selected ones. The selected geosites of the Guelmim Province have been classified
according to the following classification: geodiversity, scope and scale. According to Gray (2005), geodiversity is divided into eight components:
rock, mineral, fossil, relief, landscape, processes, soil and other georesources. Predrag and Mirela (2010) and Brocx and Semeniuk (2007) have
classified geosites as petrological, stratigraphic, mineralogical, (palentological), geomorphological, speleological, hydrological/hydrogeological,
structural, etc., sites. Brocx and Semeniuk (2007) classified geosites into six categories based on scale: regional/megascale (coverage of 100 ×
100 km or more), large/macro-scale (coverage of 10 × 10 km or more), medium/mesoscale (coverage of 1 × 1 km or more), small-/microscale
(coverage of 10-100 m × 10-100 m or more), fine/leptoscale (coverage of 1 × 1 m or more), and very fine-scale (coverage of 1 × 1 mm or more).
Two approaches have been carried out to scientifically evaluate the geosites of the Guelmim Province, qualitative and quantitative:
The qualitative approach is based on the values of geological heritage (Gray, 2004, 2005). Especially scientific values (related to
geological meanings and interests); educational values (related to earth sciences and environmental education); aesthetic values (related to
landscape beauty features); recreational values (related to recreational and tourist activities); cultural values (related to cultural and historical
values); economic values (related to financial characteristics); functional values (related to use characteristics), etc
On the other hand, the quantitative approach was developed to evaluate sites in a numerical way or to rank them according to their
geopatrimonial values. For natural heritage values, six values were established for this study: 0 = none, 1 = very poor, 2 = poor, 3 = fair, 4 =
good and 5 = very good. In contrast, for levels of significance, there are five categories of values: 1 = local, 2 = regional, 3 = national, 4 =
international and 5 = international. In effect, Brocx and Semeniuk (2007) presented the levels of significance (ranking) according to the level
of importance of these sites, which must also be determined, including international, national, state, regional and local levels.
In addition, Pena dos Reis and Henriques (2009) presented the contents displayed by geological objects are designated as indexical (a clear
relationship between geological processes and their products), iconographic (a particular geological phenomenon), symbolic (an image with

Promotion of Geotourism and Geoheritage at the Oases of Oued Noun
1439
geological characteristics used by the public) at the local scale.For documentary (a phenomenon understanding geological changes), scenic (a
phenomenon with a great recreational function) at the regional scale.Finally, the conceptual (a reference to singular geological occurrences) on a
global scale. The geoswites of the province of Guelmim are composed by reliefs, landscapes, rocks, waters and oases. Besides, these geosites are
possessed by relief features (geomorphological sites), such as oasis, waterfall, mountain and cave. A hot spring phenomenon that is classified as
a hydrogeological site is also a valuable resource of the province. An archaeological area contains a very important landscape that includes
several types of remains. A hydrological area has a very rich biodiversity (Table 1). These sites range from small to large scale (Table 2).
These qualitative and quantitative assessments can speak directly to the priority that should be given to geosites for geoconservation and
development efforts. On the other hand, three geosites are designated for the geological objective Indicial and the three other geological
objectives are developed: documentary, symbolic and iconographic (Table 3). Geosites with higher scores or values should receive greater
attention and priority. Table 4 presents the scores obtained for each site with regard to geoheritage values and levels of significance. The SWOT
analysis was used to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of geosites in the province of Guelmim and to help decide on
geoconservation and geotourism development efforts (Mirari et al,. 2020) The SWOT analysis of all these sites can be found in Table 5.
Table 6. SWOT presents a diagnostic analysis of the selected geosites
The promotion of geosites in the region understudy and its networking to constitute geotourism routes like certain themed circuits can
constitute a factor of development and enhancement of this region of southern Morocco. These circuits have been designed to discover the
geological and archaeological history of the region through all of the geosites, where it is possible to find information and infrastructures
intended to the public. This policy may represent a new offer for encouraging the promotion of cultural tourism.
Geosites provide essential scientific information. They represent the beauty of the landscape, and allow reconstructing the history and the
geological processes of the region. These archives of nature, very numerous and diverse in southern Morocco, will undoubtedly generate
significant tourist flows if they are well valued.
CONCLUSION
The geographical location of the Oued Noun Oases gives this territory a great potential for sustainable development with an interesting
geological experience that has not yet been exploited. Certain rules and tools are required systemically and responsibly to a development
policy within the framework of an Oued Noun Oases development project and the creation of a geoterritorial image.
The observation scale begins at the local platform to take into account the problems, the different issues and the impacts on geosites.
Development must, however, integrate a reflection on a global scale to consider external elements such as climatic factors, the structure of
geosites and the policy adopted at the regional level. In this respect, the oases's diversity of exceptional landscapes predisposes it to play an
important role in geotourism, which must respect the environments and the biodiversity. In this sense, care must be taken to promote
respectful geotourism and geoheritage in the Oued Noun Oases in general and in the Amtoudi geosite and Asrir Oases in particular.
The target is to protect and preserve the local, cultural and natural geoheritage. It will be the same for the rationalization of
socioeconomic activities and the involvement of all in a responsible and sustainable spirit.
Acknowledgement
This strategy will constitute a real initiative for sustainable development and according to the charter that will be established, it will
become possible to observe rules of respect for the environment, the geological and cultural heritage of the region.
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N°
Geosites
Strength
Weakness
Opportunity
Threat
1
Amtoudi
Quality environment: a landscape
heritage, an archaeological heritage
and a cultural and historical heritage
The Establishment of reception
facilities on the ground such as
rest areas
Fragility of the most precious
and most visited ecosystems;
Low environmental
awareness and education
Failure to comply with
environmental management prin ci
Growing tourist pressure
2
Adrar
ZerZem
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Inaccessibility
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Possibility of losing cultural identity
3
Abaynou
station
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the slopes
Low Environmental
awareness and education
Growing tourist
pressure
4
Pigeon
cave
Typical surrounding villages
Environmental
education
Inaccessibility
Lack of signage
Destruction of environments
Possibility of losing cultural identity
5
Assaka
Basin
The Destination with high
biodiversity: magnificent landscapes
– fauna and flora diversity –
preserved and diversified ecosystem
Environmental
education
Fragility of the most precious
and most visited ecosystems
Failure to comply with
Environmental management
principal
6
Asrir
Oases
Quality environment: a landscape
heritage, an archaeological heritage
and a cultural and historical heritage
The establishment of reception
facilities on the ground such as rest
areas; The development of tracks
Fragility of the most precious
and mosvisited ecosystems; Risk
of silting up and desertification
Failure to comply with environmental
management Princi ples Growing
tourist pressure

Saїd MIRARI, Abdelouahed BENMLIH
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Article history:
Received: 25.07.2020
Revised: 14.09.2020
Accepted: 26.11.2020
Available online: 14.12.2020