Enhancing the Geological Heritage of the Errachidia Area in the High Atlas, Morocco: Inventory and a Proposal for a Pedagogic and Geotouristic Trail

Geological heritage is now a main component in the current patterns of socio-economic and sustainable development and is becoming essential in the educational process. Morocco is among the countries with the most fascinating geological diversity in the world. This work presents a result of the proposal for a pedagogical and geotouristic trail in the Errachidia province. The latter is known for its fabulous geological and oasis landscapes as well as its mining wealth. Through this study, we will describe the pedagogical geosites in this region, which is part of the Preafrican Trough between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas. The fieldwork and assessment of values demonstrate that the studied geosites have substantial scientific significance and remarkable educational and tourism potential. The study area offers pedagogical geosites of different types: structural, stratigraphical, paleontological, geomorphological, hydrological, and ecological. These geosites, which reflect the geological, geomorphological, and environmental history of the region, are doubled with an additional aesthetic value, which provides them with a particular scientific and geotouristic interest. The present approach will be used in the educational process and the promotional activities for tourism, by offering well-illustrated hikes and in situ panels describing the main characteristics of the locations. Accordingly, a total of nine geosites have been selected to serve as a basis for this educational and geotouristic trail. Furthermore, geoconservation through geoeducation, such as fieldwork or museum exhibitions, is discussed along with its role in fostering local socio-economic development through geotourism.