"Diffused Geoparks": Territorial Integration as Solution for a Shared Sustainable Growth Based on Geotourism in Italy, Japan and Tunisia

The concept of a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) itself implies that the integration ofgeological, biological and anthropogenic factors and related values, both tangible and intangible,are at the base of any interpretation, communication, educative practices and enhancement aimingat strengthening the sense of place in local communities, as well as guiding those areas towardsustainable economic growth. However, the measures and good practices codified for UGGpslimit their impact on the properties' boundaries, sometimes neglecting the strong natural, socialand cultural link between the listed areas, their surroundings and other serial geosites. The paperintroduces a five-step study on selected examples of Geoparks and geosites in Italy, Japan and Tunisia,sometimes also including areas inscribed in the UNESCO list as cultural sites, focusing on the possiblerole of UGGps as drivers for sustainable development of geotourism. The research considers thecontextualization of UNESCO UGGps within a broader territorial scale, introducing the concept ofDiffused Geopark as a new opportunity in protection and management practices and as a driver forlocal economies and internationalization of lesser-known contexts.