Geodiversity of Italian show caves

Karst areas are characterised by a typical surface morphology, coupled with an underground hydrological drainage system, where caves are its explorable paths. Due to their geological and environmental heterogeneity, several karst systems host an incredible heritage of scientific and aesthetic value. Their geodiversity is difficult to be recognised by the general public because they are often in remote areas and most of them are of difficult access. However, some caves are large and easily accessible, and thanks to their astonishing beauty are often used as tourist attractions. These sites (the so-called show caves) represent an important bridge between the subterranean world (caves, karst, and speleology) and the wider audience, who can approach their geodiversity and can develop awareness towards their conservation. However, this is true if show caves are managed considering the balance between the cave geo-ecosystem conservation and the pressure of tourism development. The results of this research show that through studying, classification and quantification of show cave geodiversity it is possible to contribute with a long-term perspective to both geoconservation actions and management plans of this underground geoheritage.