Geowatching, a Term for the Popularisation of Geological Heritage

Some fields of environmental protection have developed terms and communication tools to be effective and have a direct influence on non-specialists. Two outstanding examples of such terms are ‘whalewatching’ and ‘birdwatching’, which condense the concept of conservation, protection and the use of natural and fragile resources for scientific and cultural purposes. Even if only for a shorter time compared to other scientific disciplines, the same case of generation and refinement of a new terminology is in process in Earth sciences. Some neologisms could be introduced to develop an identity related to the dual and symbiotic activity of conservation and the appropriate use of geological heritage. In this paper, the author presents data and statistical analyses concerning knowledge in the Italian population of the term ‘geopark’. The term ‘geowatching’ is also defined, making historical comparisons and analogies whilst stressing differences with similar terms. A definition, specifically intended for Earth sciences, is proposed in order to avoid, as much as possible, future confusion in the use of this term.