Environmental education in the Cilento Geopark: ateliers and a book series at the "Grotte di Pertosa e Auletta" geosite

An integrated project on environmental education has been set up in the Cilento Geopark, based on the focal geosite “Grotte di Pertosa e Auletta”, through the development of ateliers and book series on the geosite and Karst systems, and on natural resources of the whole Geopark with their traditional uses. The project targets geotourists visiting the geosite, school children and the local community. The idea is to reinforce the identity of the local community, increasing awareness on the links between geo-heritage, natural resources and intangible heritage, and promote a more dynamic approach to understanding the whole ecosystem’s functions not only as a part of conservation but also as a tool for developing new activities. The local municipalities of Pertosa and Auletta were involved in the project and ateliers and publications developed include: Carsism and Speleogenesis Speleology Botany Dyeing with local plants Basket weaving Composting and soil organic matter Freshwater biology Experimental archeology