Assessing the ecological value of dynamic mountain geomorphosites

Abstract. Geoheritage is a component of geodiversity constituted by all the elements recognized society for their particular values. The definition these values, including importance geoheritage biodiversity, plays key role in process heritage recognition and geoconservation policymaking. In mountain environments, dynamic geomorphosites have strong influence on plant diversity because active geomorphological processes responsible formation act as renovators habitats pioneer species. this paper, we propose criteria to assess ecological value geomorphosites. We show that interest communities (species richness presence rare or protected species) (disturbances, surface movement soil) are fundamental assessing an exhaustive objective way question scale (local national scales) also crucial parameter. then illustrate methodological proposal evaluating three talus slope western Swiss Alps.