Jbel Irhoud Geosite, the Cradle of Humanity (Youssoufia Province, Marrakech-Safi region, Morocco): Evaluation and Valorization of the Geological Heritage for Geoeducation and Geotourism Purposes

Abstract

To meet the objectives of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s 2063 Agenda for inclusive and sustainable development, it is necessary to pay greater attention to development strategies that focus on geoheritage, particularly in the context of global climate change. Furthermore, the surge in scientific research within this domain attests to a growing interest in the preservation and valorization of geoheritage. The current study seeks to contribute to this dynamic by conducting an evaluation and valorization of the Jbel Irhoud geosite, the cradle of humanity that hosts the oldest remains of homosapiens globally. This site is included in the geoheritage inventory project of Youssoufia province within the administrative region of Marrakech-Safi. This research aims to develop indices for assessing tourism and educational values on scales from 1 to 10, using criteria covering the scientific, ecological, cultural, aesthetic, economic, and potential use aspects of a geosite. Given its geographical position and geological diversity, the study describes the high geoeducational and geotouristic potential of the Ighoud geosite that can be exploited to improve the living conditions of its population and accelerate sustainable local socio-economic development by creating new income-generating activities. This initiative is important in a region with high natural potential but facing a high rate of unemployment and difficult natural conditions.