Monte San Giorgio
Country
Italy,
Switzerland
Inscribed in
2003
Criterion
(viii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The pyramid-shaped, wooded mountain of Monte San Giorgio beside Lake Lugano is regarded as the best fossil record of marine life from the Triassic Period (245–230 million years ago). The sequence records life in a tropical lagoon environment, sheltered and partially separated from the open sea by an offshore reef. Diverse marine life flourished within this lagoon, including reptiles, fish, bivalves, ammonites, echinoderms and crustaceans. Because the lagoon was near land, the remains also include land-based fossils of reptiles, insects and plants, resulting in an extremely rich source of fossils.
© UNESCO
Summary
2020 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Good
Current state and trend of VALUES
Good
Trend
Stable
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Description of values
Exceptional record of marine life from the Triassic Period and important remains of life on land
Criterion
(viii)
Monte San Giorgio is the single best known record of marine life in the Triassic Period, and records important remains of life on land as well. The property has produced diverse and numerous fossils, many of which show exceptional completeness and detailed preservation. The long history of study of the property and the disciplined management of the resource have produced a well-documented and catalogued body of specimens of exceptional quality, and are the basis for a rich associated geological literature. As a result, Monte San Giorgio provides the principal point of reference, relevant to future discoveries of marine Triassic remains throughout the world (World Heritage Committee, 2010).
Sub-Mediterranean type ecosystem supporting both alkaline and acidic woodland and associated fauna and flora.
There is a strong and notable relationship between the underlying geology and morphology of the area and habitat type. Acidic soils (rhyolites) on northern slopes support stands of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), oak (Quercus petraea) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The lime-rich soils (dolomites and limestones) on the more southerly slopes support mixed broadleaf woodlands reflecting variation in aspect and micro-climate, most notably thickets of warm-loving sub-Mediterranean trees (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). In the Ticino Canton, the dry limestone sub-soils also support a number of dry meadows with associated plant populations unique to the Italian southern-Alpine zone. In particular, Monte San Giorgio hosts the only known swiss populations of Adenophora liliifolia (Valenti, Maspoli and Marazzi, 2018) a critically endangered species, and of the rare Iris graminea. In addition, the forests and the moist meadows harbor respectively the largest swiss populations of the endangered Veratrum nigrum and Gladiolus imbricatus, both present in only few other locations in Switzerland. Monte San Giorgio (including the surrounding lakes) has 109 recorded vertebrate species including 37 Red List species (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Monte San Giorgio is the only known habitat for Savi’s pine vole (Microtus savii) in Switzerland and the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) has also been recorded. The area is especially important for breeding reptiles and amphibians with six listed sites of national importance. Invertebrates are less well documented and include 53 mollusc species (including 18 Red Data listed) and 63 species of day-flying butterflies and moths (1/3 of species recorded in Switzerland). The dry south facing slopes of the Ticino meadows have a diverse ground beetle, cricket and grasshopper and spider fauna, a number of which are found only within this region of Switzerland. The area also exhibits a number of karst features in the Triassic limestones and dolomites including some 30 caves, often deep, where cave dwelling populations of crustaceans and millipedes are found. A large crayfish (Astacus pallipes) population living in the Gaggiolo are unique (State Party of Italy, 2010). Lastly, the Monte San Giorgio area is considered as a ‘mycological sanctuary’; 554 species (in 2002) have been noted, 130 of which are limited to this area of Ticino and five are limited in Switzerland to Meride (in 2008 this list was enlarged to comprise 1,051 species; Riva et al., 2008). This summary is based on data available as part of the Swiss nomination (State Party of Switzerland, 2002). Similar information was not available for the Italian extension.
Assessment information
Current threats throughout are considered very low and there is no evidence of damage. The need to carefully manage visitors is recognised within the management plan.
Temperature extremes
(Climate change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The record of marine life from the Triassic Period present in the rock are not directly concerned by climate change. High mountain environments are potentially susceptible to climate change. However, it is anticipated that the near complete forest cover of Monte San Giorgio should provide resilience in relation to environmental changes (IUCN, 2010).
Tourism/ visitors/ recreation
(Increased visitor numbers)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Monte San Giorgio receives approximately 80-100,000 visitors per annum which is likely to increase as the site is further promoted. Potential impact could include increased erosion and pressure from visitor facilities. The need to carefully manage visitors is recognised within the management plan. For example, the Fossil Museum in Meride has been redeveloped and similar plans were implemented for the museums in Besano and Clivio (Italy). In addition, outdoor educational places distributed throughout the territory have been created (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Also roads/access ways and clearly marked trails targeted at walkers and cyclists (mountain bikers) will help manage visitor impact. Risks are, therefore, considered very low (State Party of Italy, 2010; State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013).
Avalanches/ Landslides
(Landslides originated from storms and flooding)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Occasional landslides/instability are noted on the Italian side, however, only of marginal concern to the inscribed property and do not pose a threat to the inscribed values (State Party of Italy, 2010; IUCN, 2010).
Unmanaged collecting is recognised as a potential threat. However, currently there is no evidence of damage from unauthorised collecting. There is good local awareness of the importance of Monte San Giorgio which also helps the overall monitoring and protection of the site. The presence of trained/professional guides and some volunteers, local museums and outdoor education places are also considered a deterrent to unauthorised collecting.
Other Activities
(Unmanaged collecting)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Currently there is no evidence of damage from unauthorised collecting though it is recognised as a potential threat. There is a permit system in operation restricting collecting to research excavations. The remote nature of the site and the complexity and expertise required to collect specimens will also limit unauthorised collecting. Strong local awareness of the importance of Monte San Giorgio helps the overall monitoring and protection of the site, and the presence of volunteers, local museums and outdoor education places deters unauthorised collecting. The threat is considered to be very low.
Fire/ Fire Suppression
(Forest Fire)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Forest fire is a potential risk, but it is recognised and addressed in the forest management strategies that are in place.
Current threats throughout are considered very low and there is no evidence of damage. The need to carefully manage visitors is recognised within the management plan. The site is relatively isolated reducing overall threat from collecting and is appropriately managed through a permit system. Strong local awareness of the importance of Monte San Giorgio helps the overall monitoring and protection of the site, and the presence of volunteers, local museums and outdoor education places deters unauthorised collecting.
Management system
Following the addition of the Italian extension in 2010, a Transnational Management Plan was developed (its development being funded as an EU INTERREG III Project) and is governed by a Strategic Transnational Board. It identifies the values and objectives for the site and is used to guide the decisions made in managing, developing and promoting Monte San Giorgio. A Transnational Scientific Commission was formed at the beginning of 2014. In Switzerland, management of the property is coordinated by both the Foundation of Monte San Giorgio and the Ticino Canton, at a local, cantonal and federal level. In Italy, the signing of the Convention of Monte San Giorgio (in 2008 and renewed in 2012) brought together relevant Italian parties (from a national to local level) to undertake the objectives of the Transnational Management Plan. The Convention is managed by the ‘Commission for Planning and Management of the Monte San Giorgio UNESCO Site’ with the Mountain Community of Piambello taking on a co-ordination role (State Party of Italy, 2010; IUCN, 2002, 2010; State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013). A revision of the transnational management plan is foreseen in the programmatic agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the Canton of Ticino, concerning the programmatic objectives in the World Heritage sector of UNESCO Monte San Giorgio 2016-2019. The project leader is the Canton of Ticino and the project, which started at the end of 2017, is under implementation (IUCN Consultation, 2020). For the Italian component, in 2019, the Università degli Studi di Milano led a project to update the Management Plan of the Monte San Giorgio World Heritage site, funded by the Mountain Community of Piambello (UNIMI, 2020).
Effectiveness of management system
No formal management effectiveness assessment has been conducted for the site. The management approach was considered effective on inscription (World Heritage Committee, 2003) and extension (World Heritage Committee, 2010) with the request to develop a cooperative transnational approach. In 2020, Foundation Monte San Giorgio initiated and successfully completed a project with the aim of establishing an Integrated Management System (IMS) for the site, which is now in place (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Boundaries
The boundaries were considered effective at the time of inscription and extension. The core site follows the outcrop of Middle Triassic rocks on both the Swiss and Italian sides. In Switzerland, the buffer zone is coincident with the Landscape Protection Zone. In Italy, the buffer zone relates to geomorphological and man-made features around the base of the mountain (IUCN, 2002, 2010; State Party of Switzerland, 2002; State Party of Italy, 2010). In its Decision 34 COM 8B.6, the World Heritage Committee encouraged the State Party of Switzerland to bring forward a minor boundary modification proposal to accommodate the anticipated minor changes to the boundaries of the property and its buffer zone (World Heritage Committee, 2010). No minor boundary modification proposal has been submitted to date.
Integration into regional and national planning systems
The site is well integrated into the local planning system.
In Switzerland, Monte San Giorgio is identified within the Canton Development Plan as a Landscape Protection Zone and is similarly recognised in relevant Development Plans as a Nature Reserve. The fossil remains are specifically protected by the ‘Cantonal law on nature protection (2001)’ of Ticino Canton which requires a permit for any collecting (IUCN, 2002; State Party of Switzerland, 2002).
In Italy, regional, provincial and local legislative frameworks are in place to protect the integrity of Monte San Giorgio and were considered effective at the time of inscription. It is also noted that the municipalities of Besano, Porto Ceresio and Viggiù applied for additional palaeontological ‘restraint’ in 2007 (IUCN, 2010; State Party of Italy, 2010; Monte San Giorgio, 2018).
In Switzerland, Monte San Giorgio is identified within the Canton Development Plan as a Landscape Protection Zone and is similarly recognised in relevant Development Plans as a Nature Reserve. The fossil remains are specifically protected by the ‘Cantonal law on nature protection (2001)’ of Ticino Canton which requires a permit for any collecting (IUCN, 2002; State Party of Switzerland, 2002).
In Italy, regional, provincial and local legislative frameworks are in place to protect the integrity of Monte San Giorgio and were considered effective at the time of inscription. It is also noted that the municipalities of Besano, Porto Ceresio and Viggiù applied for additional palaeontological ‘restraint’ in 2007 (IUCN, 2010; State Party of Italy, 2010; Monte San Giorgio, 2018).
Relationships with local people
Key stakeholders are involved in the site and its management. Governing authorities at local, cantonal (CH) and regional (I) levels are part of the management structures for the site (Monte San Giorgio, 2018) and contribute financially to the delivery of the management plan. The local museum of Besano and the Visitor Centre of Clivio as well as the Museum of fossils from Monte San Giorgio in Meride are central to the presentation of the site and provide an important connection between local communities, visitors and the site. On the Swiss side, the Museo Cantonale di Storia Naturale of Lugano plays a fundamental role, since it is also responsible for the excavation campaigns. Trained guides and some volunteers are involved in the management of the site (State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013; State Party of Italy, 2010). The valorisation of important scientific excavation sites in Switzerland and Italy has increased the awareness of the Outstanding Universal Value of the site by the local population, the local economy and the local organization. New scientific excavation site projects are planned and in progress (IUCN Consultation, 2020). This work should be pursued over time.
Legal framework
This is a transnational site with a legal framework operating in both the Swiss and Italian components of the property.
In Switzerland, the landscape of Monte San Giorgio is identified on the ‘Federal Inventory of Landscapes, Sites and Natural Monuments’ which encompasses the core World Heritage site and its buffer zone.
In Italy, the World Heritage site and its buffer zone lie within a Landscape Protection Zone recognised within national law. The palaeontological heritage (considered to be the equivalent to cultural heritage) is the property of the state and regulated by national law requiring permits for collecting.
In Switzerland, the landscape of Monte San Giorgio is identified on the ‘Federal Inventory of Landscapes, Sites and Natural Monuments’ which encompasses the core World Heritage site and its buffer zone.
In Italy, the World Heritage site and its buffer zone lie within a Landscape Protection Zone recognised within national law. The palaeontological heritage (considered to be the equivalent to cultural heritage) is the property of the state and regulated by national law requiring permits for collecting.
Law enforcement
The legal framework on inscription and extension was considered appropriate. It is supported and enforced through local plans, local staff, guides and volunteers and supported, where necessary, at the federal level (IUCN, 2002; 2010; State Party of Italy, 2010; Monte San Giorgio, 2018).
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
In response to 34 COM 8B.6, the State of Conservation report (State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013) confirmed the establishment of appropriate management commitment on the Italian side, the establishment of a Transnational Board, the development of sustained financial resources and measures to achieve consistent transnational management and identity.
In 2013, the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies took note of the collaboration between the State Parties of Italy and Switzerland to ensure effective management of the transboundary property, and recommended them to urgently ensure that the Transnational Board become operational as soon as possible (World Heritage Committee, 2013). The Transnational Board (TNB) met infrequently in 2014 and 2015. As such, joint projects advanced slowly and with difficulties. In 2014, a new transboundary agreement was presented based on the ‘Accordo quadro tra la Confederazione Svizzera e la Repubblica italiana per la cooperazione transfrontaliera delle collettività ed autorità regionali e locali’.’ (The Swiss Federal Council & the Government of Italy, 1993). As of April 2020, the agreement has not been signed.
In 2013, the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies took note of the collaboration between the State Parties of Italy and Switzerland to ensure effective management of the transboundary property, and recommended them to urgently ensure that the Transnational Board become operational as soon as possible (World Heritage Committee, 2013). The Transnational Board (TNB) met infrequently in 2014 and 2015. As such, joint projects advanced slowly and with difficulties. In 2014, a new transboundary agreement was presented based on the ‘Accordo quadro tra la Confederazione Svizzera e la Repubblica italiana per la cooperazione transfrontaliera delle collettività ed autorità regionali e locali’.’ (The Swiss Federal Council & the Government of Italy, 1993). As of April 2020, the agreement has not been signed.
Sustainable use
There is no overall assessment of resource sustainability. Site management, however, adopts a sustainable approach to collecting. Permit controlled collecting ensures the fossil resource (which is finite in extent) is excavated in controlled circumstances providing maximum scientific and educational gain from any collecting activity. Permits are issued to recognised research institutes only (IUCN, 2002; 2010; State Party of Switzerland, 2002; State Party of Italy, 2010).
No excavations could take place on the Swiss side in 2015 and 2016 due to financial restrictions. Since 2017, excavations on the Swiss side have resumed. An updated list of fossil excavations can be found online (Monte San Giorgio, 2019a). On the Italian side, excavations have not taken place for many years for several reasons.
No excavations could take place on the Swiss side in 2015 and 2016 due to financial restrictions. Since 2017, excavations on the Swiss side have resumed. An updated list of fossil excavations can be found online (Monte San Giorgio, 2019a). On the Italian side, excavations have not taken place for many years for several reasons.
Sustainable finance
In Switzerland, sustained funding has been secured from several sources including the Swiss Confederation, the Ticino Canton, the Foundation of Monte San Giorgio, the Fonds Paleontologique Bernhard Peyer, local municipalities, as well as income from tickets, tours and sales from the Fossil Museum of Monte San Giorgio. Some minor contributions have been made by local businesses. Since January 2020, there has been more substantial financial commitment, including a total of CHF 1,893,445 in funding from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) for 2020-2024. In addition, the Ticino Canton finances the Foundation with CHF 80,000 per year and the municipalities with CHF 63,000 per year for the museum management and activities (IUCN Consultation, 2020). In Italy, funding sources include the Commission for Planning and Management of the Monte San Giorgio UNESCO site (a €60,000 endowment) and the support of approved bodies, assistance of third parties and wider sponsorship. There is less data available on the short and longer term funding. Projects, ongoing and delivered, supporting the key targets of the management plan have secured an important figure from a mix of national, regional and local sources. There is no clear analysis of whether funding is meeting anticipated needs as set out in the Transnational Management Plan (State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013; State Party of Italy, 2010). The project initiated for the italian component in 2019 by the Università degli Studi di Milano to update the Management Plan of the Monte San Giorgio World Heritage site, funded by the Mountain Community of Piambello (UNIMI, 2020), should clarify and define these aspects.
Staff capacity, training, and development
In Switzerland, the Foundation of Monte San Giorgio employs a site manager responsible for coordinating management projects and promoting and disseminating information about the site. A museum director, two assistants and a substitute on call are responsible for the development and management of the museum (Convention 2016-2019 Ticino Canton – Monte San Giorgio Foundation). Further support is provided by Museo cantonale di storia naturale (State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013), which coordinates scientific research activities and carries out excavations.
In Italy, a site manager has been established to coordinate the goals of the management plan. Further support is provided by the community of Piambello (State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013). There are also trained official guides associated with the site and some volunteers. The Visitor Centre of Clivio is not regularly open.
In Italy, a site manager has been established to coordinate the goals of the management plan. Further support is provided by the community of Piambello (State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013). There are also trained official guides associated with the site and some volunteers. The Visitor Centre of Clivio is not regularly open.
Education and interpretation programs
There is an established and growing educational, interpretation and awareness raising programme. Tours and open days have been hosted for the general public and educational activities involving schools in excavations. Since the re-opening, the exhibition in Meride has been enriched with different paper and multimedia materials like as audio guides for adults (Vandelli and Furrer, 2015) and for kids (Zulliger, Furrer, Ortelli and Plebani, 2018), 3D animation (Codoni, Furrer, Scheffold, and Vandelli, 2015), interactive model (Furrer and Zulliger, 2016), virtual reality (Zulliger, Landi, Furrer and Albisetti, 2019a) and augmented reality reconstructions (Zulliger, Landi, Furrer and Albisetti, 2019b), all-age educational short films (Romano, Furrer and Zulliger, 2016; Furrer and Zulliger, 2016), excavations and quarries maps (Furrer, 2016a; Furrer, 2016b), paper guides for adults (Furrer, Vandelli, 2014), educational / scientific articles (Beardmore, Albisetti, Zulliger and Furrer 2018; 2019; 2020), paper guides for kids (Zulliger, Furrer, Ortelli and Plebani, 2020) have been published. A dedicated web site (Albisetti and Zulliger, 2019) for the principal stakeholders of the museum (schools/students, academic staff, visitors, families, media and institutions etc.) has been established (Museo dei fossili, 2019). The Transnational Hiking Trail was inaugurated in 2013. The trail has been improved with the opening of educational areas in the woods and the panoramic terrace of Val Mara in Meride (Switzerland, 2019) and reception facilities by Rio Ponticelli (Italy, 2019) in connection to historical sites of paleontological excavation.
Tourism and visitation management
Visitor numbers of 80-100,000 per annum are estimated and there is a clear awareness of the tourism value of the site with a growing provision for visitors. Since the re-opening of the Fossil Museum in Meride (2012), statistics have been systematically recorded. There is no specific tourism management plan; however, the Transnational Management Plan has a number of identified projects specifically aimed at supporting and managing visitors. At a local level, Mendrisiotto and Basso Ceresio Tourism Organisation is represented on the Monte San Giorgio Foundation and there has been increasing local, regional, national and international media coverage of the activities within the site. Visitor impacts are managed to minimise harm through provision of visitor facilities, information and managed access such as guided tours (State Party of Italy, 2010; WCMC, 2011; State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013). Currently, there is no information available about systematic data collecting.
Monitoring
The necessity for a formal condition monitoring programme is recognised (IUCN, 2010), which is considered in the review of the Transnational Management Plan. However, local museums and guides do provide constant monitoring, making unauthorised excavations difficult. Ongoing monitoring of compliance with national regulations in relation to palaeontological heritage is assured through the relevant national authorities. The successful ongoing research effort associated with the site, and lack of evidence of unauthorised excavation, indicate that the management system is appropriate and maintaining the OUV.
Research
There has been a long history of research excavation associated with the site which continues today. It is fully supported by the management plan and established management structures.
Since 1994, excavations have re-examined classic fossiliferous levels (Cava Inferiore, Cava Superiore, Kalkschieferzone, Cassina beds) and investigated the Sceltrich new fossil horizon (e.g. Stockar & Garassino, 2013; Renesto & Stockar, 2018). Excavations and associated research continue to widen understanding of vertebrate palaeontology (in particular fish, e.g. Lombardo et al., 2012; López-Albarello and Sferco, 2019), refined dating (Stockar et al., 2012a) and modelling of basin evolution (Stockar et al., 2013) and the study of new fossil groups, including insects (e.g. Bechly & Stockar, 2011; Montagna et al., 2019), radiolaria (Stockar et al., 2012b) and crustaceans (Larghi et al., 2020).
There is ongoing research on fossil material of Monte San Giorgio (MSG) in the collection of the Paleontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich (PIMUZ), the Museo Cantonale di Storia Naturale di Lugano (e.g. Spiekman et al. 2019) and the Università degli Studi di Milano. Overall, research is collaborative, linking universities and museums from across Switzerland and Italy and more widely, on specific projects, with institutions from around the world (e.g. Jadoul & Tintori, 2012). Undergraduate and postgraduate study of vertebrate palaeontology has also been possible (State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013; State Party of Switzerland, 2002; State Party of Italy, 2010). A Transnational Scientific Commission was formed at the beginning of 2014. An updated list of scientific publications can be found online (Monte San Giorgio, 2019a).
Since 1994, excavations have re-examined classic fossiliferous levels (Cava Inferiore, Cava Superiore, Kalkschieferzone, Cassina beds) and investigated the Sceltrich new fossil horizon (e.g. Stockar & Garassino, 2013; Renesto & Stockar, 2018). Excavations and associated research continue to widen understanding of vertebrate palaeontology (in particular fish, e.g. Lombardo et al., 2012; López-Albarello and Sferco, 2019), refined dating (Stockar et al., 2012a) and modelling of basin evolution (Stockar et al., 2013) and the study of new fossil groups, including insects (e.g. Bechly & Stockar, 2011; Montagna et al., 2019), radiolaria (Stockar et al., 2012b) and crustaceans (Larghi et al., 2020).
There is ongoing research on fossil material of Monte San Giorgio (MSG) in the collection of the Paleontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich (PIMUZ), the Museo Cantonale di Storia Naturale di Lugano (e.g. Spiekman et al. 2019) and the Università degli Studi di Milano. Overall, research is collaborative, linking universities and museums from across Switzerland and Italy and more widely, on specific projects, with institutions from around the world (e.g. Jadoul & Tintori, 2012). Undergraduate and postgraduate study of vertebrate palaeontology has also been possible (State Parties of Italy and Switzerland, 2013; State Party of Switzerland, 2002; State Party of Italy, 2010). A Transnational Scientific Commission was formed at the beginning of 2014. An updated list of scientific publications can be found online (Monte San Giorgio, 2019a).
The protection and management of Monte San Giorgio is effective overall. There is cooperation between the Swiss and Italian components of the site at national, regional and local levels. There is overall commitment from local and regional government to the successful delivery of the management plan which is under review. The funding regime for the Italian component, however, does not always seem clearly established, particularly as far as the development of long-term sustained financial resources is concerned. Facilitation of site excavations has supported a considerable research output, the ongoing research programme adding to the overall universal value of the site.
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Highly Effective
Monte San Giorgio is relatively remote and protected within its buffer. The site is, therefore, not subjected to threats from beyond the site’s boundary and buffer zone.
Best practice examples
The excavation and research programme provides an excellent example of sustainable management of a finite fossil resource in a remote area.
Direct participation of students and professors from schools in the region (e.g. University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland) in the design and implementation of projects for the Museum and the heritage site of fossils and the Monte San Giorgio site. This approach could be applied at other similar localities.
Direct participation of students and professors from schools in the region (e.g. University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland) in the design and implementation of projects for the Museum and the heritage site of fossils and the Monte San Giorgio site. This approach could be applied at other similar localities.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Good
Trend
Stable
Monte San Giorgio continues to provide an exceptional resource for understanding the geological history and the evolution of life through the Middle Triassic Period. There is currently no evidence of damage to the site’s fossil resource. Collecting is carefully and appropriately managed through a permit system. Over the last five years there has been a considerable research output as a result of coordinated research excavations and there is an ongoing programme of site investigation and the development of interpretative facilities and initiatives. The site is, therefore, considered in a good state and stable.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
Data Deficient
Trend
Data Deficient
The biodiversity values of the site are inferred to be intact, however, no monitoring data is available.
The current situation of Lilyleaf ladybell (Adenophora lilifolia) in Monte San Giorgio (only known population in Switzerland where it is considered critically endangered) is very precarious. A 2017 survey found 118 individuals, placing this among the smallest populations in Europe. Almost half of individuals are small and sterile. Only a third of reproductive adults produce fruit but some do not complete its development (Valenti et al., 2018).
The current situation of Lilyleaf ladybell (Adenophora lilifolia) in Monte San Giorgio (only known population in Switzerland where it is considered critically endangered) is very precarious. A 2017 survey found 118 individuals, placing this among the smallest populations in Europe. Almost half of individuals are small and sterile. Only a third of reproductive adults produce fruit but some do not complete its development (Valenti et al., 2018).
Additional information
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
Hydrological systems are important in supporting a range of fresh water habitats and species.
Contribution to education
There is a developing programme for public engagement. Activities for schools are organised. Undergraduate and postgraduate students are involved in excavations and during the realisation of some projects of the museum.
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Main tourism relates to outdoor recreational use – walking, cycling and horse riding.
History and tradition
There is a long association with scientific study, which has a historical relevance in the development of our understanding of Middle Triassic palaeontology. There is also an association with mining (oil shales) and quarrying for stone (notably Arzo, Saltrio, Viggù stones) with remnants of industrial development within the site.
Importance for research
There is a long history of research associated with the site, which remains a global centre for research into the Middle Triassic.
Direct employment
There is a number of jobs associated with the WHS including direct employment of site managers, museum staffing, guides and volunteers
Provision of jobs
Local organisations have created job roles (i.e. scientific staff, site manager, museum director, museum employees, tour guides and guides for educational activities). Around the museum of fossils (the main tourist attractions in the area) a series of activities and secondary reception infrastructures have been developed.
Tourism-related income
Since the opening of the new Fossil Museum in Meride in 2012, the region has attracted increasing numbers of tourists.
The geological interest underpins the key benefits of Monte San Giorgio. It is globally significant to our knowledge and understanding of Middle Triassic palaeontology and continues to contribute to global, national and local research programmes. There are significant opportunities to develop the learning/educational potential of the site as the visitor centres and museums develop over the coming years. The remote montane forests of Monte San Giorgio and its associated wildlife, all influenced by underlying geology, are also paramount among the benefits this area provides to both local communities and visitors. Both the geology and wildlife provide economic benefits to the area acting as a draw for visitors, who contribute to the local economy, and the developing infrastructure of museums and visitor centres which celebrate Monte San Giorgio.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monte San Giorgio Foundation (Meride, Switzerland) | Monte San Giorgio and Museum of fossils website and social media – ongoing updates |
http://www.montesangiorgio.org/en/
|
| 2 | Monte San Giorgio Foundation (Switzerland) and Commission for Planning and Management of the Monte San Giorgio UNESCO site (Italy) | Development of a network of walking trails, valorisation of historical paleontological excavation sites and development of a didactical excavation place for kids in Meride | |
| 3 | Monte San Giorgio Foundation (Meride, Switzerland) | Museum of fossils in Meride (opened 2012) – ongoing development of new exhibition projects, projects to ensure the conservation and monitoring of fossil material, historical and scientific documentation, cultural mediation and divulgation of knowledge, programme of activities with the involvement of visitors and the general public |
https://www.museodeifossili.ch/
|
| 4 | Municipality of Besano (Italy) | Besano Fossil Museum |
http://www.unescovarese.com/it/14973/Besano-VA-Museo-Civico-dei-fossili
http://www.montesangiorgio.org/en/Musei/Museo-dei-Fossili-di-Besano.html
|
| 5 | Museo cantonale di storia natuale (Lugano, Switzerland) | Palaeontological excavations and geological investigations throughout the Middle Triassic sequence – ongoing – Switzerland |
http://www.ti.ch/mcsn
|
| 6 | Commission for Planning and Management of the Monte San Giorgio UNESCO Site (Italy) | Clivio Museum and visitor centre – ongoing development – Italy |
Civico Museo Insubrico di Storia Naturale di Clivio e Induno Olona.
http://www.unescovarese.com/code/14977/Clivio-VA-Civico-Museo-Insubrico-di-Storia-Naturale-e-Visitor-Center-Monte-San-Giorgio-UNESCO
|
| 7 | Monte San Giorgio Foundation (Meride, Switzerland) | Ongoing development of a new project for an outdoor didactical path (Meride) with augmented reality stations and with the direct participation of students and professors from schools in the region (e.g. University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, SUPSI) |
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Albisetti, D. and Zulliger, L. (2019). Website of the Museum of fossils from Monte San Giorgio www.museodeifossili.ch. Fondazione Monte San Giorgio.
|
| 2 |
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