The Chiavenna and Piuro Geosites: Man and Territory, for Better or for Worse

Since prehistoric times, alpine valleys have witnessed the development of populations that progressively mastered the exploitation of natural resources and environmental features, while also dealing with several natural hazards typical of this mountain setting. Several traces of this strong interconnection come from the area around Chiavenna and Piuro (Valchiavenna and Val Bregaglia, Central Alps, Sondrio Province, Italy), where different sites witness how the historical and cultural evolution of a society can be controlled, first and foremost, by the geological predisposition of the territory. The centuries-old extraction and manufacturing of soapstone testify to the long-term exploitation of local natural resources, while the so-called crotti natural cavities have represented, up to the present day, optimal food-storage spaces. Conversely, the alpine environment has often threatened the prosperity of local communities, due to the occurrence of gravitative processes affecting the steep mountain slopes of the area. The catastrophic 1618 Piuro landslide serves as a powerful reminder of these hazards. The gradual unearthing of the remnants of the Ancient Piuro provides tangible evidence of a lost settlement - once a flourishing economic center - preserved today through numerous archaeological and cultural sites. The region’s distinct yet interconnected geosites represent a significant asset for territorial promotion and the dissemination of environmental and cultural values. To enhance this potential, this work identifies and describes the primary local geosites and proposes their multidimensional classification and quantitative assessment to objectively define their scientific, educational, and tourism value. Finally, the paper presents a new geo-itinerary, conceived as a common thread connecting these sites and serving as an educational platform to enhance the perception of natural resource value and to raise awareness regarding vulnerability to natural hazards in the alpine environment.