Identification of Potential Areas for the Development of Geotourism in the Northern Part of the M’goun Geopark (Morocco) Using Multi-Criteria Analysis and Sig

The Moroccan High Atlas Mountains boast a diverse and intricate geodiversity, shaped by their tumultuous geological past. Nevertheless, the geotourism potential in most parts of this area remains under-exploited. Yet, the under-tapped geotourism potential of this area has prompts us to propose an inventory of its geosites in this study. Our objective is to conduct an assessment of the unexplored section of the M’Goun regional geopark, identifying and examining locations that exhibit the greatest potential for geotourism. An integrated multicriteria approach combining geographic information systems (GIS) with the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was employed. The study’s initial phase focused on generating a geodiversity index map, merging partial indices (geological, geomorphological, hydrological, and pedological), culminating in the geodiversity map. This map offers a comprehensive overview of geological diversity distribution in the study area. In the subsequent phase, a multicriteria analysis used ten natural, scenic, and cultural criteria to assess the geotouristic potential of the area. The geodiversity index map showed very high values of geodiversity at the borders of the Central High Atlas synclines and anticline and at the reliefs of great vertical development. The analysis shows that 81% of these sites, which are distributed in areas of high suitability, coincide with the location of sites of international interest such as the Ouzoud waterfalls, the panoramic views of the Ait Attab syncline, the Ain Asserdoun springs, etc. These outcomes testify to the effectiveness of this method and prove that applying geospatial technologies such as AHP with GIS allows not only to analyze geotouristic suitability but also to provide support and a roadmap that can assist decision makers in any geotourism planning project and geopark management.