Does the Tabernas Desert (SE Spain) Deserve to Become Geopark?

The Tabernas desert occupies an area of about 150 km2 and contains one of the best-preserved badlands in the Mediterranean. Besides its many geological interests, the area has unique ecological features like rare endemic plant species and biocrusts. Part of the area has no specific protection for its many geofeatures. In recent years, because the high number of annual hours of sunshine, the area is attracting solar power plants from large companies, which might jeopardize the future of this unique landscape. The purpose of this paper is to assess the geotourist and conservation merits of the area to be included in a future Geopark. The assessment is based on known indicators evaluating the scientific, educational, and geotourist values of the Tabernas badlands. We also provide notorious, well-documented geofeatures as well as the major threats in this area. In addition to the badlands, the Tabernas desert contains nine inventoried sites of geological interest and five in its close vicinity. In addition, Cabo de Gata UNESCO Geopark is located 60 km from this site. The area has been the subject of over 150 international scientific papers in recent decades. Since the 60 s, the Tabernas Desert has attracted the attention of many moviemakers, especially the “western type”. Three “western villages” remain as tourist attractions. Recurrent movies, TV series, commercials, and landscape photographers show their permanent interest. There are many reasons for the protection of this environment for future generations though only two are mentioned here: (1) the dominant lithology, flysch-type sedimentary rocks and gypsiferous marls provide a profusion of notorious geomorphic features though prone to occasional, localized high erosion rates; (2) the high cover of fragile biocrusts carpet and protect from erosion about one-third of the unprotected area. Allowed activities should be those related to sightseeing and educational tourism. Present adventure tourism and some sports activities lack regulation and could be a threat to the future.