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The Concept of Geodiversity
Geodiversity and the concept of ‘geoconservation’ will be new to many people. The fact that the physical elements of the landscape – rocks and soils in particular – need to be managed and in some cases protected is not always evident. The very structure of the surface of the Earth perhaps seems so robust that protection is not needed. Consideration of the scale of soil erosion around the world, the rate of mineral extraction, the extent to which landscapes can be modified and remoulded to suit human needs, should demonstrate that this is not true.
The concept of biodiversity, its nature and the ways and means to protect, manage and sustainable use it, is well established. Geodiversity, its scientific and social value, and its potential role in the wider sustainable management of landscapes, is less well understood and not widely promoted in many parts of the world. Recognising the value of geological features at the landscape scale, and integrating their protection and enhancement into management plans, can emphasise the underlying relationship between the surface features of our planet and the biological and human diversity.
This site contains a set of documents which explain geodiversity, the concepts and value, along with a number of short case studies from around the world which illustrate the social, scientific and sustainability value of geodiversity.
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