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Geodiversity management Management of any natural heritage requires a balance between the need to protect and enhance the natural heritage against the legitimate needs of local populations or visitors. Although geological features might be considered to be far more robust, and, to an extent, fairly 'static', in comparison to other natural features, many geological features are not as indestructible as might be assumed. They are subject to a number of threats, including natural processes such as weathering and erosion, and human influences - either intentional or inadvertent modifications. Therefore their condition can vary over time. The management of geoconservation involves not only the sustainable management of sites, but also the promotion of geodiversity and geoconservation. The site-based approach has worked extremely well for geoconservation. Yet, although this approach performs a crucial role in geoconservation there is a tendency to treat the elements of geodiversity separately using different legislative frameworks. Furthermore, they do not encompass all that is irreplaceable and cannot by themselves maintain and enhance geodiversity. But, if complemented by a natural area/wider landscape approach, the benefits to geoconservation can be enormous through the protection of topographical character, restoration of geomorphological processes and the creation of new exposures in important geological units. Site assessment and selection is therefore an essential part of geological conservation, yet it serves only to provide a framework around which to build. Truly successful geological conservation also requires strong legislation, conservation-friendly policies, practice, and action plans, an active geological/conservation community, and activities aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our geological heritage and the need to conserve it, amongst both decision makers and the public. |
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