Putting Geoheritage Conservation on All Agendas

Crofts, Roger

doi:10.1007/s12371-017-0239-y

Cited by 46 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…In our research we did not detect statistically significant quantitative or qualitative biases in geodiversity elements selected by authors across the various 'topic' areas. However, we did note a general tendency for conservation-focused papers to value (and assess) geodiversity elements in a quantitative sense when considering biodiversity but to consider geodiversity as a qualitative value of ecosystem services (for instance, [39]). Thus, an apparent tendency towards a consensus on the definition of geodiversity is only a small part of a much larger set of challenges and opportunities for the conservation and research recognition of abiotic elements and values.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Old Processes, New Movements: The Inclusion of Geodiversity in Biological and Ecological Discourse

Boothroyd

McHenry

2019

Diversity

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There exists substantial variation in the qualitative and quantitative interpretations of the concept of geodiversity and its embedded elements and values. The resulting divergence and ambiguity in applications of the term constrain its present use as an operationalized concept in nature conservation research and discourse, unlike its seemingly analogous biotic term, ‘biodiversity’. This paper presents findings from a critical literature review of 299 academic journal articles and texts that define geodiversity values, or otherwise incorporate geodiversity or its derived elements and values as components of conservation. Contrary to previous suggestions, we have found that most geoscientists have united behind a single definition of geodiversity and applied it frequently in their primary and applied, geotouristic, research. Qualitative elements of geodiversity, including system support values and aesthetic appeals within nature conservation, have been largely confined to geoconservation and geoscientific literature and are nearly absent from biological discourse. Encouragingly, however, we have observed a more recent increase in research pertaining to quantitative interpretations of abiotic geodiversity elements and their relationship with the spatial distribution and abundance of species. Although the inclusion of geodiversity elements (quantitative and qualitative) in conservation assessment and biodiversity research has been and remains far less universal than for biodiversity elements, there is strong potential for further unification of these two concepts, especially though collaborative quantitative research. The more that geodiversity is discussed outside of geographic and geoscientific disciplines, broader recognition and validated use of the concept of geodiversity will be used in the understanding, interpretation, and protection of patterns and processes at the landscape scale.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Old Processes, New Movements: The Inclusion of Geodiversity in Biological and Ecological Discourse

Boothroyd

McHenry

2019

Diversity

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“…As argued by Crofts (2017), in order to position geodiversity and geoheritage conservation more centrally in the nature conservation agenda, the geoconservation community must work to ensure that geodiversity and geoheritage conservation in protected areas gain more fundamental significance in local, national, and international agendas for nature, sustainable development, and human well-being. This requires that geoconservation science and practice engage not only with wider issues in the nature conservation agenda but also reach out proactively to offer sustainable, nature-based solutions to global problems.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The geosciences have an essential contribution to make in delivering many of these goals Stewart and Gill 2017;Crofts 2017), including conservation and wise use of oceans (SDG14) and terrestrial ecosystems (SDG15), access to clean water (SDG6), health (SDG3), food security (SDG2), and climate action (SDG13).…”

Section: Ecosystem Stewardship and Achievement Of The Un Sustainable mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This recognition is crucial to establish geodiversity on a stronger and more equivalent footing with biodiversity (Brilha 2002;Crofts 2014, Crofts 2017. The purpose of this discussion paper is, first, to review recent developments within the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) towards adopting a more integrated approach to nature conservation that includes the wider values of geodiversity and, second, to outline some key areas and directions that offer opportunities for developing such an integrated approach and the engagement of geoconservation with wider global agendas (Crofts 2017). We contend that a more outward-looking approach is necessary, both as part of developing a more formal and rigorous geoconservation science and in providing a platform to progress the mainstreaming of geoconservation within nature conservation, protected area planning and management, and broader environmental agendas, strategies, and policies (Crofts 2017;Gordon et al in press).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Enhancing the Role of Geoconservation in Protected Area Management and Nature Conservation

Gordon

Crofts²,

Díaz-Martínez

et al. 2017

Geoheritage

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Acknowledgement by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that geodiversity is part of natural diversity and geoheritage is part of natural heritage should help to strengthen the position and delivery of geoconservation through engagement with the wider nature conservation agenda. In particular, we identify six key areas offering opportunities to enhance the standing and mainstreaming of geoconservation: (1) integrating geoconservation principles in protected area management, including the promotion of geoheritage conservation across the full range of IUCN Protected Area Management Categories; (2) supporting biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change through the nature-based solutions approach and 'conserving nature's stage'; (3) contributing to natural capital and ecosystem services valuation; (4) contributing to conservation in the marine environment; (5) enhancing the connections between people, place, and nature and contributing to human well-being; and (6) promoting ecosystem stewardship and contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Adoption of a more outward-looking approach should help to progress the integration of geoconservation within nature conservation, protected area planning and management, and broader environmental strategies and policies.

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