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Basic Concepts in Geoconservation

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 Mesozoic and Cenozoic Vertebrates and Paleoenvironments –
Tributes to the career of Dan Grigorescu, ed. Csiki,. Z, Ed Ars Docendi , 2006
ISBN (10) 973-558-275-9 p. 37-41

BASIC CONCEPTS IN GEOCONSERVATION

ALEXANDRU ANDRASANU∗

ABSTRACT
Geoconservation evolved very rapidly in the last decade and now its basic concepts, structure,
tools and activities are well defined. Main areas of activity are focused around few basic concepts
like: geodiversity, geological heritage, geotopes / geosites, geopark, geoeducation.
The potential for interaction between natural conservation and socio-economic activities made
geoconservation a new area of applied geology aiming to assure a sustainable use of natural
resources for sustainable development and requiring a new type of specialist: geoconservationist.

REZUMAT
Geoconservarea a evoluat foarte rapid in ultima decada, reusind sa-si defineasca metodele de
activitate, conceptele de baza si instrumentele de lucru, putind fi considerata un domeniu nou in
geologia aplicata. Geoconservarea integreaza intr-un mod logic si coerent concepte precum
geodiversitate, patrimoniu geologic, geoturism, geoparc, geoeducatie si le aplica intr-un cadru mai
larg al conservarii naturii si dezvoltarii durabile, cu efecte positive in viata sociala si economica.
Geoconservarea este un domeniu interdisciplinar, ce combina elementele de geologie cu cele de
biologie, sociologie, amenajarea teritoriului, dezvoltare rurala, educatie, necesitind astfel o noua
specializare: geoconservationistul.
Key words: geoconservation, geodiversity, geological heritage, geopark, geoeducation,
sustainable development

INTRODUCTION
Most part of the activities dealing with nature conservation is focused on living things, the so called
biodiversity. Geoconservation deals with the conservation of non-living parts of the natural
environment like geological features, landforms and soils. These non-living parts of the natural
environment have significant values, and many aspects of this geodiversity are just as sensitive to
disturbance as biodiversity.

∗
University of Bucharest, 1, Balcescu Bd., Sect. 1, Bucharest, Romania, e-mail: aalex@geo.edu.ro
Geoconservation could be considered for a long period of time the “forgotten half” of the nature
conservation (Sharples, 2002). Moreover, biodiversity is dependant upon geodiversity, so that
successful nature conservation requires the integration of geoconservation with bioconservation.

Since the Rio Conference it is recognized that if the Earth’s environment is to be respected, a
better understanding of the geological, biological and physical processes that have left their mark
on the Earth’s surface is required. A good knowledge of geological heritage and a healthy respect
for what it represents is an important factor in the holistic approach for sustainable development.
In this broader approach this paper intended to provide a brief introduction to the issues of
geoconservation and its basic concepts: geodiversity, geological heritage, geotourism, geoparks
and geoeducation, based on personal experience and projects developed during the last fifteen
years.

GEOCONSERVATION

1. Defining geoconservation
Geoconservation is continuing an early work based mostly on recognition of the scientific and
research values of certain bedrock features as heritage which informs us about the Earth's past
development, resulted in the preparation of inventories of significant bedrock sites and some
landform features. During the last decade geoconservation activities were better integrated in
physical planning and development strategies their social and economic impact being more and
more taken into consideration.

Continuing the classical approach geoconservation can be defined (Sharples, 2002) as the
conservation of the diversity of geological, geomorphological and soil features, assemblages,
systems and processes. In that case geoconservation is an approach to the conservation
management of rocks, landforms and soils which recognizes that geodiversity has nature
conservation values. Considering nature conservation to necessarily comprise both
geoconservation and bioconservation provides a more holistic approach to nature conservation.
Geoconservation seeks to prevent or minimize degradation in order to protect the natural and
intrinsic values of bedrock, landforms and soils, rather than only to maintain their usefulness or
utilitarian value to humans (Grigorescu, 1990). This approach is distinct from other earth science -
based approaches to land management such as soil conservation, environmental geology and
geomorphic hazards management, which are essentially focused on utilitarian or anthropocentric
values.
A broader view consider that geoconservation is more than protection and conservation of the non
– living things for their intrinsic or aesthetic value which is rather a static or defensive position
against economical use of natural resources or landscape degradation due to human activities.
According to this vision geoconservation is a new and developing area of applied geology aiming
to assure a holistic approach of nature conservation and to offer new tools in sustainable use of
natural resources for social and economic development. Geoconservation can contribute to the
objectives of Agenda 21, highlighting the potential for interaction between socio-economic
development and conservation of the natural environment. This approach allows considering other
issues like geodiversity, geological heritage, geotourism, geoparks and geoeducation as concepts
of geoconservation (see Figure 1).
Legal & institutional framework

Geodiversity mapping & interpretation

(Geodiversity Action Plans)

Geoeducation & public awareness

(Promotion of geosciences)
GEODIVERSITY

Geological heritage Geotourism

(Geotopes / Geosites (Economic benefits)
Geological monuments)

Geoparks
BIODIVERSITY Natural heritage Geopark networks

(Economic, social &

LOCAL CULTURAL cultural benefits)
DIVERSITY Cultural heritage (Local identity)

Figure 1. Basic concepts in geoconservation and their relationships

The aim of geoconservation is to identify the ways that geodiversity can be managed, to outline the
need for more holistic approach to nature conservation and land management and to integrate
geodiversity in sustainable development plans for different areas.

2. Geodiversity
Geodiversity comprises the variety of rocks, fossils, minerals, landforms and soils, tectonic and
hydrogeologic features that occurs on our planet, along with the natural processes that shape the
landscape. Geodiversity also forms an intrinsic component of the environment in which we live,
shaping our landscape, providing locally distinctive building materials for our towns and cities,
providing a recreational resource, and influencing the type and distribution of wildlife habitats.

Geodiversity could be regarded also as analogous to the term 'biodiversity', which

bioconservationists use to highlight the importance of conserving biological genetic, species and
community diversity. Criticisms of this analogy (Murrey, 2004) are related to the difference in the
amount of time commonly involved in the evolution of the two, the difference between an active
ecosystem involving living organisms and the non living processes of the landscape or rocks,
differences from the conceptual point of view, biodiversity being based on biological and ecological
theory involving different taxonomic ranks and their active interrelationship opposite to geodiversity
regarded as a sum of different geological issues occurred after a long geological evolution of one
area. From the conceptual point of view the two are not identical but is generally recognised that
geodiversity influences biodiversity and is its life-support system, between the two being an
inextricable link.
As biologists tried to measure biodiversity is it possible to define a “geodiversity index” based on
geological features of one area (type of rocks, percent of surface occupied by each type, rock age
index and tectonic characteristics) and the relationship with climatic conditions and landforms.

The importance of the term geodiversity is that it underlines the idea of interdependence of
geological features and social and cultural evolution in one area. Different approaches have tried to
outline the cultural or heritage value, the economic value and the research and educational value
of geodiversity. In this case one of the fundamental aims of geoconservation should be to identify,
inventory and integrate these suites of features and processes in local development strategies and
plans. Geodiversity Action Plans, developed in United Kingdom are good examples of activities
aiming: to inventory the geotopes in one area, to raise awareness of the fundamental importance
of geodiversity in the sustainable management, to identify linkages between the area’s geodiversity
and its landscape character, biodiversity, economic and cultural history, to identify features and
topics which can contribute to sustainable ‘geotourism’, to engage industry, local communities,
voluntary groups and local societies in conserving and interpreting the area’s geodiversity and to
’embed’ geodiversity into future planning, management and interpretation policies.

3. Geological heritage
Geological heritage (geoheritage) is the “valuable” part of the geodiversity as we consider from
different subjective and objective reasons with close relation to the interpretations of
geophenomena that have influentially informed the development of geology and geography from at
least the sixteenth century onwards. However, both landforms and geophenomena often have
older mythological, religious and more recent aesthetic significance (Hose, 2005). These scientific
and cultural elements when combined create a major World Heritage. European archives, libraries,
museums and universities are a storehouse of global significance for that geoheritage – both
specimens and documentation. However, this geoheritage and its value is frequently neglected
and threatened. A tangible and accessible form of the geological heritage is the geotope or
geosite or geological monument that could be considered in some ways similar designations of
the same concept. Geotopes or geosites are bodies of rocks or areas, accessible from surface,
where geological or geomorphologic features and phenomena interesting from scientifically,
educational or aesthetic point of view are well preserved or present, and can be observed and
studied. Usually no single geological feature or phenomena can be observed but one or few are
more important. Geotopes protection includes all kinds of measures of preservation, development
and management in their natural diversity and characteristics and is a part of the geoconservation
activity and land use planning (Grigorescu & Andrasanu, 1997)

4. Geotourism
Geotourism is an economical approach in geoconservation developed during the last decades due
to the lack of other financial resources in the effort of protection and promotion of the geological
heritage (Martini, 2000). Geotourism is both a geoconservation and sustainable exploitation
strategy. Its success depends upon attracting and maintaining the support of politicians, planners
and developers by demonstrating the geoheritage’s potential for the tourism and outdoor recreation
industries (Hose, 2005). In general, and ideally, any sort of tourism should strive to be
'sustainable'. And must be for example ecologically bearable in the long term, must contribute
positively to local economic development (creation of local employment), mutually involve and
respect all actors both public and private (co-operation). On this basis, sustainable geotouristic
development can practically result in certain advantages: creation of new products with geological
connotation, sale of local products, and creation of new jobs linked to geology, guides, technicians,
cottage industry, and support local development.

Geotourism is closely related to geoparks activities and sometimes other protected areas, often in
combination with educational activities as an appropriate form of local economic development and
an increasingly important source of income for the local communities. Geotourism is a type of
tourism linked with for example eco-tourism, agro-tourism and nature and wildlife experience.

5. Geoparks
The process of conception of geoparks started in 1997, and resulting from a European Leader
program among 4 territories, focused on their geological heritage, Geoparks appear in Europe in
2000 and at the world level, by UNESCO’s initiative, in 2004.

A Geopark is a territory that has clearly defined boundaries, that encompasses a specific
geological heritage and designs a sustainable development territorial strategy. The majority of sites
present on the territory of a Geopark must be part of the geological heritage, but their interest may
also be archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural. A Geopark represent a patrimonial
appreciation which results from interdisciplinary approach of mixed teams: specialists on
development and specialists on geological heritage. The territory of the geopark has to be coherent
from the social, administrative and cultural point of view and a management plan able to assist and
foster socio-economic development that is culturally and environmentally sustainable has to be set
up. A Geopark provides a close cooperation between institutions and persons, both from the public
and private sectors, and from governmental and nongovernmental organizations. A close
involvement of the universities with their staff and students plays an essential role in planning and
developing the complex activities in education, training, local planning, and nature conservation
(Andrasanu, 2005).

The success of the approach in geopark concept development and its economic and social
benefits leaded to the creation of the European Geoparks Network and of the Global UNESCO
Geoparks Network. A network member develops experiments with and enhances methods for
preserving the geological heritage. It works with local enterprises to promote and support the
creation of new by-products linked with the geological heritage in a complimentary spirit with the
other members.

Despite these excellent results there are criticisms in the geopark development. These territories
became more and more similar to Biosphere Reserves or Natural Regional Parks and are using
the old fashion methodology in tourist interpretation. Geoparks have to be innovative territories
able to develop new and revolutionary strategies in nature conservation approach and
reappropriate Man and Earth. A new approach of advance was recommended: the geopark phase
II (Martini, 2006).

6. Geoeducation
Is well known education, formal or informal, is a strong tool and therefore a big priority for
successful geoconservation activities and promotion of geosciences. Geoeducation is part of the
conservation purposes of geological heritage sites that worth preservation for scientific,
educational and aesthetic reasons. Inventory, databases and maps of sites are not enough for their
conservation. Educational strategy is necessary to be set-up in partnership with schools,
universities, and local councils, in order to develop training packages and courses for local
teaching staff and students, to organize events for public awareness in natural and cultural
heritage. Geoeducation has to develop its own structure and educational tools based on results of
scientific research. It has to be considered in broader frame as part of education for nature
conservation and ultimately an important part of education for sustainable development.

CONCLUSIONS
Geoconservation evolved in the last decade and now its basic concepts, structure, tools and
activities are well defined. Main areas of activity are focused around few basic concepts, some of
them already known for a long time but now reorganized and integrated into a logical and coherent
framework. These concepts are: geodiversity, geological heritage, geotourism, geopark,
geoeducation
 The potential for interaction between natural conservation and socio-economic activities made
geoconservation a new and developing area of applied geology aiming to assure a sustainable use
of natural resources for sustainable development and requiring a new type of specialist:
geoconservationist.

Acknowledgements
My special appreciation to Prof dr Dan Grigorescu for its continuous effort and work in developing
geoconservation at national and international level and for its help and support in this new and
interesting area of geology..
I express my consideration to Prof dr Aurelia Barbulescu, Prof dr doc Theodor Neagu and Guy
Martini for their ideas and guidance in understanding and promoting geological heritage
conservation.

References
ANDRASANU, A., (2005) The Geopark – Framework for research, education and training in sustainable
development, Second Conference on the Geoheritage of Sebia, Belgrade, p 171 – 175;
GRIGORESCU D. (1990) Earth Science Conservation in Romania. Earth Science Conservation, vol 27p 6-8.
GRIGORESCU, D., ANDRASANU, A., (1997), Geotope database - a Romanian model, Preceedings of
ProGEO Meeting in Estonia, Tallin, p 10 - 15.
HOSE, T., A., (2000). European Geotourism – geological interpretation and geoconservation promotion for
tourists. Geological Heritage: its conservation and management. D. Barettino, W.A.P. Wimbledon
and E. Gallego (Eds) Madrid, (Spain), p 127-146
MURREY, G., (2004), Geodiversity. Valuing and conserving abiotic nature. John Wiley @ Sons Ltd., London,
pp 340
MARTINI, G. (2000) Geological Heritage and Geo-tourism. Geological Heritage: its conservation and
management. D. Barettino, W.A.P. Wimbledon and E. Gallego (Eds) Madrid, (Spain), pp 1147-156
nd
MARTINI, G. (2006), Geoparks…The Future?, The 2 Global Geoparks Conference on Geoparks. 17-21
September 2006 - Belfast, Northern Ireland.
SHARPLES, C., (2002), Concepts and principles of geoconservation, Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service
website

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