By THAN HTUN (MYANMAR GEOSCIENCES SOCIETY)
Geodiversity
THE concept of geodiversity was first introduced in 1993 (Sharples, 1993; Wiedenbein, 1933) shortly after the convention on biological diversity that was held at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 (Gray, 2018). This concept has emerged as a counterpart of biodiversity among geoscientists around the world that put attention to the heterogeneity of abiotic nature. Since the time of inception, the term geodiversity has been used in different contexts and defined in various ways but the most accepted definition was outlined by (Gray, 2013) that “Geodiversity stands for the natural range (diversity) of geological (rocks, minerals, fossils), geomorphological (landforms, topography, physical processes), soil and hydrological features. It includes their assemblages, relationships, properties, interpretations, and systems.”
There are some scholars like (Kozlowski, 2004), and (Serrano and Ruiz-Flano, 2007) that have included anthropogenic features of landscape within the range of geodiversity. However, the majority of scholars have not incorporated anthropogenic features in the definition of geodiversity because their inclusion dilutes geodiversity to a wide range of concepts having no or very little practical application for the resolution of common problems (Pereira et al.,2013). Geodiversity underpins biological diversity as well as a range of geosystem services. Therefore, the concept of geodiversity is now well recognised worldwide even by international institutions like UNESCO, international associations such as the European Geoparks Network (EGN), the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN), and governmental scientific agencies (Krishanu Datta, 2022).
Our planet is such a special place enlivened by an incredible ecological richness of fauna and flora but the accelerating loss of natural habitat and species means that biodiversity is on everyone’s lips and yet under pinning biodiversity is its hidden silent partner, geodiversity. Geodiversity is the basis of every ecosystem non-living elements of nature, rocks, minerals, soils, landforms, topography, mountains, gorges, rivers, and lakes. This geodiversity has its own intrinsic value worthy of protection and it has an essential role on the human planet. It provides the building stones for our towns and cities. And it provides material for our energy resources including renewable energy. So as well as underpinning biodiversity geodiversity underpins human diversity. It is the bedrock of our national and cultural identity the foundation of mother earth which is our common home (Dr Franziska Schrodt et al,.2021). The term ‘geodiversity’ also spans the processes that create and modify these features. Exceptional examples of geodiversity are preserved in UNESCO Global Geoparks around the world.
Why is geodiversity important?
Humanity’s history is intrinsically linked to geodiversity through the exploration and exploitation of Earth materials. These enabled us to move from the Stone Age to the Bronze and Iron Ages and later was the driving force behind the various technological revolutions that radically improved our quality of life, such as the invention of the steam engine, electricity, and more recently, the microchip which enabled us to miniaturize computers.
Geodiversity is present in every aspect of our daily lives in the objects and services we use. It is the source of the raw materials that make up all objects, including those to build towns and cities but also to manufacture solar panels and wind turbines. Geodiversity is the support of all agricultural systems by providing soil and water but also an energy source such as geothermal energy. Its diverse landscapes, colours, and forms inspire artists and fascinate tourists.
Rocks and geological processes also play fundamental roles in regulating the environment. For example, river flow is regulated by the input of geologically hosted groundwater which enables rivers to keep flowing even in times of drought. Rocks and sediments play a crucial role in filtering polluted surface water before it reaches an aquifer.
Scientific knowledge about how geological and geomorphological processes occur in nature is crucial to reduce the risks associated with earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, flooding, landslides, and so on. This knowledge also supports the development of smart solutions with regard to land use planning and land management.
At a time when humanity faces the greatest challenge of the modern age – human-in duced climate change – geodiversity helps us to understand past changes to the climate. This knowledge will be vital to predict future changes in the climate and help us adapt more effectively
Geodiversity is the foundation of all biodiversity. It creates the conditions in which life can develop and thrive, and underpins all the environments and ecosystems on earth. As such, conserving geodiversity is an essential condition to protect biodiversity.
Why an International Geodiversity Day?
Despite the multitude of services that geodiversity provides, most people are not aware of how dependent on it we are as a society. This is why we need to promote a better understanding of the Earth’s dynamic processes so that citizens can make informed policy choices that will foster a more suitable society. Recognizing the importance of geoscience in solving major challenges that humanity is facing today, UNESCO’s General Conference proclaimed 6 October as International Geodiversity Day.
In that sense, the proclamation of the International Geodiversity Day provides an annual reminder of geodiversity’s role in presenting humanity with an incredible wealth of goods and services that bring benefits to society and of the importance of sustainably managing georesources and geoheritage. The day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the critical link between geodiversity and all of life, and to evidence how geoscience education provides humanity with sustainable solutions to the challenges of resource extraction, disaster risk reduction, mitigation of climate change, and biodiversity loss.
International Geodiversity Day emphasizes the essential role that geoscientific knowledge will play in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to 2030 that member states of the United Nations adopted in 2015 (Agenda 2030). Geoscientific knowledge will play a vital role in other international development agendas, such as in reaching the 20 Goals and Priority Areas Agenda 2063 defined by the African Union and the Samoa Pathway to which the Small Developing States committed in 2014.
It is hoped that the International Geodiversity Day will also serve to enhance international scientific cooperation and attract the young to the wider spectrum of professional careers in the geosciences, particularly women in developing countries.
How did International Geodiversity Day come about?
International Geodiversity Day was approved on 22 November 2021 by the 193 Member States attending UNESCO’s General Conference (draft decision 41 C/38).
International days are annual observances instigated by the United Nations to generate awareness and action on issues of concern or to celebrate human achievement. The adoption of International Geodiversity Day follows a proposal from the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and 108 other scientific organisations. International Geoscience and Geopark Programme (IGGP) is responsible for administering International Geodiversity Day.
UNESCO is the only United Nations body with a mandate to support research and capacity-building in geology and geophysics. UNESCO will use International Geodiversity Day to promote the goals of The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as the creation of new UNESCO Global Geoparks in Africa, the Arab region, and Latin America, in particular.
More than 100 international and national organizations supported IUGS’ proposal to instigate International Geodiversity Day. This group includes 84 national organisations from 41 countries, and 17 international organizations such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the International Union of Speleology, the African Association of Women in Geosciences, the Geological Society of Africa, and the European Geoscience Union. Over the coming years, these partners will engage with decision-makers, students, teachers, and the general public to broaden awareness of the richness of geodiversity.
On 6 October, there will be events all around the world: online talks that inspire a new generation of geoscientists; exciting field trips that promote the conservation of geoheritage; museum tours that explore the important resources geodiversity provides; and visits to schools to bring to life students’ local earth history. It’s an opportunity to promote better policy –seek change from policymakers, and for organizations to communicate the significance of geodiversity. But we need people in communities all around the world, organizing events and promote geodiversity so that everyone has an opportunity to engage with this increasingly important topic. For too long, the importance of the non-living elements of nature, from rocks and soils to fossils and landscapes has been overlooked. With your help, we can start to change that.
Mount Popa National Geopark Committee warmly congratulates UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, International Organizations, and Global UNESCO Geoparks on their celebrations of International Geodiversity Day this year.
Source :
- UNESCO Published: November 26, 2021
- Jack Matthews. 2022: Encouragement on International Geodiversity Day, 6 October 202
- Krishanu Datta. 2022: Does geodiversity correlate with land use/land cover diversity? A case study of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India
