GEOHERITAGE KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE: SHARING BEST PRACTICE TO IMPROVE GEOCONSERVATION OUTCOMES

Geological sites may be deemed important for a number of reasons, including recognition of historic, scientific, and aesthetic significance. This recognition is often followed by policies to conserve the sites – a practice known as geoconservation. In contrast to the field of biological conservation, there has been an extreme lack of scientific research to inform the practices and policies used in geoconservation.

Building upon 3 years of research at the Mistaken Point UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark, a new geoconservation plan has been devised for the Charnwood Forest region of England. Working closely alongside local partners and regulators, research outcomes from Canada were transferred and adapted to produce tailored geoconservation management and policy proposals.

When evidence to underpin geoconservation decision-making is in such short supply, the exchange of knowledge is all the more important. Opportunities exist to establish networks that facilitate this, especially between nations that share a common geological history. One example could be the establishment of an Avalonian Geoheritage Network, bringing together sites from New England, Atlantic Canada, Ireland, UK, and the Low Countries. This would not only support improved conservation outcomes but also facilitate exchange of educational and interpretive ideas amongst areas that share a related Precambrian and Palaeozoic history.