THE GROWING ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONCEPT OF GEOHERITAGE: AN INVITATION AND A CHALLENGE

It could be argued that the term ‘geoheritage’ has been embraced more easily by the public – to whom it is most directed – than geoscientists, some of whom have responded as if the concept were unnecessary and redundant. Yet those same geoscientists may be the first to rail against the lack of support for geoscience research funding or for extraction of geological resources. In the inarguable absence of geoscience education in schools from K-12, a concept that the public can immediately grasp is vital, especially in these times when humanity is threatened by existential issues such as climate change. The root word ‘heritage’ immediately conveys the sense of a shared history, a portal through which we are encouraged to step to further explore the history and processes of our planet Earth. The simple, attainable method of identifying geoheritage sites that has been employed successfully by the Geological Survey in the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes both natural geoheritage (i.e. geological sites) but also cultural geoheritage, sites where human history has been molded by interaction with geological landscapes or resources. Mining history is an obvious example of cultural history, but so too is indigenous geoheritage, sites that are imbued with great significance to indigenous people. The recognition of global geoheritage has been given a strong platform through the UNESCO Global Geoparks program, but the recognition of geoheritage can and should include geological and historical sites in every territory of the Earth, the majority of which will not be formerly recognized otherwise. The key to this recognition, upon which other designations such as Global Geoparks can be built, is the identification of geoheritage lists for every region of the Earth. In the face of profound political and economic inequality in our world, it is empowering that even the poorest and most disadvantaged peoples and regions have in their lands a part of the Earth’s geoheritage. It is up to geoscientists to identify that legacy for the benefit of us all.