Global Network of National Geoparks

Geodiversity toolkit promoting best practice in geodiversity at a local, national and global level

Source :Source: Geoparks 2006 Conference Published :September 22, 2006

C. jones

University of Worcester, Abberley and Malvern Hills European Geopark, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR26AJ, England, UK

Keywords: Geodiversity, toolkit, best practice, Geoparks and World Heritage

This paper describes progress to date on a collaborative project between the University of Worcester and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. The project aims to review the way in which Geodiversity is protected, enhanced and promoted by World Heritage Sites and European and Global Geopark Networks.

The conclusions of this project will be presented in a Geodiversity Toolkit. The Geodiversity toolkit will take the form of a publication and regularly updated web-based resource. Innovative geodiversity related projects and examples of best practice will be illustrated through the use of real case studies. The studies are drawn from the experiences of individuals and organizations who are actively involved in the management and promotion of geological sites at an international. level.

It is envisaged that the Geodiversity Toolkit will play an important role in communicating new ideas to practitioners involved with the protection and promotion of geodiversity and will also be used as a vehicle to advise and inform government organisations who are developing national strategies and guidelines for the management of areas with special geological interest.