Geoconservation and protected areas

Abstract

IntroductionIn most countries, protected area managers are primarily interested in biology (McNeely & Miller 1984; Nelson & Serafin 1997). This perspective is not suitable for effective nature conservation because there is no real separation between geological and biological processes. Geology is important in all kinds of planning projects because geology is part of all natural systems. Understanding of climate, landforms and biodiversity depends on geological studies. Even human habitation and cultural heritage depend on geology. During the last 30 years, numerous studies have shown that biological conservation is essential to the welfare of all human beings. Nevertheless, the concept of geoconservation and preservation of the geological heritage has appeared only recently (Wilson 1994; Sharples 1998; Barettino et al. 1999, 2000; Osborne 2000).I argue that real nature conservation can only be attained if geology is integrated into protected area management at the same level of importance as biology and all natural processes are considered together.