Enhancing global nature conservation by integrating geodiversity in policy and practice

A framework for quantifying geodiversity at the local scale: a case study from the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark

Geoconservation and related quantitative and qualitative geodiversity assessments are gaining increasing attention. However, methodologies for measuring geodiversity at local scale are currently rare. Here, we present a framework for assessing local-scale geodiversity of different landforms using field-based and digital elevation model (DEM-) derived data from the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark in Finland. We observed the presence or absence of various geodiversity elements, such as geological or topographical elements in our study sites, and used these data to quantify alpha (α), gamma (γ) and beta (β) geodiversity of various landforms. In addition, we measured topographical heterogeneity in the field and from DEMs. The results showed distinct patterns in the geodiversity and topographical variation of the landforms. The differences between α, γ and β geodiversity of different landforms were particularly clear. According to the results, measures of topographical variability can be used to some extent as surrogates for geodiversity, but the choice of optimal variables is context and scale dependent. These results provide perspectives for further local-scale geodiversity assessments in different study areas and are applicable for a range of purposes, from scientific research to practical management and geoconservation. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Geodiversity for science and society'.

Quantitative measurement of geodiversity uniqueness: research implications and conservation applications

Quantitative approaches are needed to complement qualitative explorations to identify sites with unique geodiversity and thereby guide geoconservation and geoheritage programmes. Here, we introduce the concept and associated index of 'geodiversity uniqueness'. This index is based on a numerical analysis of geofeatures and allows the identification of sites with unique geodiversity in a study area. We applied this approach to geofeature data from three areas in Finland. Our results showed that patterns of geodiversity uniqueness varied profoundly among the three study areas and across sites within each area. This was due to different sets of geofeatures and distinct characteristics of each study area. More importantly, the approach presented here was robust across the datasets and selection criteria for sets of sites, showing potential for geoconservation in each study area. The geodiversity uniqueness approach is a promising starting point to identify and map sites with unique geodiversity that can be further verified using field observations. To improve our knowledge of geodiversity variation, complementary approaches providing objective information on contributions to total beta geodiversity are needed to advance geoconservation programmes across areas and different spatial scales. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Geodiversity for science and society'.