Nature must be viewed as an entire system - the combination of biotic and abiotic components within ecosystems in order to facilitate effective functioning. The GSG provides information to protected area managers concerning the biotic and abiotic connectivity and provides input to WCPA and IUCN on global issues regarding geoheritage and geoconservation. Our leadership and members bridge an understanding to the holistic natural system that can provide a fruitful basis for achieving biodiversity gain.
Geodiversity refers to the variety of the geological and physical elements of nature such as minerals, rocks, soils, fossils, landforms, and active geological and geomorphological processes. Together with biodiversity, geodiversity constitutes the natural diversity of planet Earth.
Geodiversity is an integral part of natural diversity and geoheritage an integral part of natural heritage. They are both fundamental in UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those associated with terrestrial and marine biodiversity, human wellbeing, disaster risk resilience, and sustainable use of natural resources. The integration of geoconservation across a range of IUCN programs is important to see natural systems working as a whole.
