In recent times two terms, which are being used more and more frequently have been introduced into scientific nomenclature: Geoheritage and Geodiversity. The concept of geoheritage was introduced in the 1970s, whereas geodiversity has been recognised as a concept worth investigating from the 1990s onwards but several recent attempts have been made to properly define and assess it. Since their appearance both concepts have aroused strong interest and debate, not only of researchers in Earth Sciences but also of experts in biology, spatial planning, tourism and cultural heritage, especially those interested in integrated and interdisciplinary approaches. The importance of conserving geodiversity and geoheritage is now widely acknowledged and introduced in the European Landscape Convention and the EU Soil Strategy.
Several attempts have been made to define and assess geoheritage and geodiversity. As with biodiversity, when describing the geodiversity of an area it can refer to different aspects, such as the maximum variety as well as those elements and patterns that are characteristic for the genesis of a specific area. At present there is a raising awareness of the complex connections that exist between geoheritage, biological and cultural heritage.
In our session we want to address these subjects, including current methods of research and debate on geodiversity and geoheritage in international as well as national scientific worlds, from the global to the local scale.
In particular we invite presentations and posters related to the following themes:
methodological presentations (definitions, approaches, context),
presentations of methods (mapping, assessment, classification and quantification),
case studies of geodiversity, geoheritage, geo(morpho)sites and geomonuments, especially studies addressing a more sustainable land use,
geoparks and geoheritage conservation, management and promotion,
links and interactions between geoheritage and geodiversity, bio- and cultural diversity and heritage,
geoparks, geotourism and geoheritage conservation, management and promotion,
educational aspects of geoheritage and geodiversity.

The session will be accompanied by at least one Splinter or Town Hall Meeting, and an evening dinner to broaden the discussion and increase links with members of other disciplines of the EGU community.
The session is co-organized by the International Association of Geomorphologists' Working Group on Geomorphosites and the Working Group on Landform Assessment for Geodiversity, and ProGEO, the European Association for the Conservation of the Geological Heritage.