Geodiversity in Nature: Improving Natural Heritage Management

Awareness is increasing amongst decision makers that societal challenges such as climate change, water resource management, biodiversity loss, poor soil health and air quality are interlinked. In contrast the holistic approach to Nature by pioneering 18^th century natural scientists where biotic and abiotic components were interdependent, modern western science has evolved into specialised scientific disciplines. Today, science influenced global accords such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and numerous United Nations Sustainable Development Goals place great emphasis on the biotic components of the natural world. Strategies and legislation at national level generally follow this trend and influence natural heritage management approaches.

Case studies from the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark in France illustrate the impact of a transdisciplinary approach to natural heritage management where both biotic and abiotic factors are considered. The explicit inclusion of geodiversity informed stakeholder decisions over matters such as the choice of legal conservation measures, the definition of protected area limits and content for public communication programs. Different decisions were taken as a result of this inclusive approach to Nature in the municipalities of Montriond and La Baume. The ongoing work in the Chablais region confirms the need for scientists, natural heritage managers and politicians to share a common understanding of nature and ecosystems that explicitly includes geodiversity.