Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2
Examples in Britain lists for systematic inventory-based surveys (theme-based recognition of geodiversity)
1. Places where a geologic feature, rock type, type specimen
rst recognised and described (type localities)
2. Historically signicant sites where original contributions to understanding of geologic processes/principles were inspired
3. Textbook examples of geological features and processes
4. Palaeontological sites that contain scientically signicant stages of biological evolution
5. Features created by wind, water, ice, weathering and mass wasting
6. Caves and karst topography
7. Hot springs, artesian springs and aquifers
8. Geologic features that offer classic research or educational opportunities
9. Outstanding examples of signi
cant stages in the earth
s evolutionary history
10. Variety of related and signi
cant geologic features in a small area; even though any one feature may not be worthy of special recognition, the
combination of related features in proximity may be unique and signi
cant
11. Mines and mining districts that have geological or historical signi
cance
12. Geological curiosities such as meteorites, non-volcanic craters etc.
13. Unique or uncommon rock or mineral sites
14. Geological features, formations and landscapes that have exceptional natural beauty with existing or potential recreational uses; and
15. Rock and mineral specimen collection sites with intense recreational use or widespread educational value, or the potential for such
recreational or educational use
'
Earth heritage conservation principles, including
Conserving
Our Heritage of Rocks, Fossils And Landforms
;
Fossil
Collecting and Conservation
;
Regionally Important Geo-
logical/Geomorphological Sites
; and the series
In 1999, the UK Regionally Important Geological Sites
(UKRIGS) Geoconservation Association was founded to
represent the growing RIGS movement and its independent,
regional and county-sized RIGS groups across the United
Kingdom. UKRIGS
“Earth Sci-
ence Conservation for
ll Managers
;
Farmers and
Landowners
;
the Mineral Extraction Industry
;
Quarry and
Pit Managers
;
District Planners
; and
Wildlife Trusts
).
In 1993, in keeping with Objective 6 of the 1990
Earth
Science Conservation in Great Britain
…”
(
Land
an outstanding cham-
pion of the geological and geomorphological heritage of the
British Isles
'
vision is to be
“
. It works with other organisations and agencies
to conserve surviving Earth Science heritage at local,
regional, national and intra-national levels (Prosser et al.
2006
).
The year 2001 was important because the
Countryside
and Rights of Way Act 2000
(CRoW) was enacted (England
and Wales). In terms of conserving and managing Sites of
Special Scienti
”
A Strategy
, the
JNCC, Geological Society of London and the Geological
Society, sponsored the Malvern International Conference on
Geological and Landscape Conservation. One of the major
items discussed at this Conference was the idea that geo-
heritage conservation on an international scale might be
facilitated by an international convention. The Malvern
Conference was also a milestone in developing international
initiatives in inventory-based geoconservation on a country-
by-country basis (Brocx
2008
).
In January 1994 the
—
cant
piece of legislation in 20 years (Prosser and Hughes
2001
).
The
Act
aims to continue to achieve a secure and well-
managed geological SSSI through partnership and co-oper-
ation, but with stronger powers, which can be used where
con
c Interest, it is said to be the most signi
rst issue of the
Earth Heritage
was
published.
Earth Heritage
is a free magazine produced twice
a year to stimulate interest in a broad range of geological and
landscape conservation issues. By 1994,
Planning Policy
Guidance 9: Nature Conservation
was put in place, pro-
viding the
icting issues with landowners and developers cannot be
resolved through negotiation. There is an emphasis on sup-
porting owners and occupiers of SSSI in the positive man-
agement of their land to bene
t Geology and wildlife, rather
than the fundamentally negative approach of paying money
out to prevent new operations that could damage the sites.
However, where appropriate management cannot be secured
by agreement, the new legislation has the power to impose
enforceable conditions (
op. cit.
). The
Act
requires all gov-
ernment agencies to conserve and enhance SSSI, and pro-
vide greater powers for conservation agencies to gain entry
to investigate offences, and to monitor their status.
The year 2001 also saw a number of other programmes,
agreements; orders and actions come into place. Under the
rst recognition of Regionally Important Geo-
logical Sites (RIGS) and, in 1995, the Environment Agency,
the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and
the National Park Authority were established under
The
Environment Act 1995
(England and Wales). The Act cre-
ated and set new standards for environmental management
“
.
The role of urban geology in Earth Heritage Conservation
was also addressed (Bennett and Doyle
1996
).
to protect or enhance the environment, taken as a whole
”
