Geoconservation in protected areas

Formal recognition of the geodiversity component of protected areas was made in 2008 in the revised IUCN Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. This article argues the importance of this addition and states the case for geoheritage conservation in protected areas, both in its own right and for its wider value in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services. The article summarises some of the key issues which protected area managers will need to address in ensuring that geoconservation is adequately reflected in protected area development and management. Preliminary guidance on the development of geoconservation in protected areas and the relevance of the six management categories is provided.