Advances in Geodiversity Research

Dear Colleagues,

The concept of “geodiversity” coined 30 years ago defines the range of minerals, rocks, fossils, landforms, soil and hydrological features and processes, including their assemblages, structures, systems and contributions to landscapes. Primarily linked with geoconservation subjects, it has increasingly come to be perceived as a much broader concept, with influence on approaches that cover all domains of the geosciences.

The interest in geodiversity research has grown in recent years, evidenced by the high number of scientific publications dedicated to this topic. Aside from conceptual discussions on geodiversity variables and on assessment methods, one of the main challenges is to demonstrate why geodiversity is important in ecosystem services, in implementing nature conservation and land-use policies, in its direct relationship with biodiversity, in ecosystems restoration and as part of natural capital.

Novel contributions focusing on geodiversity assessment methods; GIS and mapping; the importance of geodiversity in ecosystem services; geodiversity data for land-use planning and nature conservation; and the relations between geodiversity and biodiversity, geoheritage and land-use are welcome.

Dr. Paulo Pereira
Prof. Dr. Murray Gray
Dr. Maria da Glória Garcia
Topic Editors