A new IUGS Commission for Geoheritage: The ‘ICG’

Abstract

2016 marked a milestone in the development of the principles and practice of Geodiversity, Geoheritage and related conservation through the establishment of IUGS’s new International Commission on Geoheritage (ICG) at the 35th International Geological Congress in Cape Town (29th August to 2nd September 2016). This broad subject is fundamental to society’s interaction with the geological sciences, as it concerns all aspects of geological materials and processes, both in a natural and a cultural context and their intrinsic importance for a great range of human activities, including research, education, outreach, cultural value, sustainable development and as part of a shared natural and cultural heritage to be safeguarded for future generations. The establishment of ICG enables the Union to take a true leadership role in this rapidly developing field, including providing a much needed umbrella for the development of geoheritage-related principles, practice and standards globally. Crucially, the Commission can also provide a source of expertise within IUGS, as it advises both external global networks and programmes related to geodiversity and geoheritage such as UNESCO (including in relation to Global Geoparks and geological heritage World Heritage sites) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as issues related to the development of global listings of Geosites, which would include all Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) sites, and characterization of natural stones for construction and preservation purposes.