A Global Perspective in Geological Conservation

Dear Colleagues,

Geological conservation has become an important task in the wake of pervasive anthropogenic alteration of the earth’s key biophysical mechanisms. As the Anthropocene unfolds, we are coming to terms with the earth system being tipped into a novel trajectory of intensifying climate change, alteration of several geomorphological processes and perturbation of the major biogeochemical cycles. Against this backdrop, it is imperative that conservation embraces the integrity of the geological/geomorphological mechanisms and processes that engender the natural diversity of our planet and sustain important ecological aspects. This Special Issue will primarily focus on the nature and extent of threat on geological/geomorphological processes; case studies of geological conservation; and theoretical insights on the processes themselves, their threat scenario, and the connectivity between geodiversity and biodiversity. Existing templates such as the concepts of geodiversity and conserving nature’s stage provide important insights into the objectives of geological conservation; and there are several success stories involving international schemes, legal protection, and coalescence of knowhow at regional/international levels. The Special Issue will draw upon these aspects and seek to expand the debate with further insights.

Either original research papers or reviews may address topics including but not limited to:

• Evaluation of geodiversity at local, regional, and global levels;
• Connections between geodiversity and biodiversity at local, regional, or global scale;
• Conceptual and methodological insights on geoconservation at the global level;
• Geological conservation, or geoconservation research agendas;
• Case studies of geoconservation/geological conservation;
• Analysis of conservation potential of globally important land types such as mountains, coasts, and cave systems;
• Analysis of threats and conservation potential of the cryosphere, sediment cycle, natural disturbance regimes;
• Elaboration on key concepts ‘conserving nature’s state’, ‘ecological integrity’ and upscaling of conservation schemes.

Dr. Abhik Chakraborty
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• geodiversity
• geoconservation
• earth processes
• terrestrial environment
• conserving nature’s stage
• geodiversity–biodiversity relationship
• landscape heterogeneity
• environmental change
• anthropogenic impact
• anthropocene