Abstract
The International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) formally approves the chronostratigraphic units of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart that serve as the basis of the Geologic Time Scale. An essential part of this process is the definition of a Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) that defines the lower boundary of each chronostratigraphic unit of Stage, Series, System, Erathem, and Eonthem rank. Once approved by the ICS and ratified by the International Union of Geological Sciences, each GSSP is an international geostandard, and it is marked and dedicated. It is imperative that GSSPs, once ratified, are preserved, protected and maintained for the purpose of future scientific study. Furthermore, each GSSP can serve as a local focal point of educational outreach that educates the public on the nature of the stratigraphic record and the marvels it reveals about Earth’s history. Preservation, protection, maintenance and education are best accomplished when a GSSP is located in a nature preserve as exemplified by the two GSSPs located in the Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark on the north coast of Spain.
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