Geoheritage and Geoparks: One (Australian) Woman’s Point of View

Abstract

Geology and landscape profoundly influence society, civilization and cultural diversity on our planet. The subtle relationships between peoples have changed irrevocably since our species began its journey in the Ice Age. The last 10,000 years have been a boom time: we planted crops, domesticated animals and built cities; population burgeoned; and in most places, the link to the land was lost. Important geological places (geosites) help us to rekindle and remember our place. Our geoheritage, now with the added designation of ‘Geoparks’, needs to reflect this intimate relationship: by helping people refind their roots and learning from early and indigenous people through their experiences to answer modern challenges, such as surviving climate change. The Geopark concept has brought economic revitalization to many rural regions, assisting local communities and indigenous populations, and added a new tool for geoconservation. In particular, women are being empowered to pursue new lines of work and to get involved in the Geopark process. Examples from Australian, Chinese, European and Iranian Geoparks show how the Global Geopark Network is supporting UNESCO ideals for women in the twenty-first century. This trend is important because women are traditionally the primary educators of children and they bring different perspectives to understanding geoheritage and to the Geopark process.