The concept of geoheritage

Abstract

Geoheritage is the inherent element of global natural heritage, which should be preserved for future generations. Scientific information on evolutionary features and processes of our planet is the main value of natural heritage. The significant feature of natural heritage is the human’s install of the values, which can change over time. Geoheritage is someway similar to historical and cultural heritage, as it is not always associated with natural spaces, and in many circumstances, geological interest can be closely related to historical and cultural elements. It is a part of the natural heritage of a certain site formed by geodiverse elements with particular geological value, thus worth being protected by present and future generations. Geoheritage may cover both the elements underlying where they were formed and the elements removed from their original location (geological samples collection) with paleontological, geomorphological, mineralogical, petrological or stratigraphical merit. Geoheritage is the object of geotourism. Geotourism is a comparably new term used to designate travel devoted to the unique culture and history of any region, travel carrying and accentuating geographical knowledge of the site, its environment, heritage, culture and prosperity of the local population. Geotourism is closely related to geoheritage protection: numerous geotourist attractions are under the protection of the law at the same time. In such cases a special schedule of sightseeing is arranged – the admission to these objects or their specific parts is limited, tourist movement is directed by the explicit and marked routes, the tourist load is controlled, and the other ways to preserve them are applied. Initiation of the European Association for the Conversation of the Geological Heritage became a remarkable event of international importance. Regional working groups were launched in Europe, and Ukraine is the member of the Central European one. Key words: geoheritage, geoconservation, geodiversity, geotourism.