Towards a geodiversity framework for Scotland : engaging with geodiversity : why it matters, 1 December 2010

Geodiversity links people, landscapes and their culture and delivers important ecosystem services through its influence on landscape, habitats and species, sustainable development, historical and cultural heritage and people’s health and well-being. It also has a key contribution to make in climate change adaptation and in sustainable management of the land, river catchments and the coast. However, there is scope for improvement in the recognition and integration of geodiversity in the wider policy environment. This could be addressed through a national framework for geodiversity, analogous to the Scottish Soil Framework. The aims, objectives and outcomes of such a framework would need to align with the Scottish Government’s purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth and the National Outcome on the built and natural environment. They should support the Government’s 5 Strategic Objectives, in particular the Greener objective but also contribute to the Wealthier & Fairer, Healthier, Safer & Stronger and Smarter objectives.