Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter: a step forward for Scottish Geoparks

Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter was launched in June 2012 to demonstrate and promote the wider values of Scotland’s geological heritage. The four main aims of the charter are to raise awareness of the importance of geodiversity, integrate geodiversity into relevant policies, conserve and enhance geodiversity, and to improve our understanding of the wider role of geodiversity. Led by the voluntary geoconservation sector through the Scottish Geodiversity Forum, the Charter has over 45 signatories to date including public bodies, NGOs, industry and landowner representatives, geoconservation groups and Geoparks. Both Shetland Geopark and North West Highlands Geopark are actively embracing the aims of the charter, primarily by raising awareness of geodiversity and through the integration of geoconservation into relevant policies, both locally and regionally. Ultimately, Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter will encourage a large number of stakeholders to work together to provide positive benefits for both people and the environment.