Declaration of the Oxford Geoheritage Virtual Conference 2020
During OxGVC 2020, a Declaration of the delegates was agreed, calling for the establishment of an International Geodiversity Day. This Declaration was the beginning of a global campaign, that ended with UNESCO formally approving the creation of International Geodiversity Day in November 2021.
The following text was put to delegates, and approved.
DECLARATION OF THE OXFORD GEOHERITAGE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
International Geodiversity Day
With the encouragement and support of partner organisations, including the European Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage, we the participants of the Oxford Geoheritage Virtual Conference came together to share geoheritage research outcomes from across the world, 25-29 May 2020.
Participants of the Oxford Geoheritage Virtual Conference 2020, representing more than 60 countries, appreciating the values of the natural environment, and observing the progressing global, regional, and local changes in the environment, declare:
We do therefore call for the establishment of International Geodiversity Day, to increase understanding and awareness of geodiversity issues.
We encourage all geoscientists to engage in international cooperation to promote this aim, and call on geoscience and conservation organisations worldwide to work together in the development of International Geodiversity Day.
DECLARATION OF THE OXFORD GEOHERITAGE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
International Geodiversity Day
With the encouragement and support of partner organisations, including the European Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage, we the participants of the Oxford Geoheritage Virtual Conference came together to share geoheritage research outcomes from across the world, 25-29 May 2020.
Participants of the Oxford Geoheritage Virtual Conference 2020, representing more than 60 countries, appreciating the values of the natural environment, and observing the progressing global, regional, and local changes in the environment, declare:
- Geoheritage continues to be at risk due to human and natural factors.
- Geoconservation continues to be a justified and needed practice.
- Local, National, and International cooperation is required to ensure the proper recognition and conservation of Earth’s geodiversity.
- Geodiversity is fundamental to implementation of many of the Sustainable Development Goals, included those associated with biodiversity, human wellbeing, and sustainable resource use.
- There is a need to increase public understanding and awareness of geodiversity and its interrelation with other areas of conservation.
We do therefore call for the establishment of International Geodiversity Day, to increase understanding and awareness of geodiversity issues.
We encourage all geoscientists to engage in international cooperation to promote this aim, and call on geoscience and conservation organisations worldwide to work together in the development of International Geodiversity Day.
