The BGS have recently worked in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on the strategic assessment of the value and state of Scotland's geodiversity to help develop the basis for a national policy framework on geodiversity.

We also collaborate with local authorities, national parks, geoparks and third sector bodies in raising awareness of Scotland's geological heritage.

Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter launch

Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, launched Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter in Edinburgh on 6 June 2012. Download the Press Release.

The charter recognises Scotland’s geodiversity as an integral and vital part of our environment, economy, heritage and future sustainable development, to be safeguarded and managed appropriately for this and future generations.

For its size, Scotland has an outstanding geodiversity — our rocks, landforms, soils and natural processes reflect some three billion years of the Earth’s existence.

Scotland’s geodiversity is the vital bedrock of life, providing essential benefits for society through its profound influence on landscape, habitats and species, the economy, historical and cultural heritage, education, health and well-being.

We live in a dynamic environment where climate change may see greater risk from flooding, rising sea levels, coastal erosion and landslides. Understanding these natural processes is a vital part of enabling us to successfully manage and adapt to change.

The Charter summarises the importance and value of Scotland’s geodiversity, highlights the need for action, and presents a shared vision for Scotland’s geodiversity. It provides guidance to the various sectors on what needs to be done to achieve this vision.

The Charter is the work of the Scottish Geodiversity Forum, with support from the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage, the British Geological Survey (BGS) and GeoConservationUK.

Organisations that have agreed to support Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter

Contact

Contact Hugh Barron for more information.

• Contact us
• UK Geology: England
• UK Geology: Scotland

• Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter launched | Press release June 2012

• European Geoparks
• Scottish Natural Heritage
• Cairngorms National Park