Optimising geopark networks for biodiversity conservation under climate change

Abstract

Geopark and geoheritage site networks are expanding globally, creating opportunities for sustainable development. Geoparks can deliver economic benefits through stimulation of tourism, making their establishment attractive to local governments and communities. However, the potential contribution of geoparks to sustainable development is not limited to socio-economic benefits. Geoparks, which are often in areas of geomorphic and soil variability, can contribute to biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services under climate change. These networks could play a pivotal role in biodiversity adaptation to global heating if designed and managed as climate-change refugia. Here we propose to optimise the value of geoparks and geoheritage sites as Nature-based Climate Solutions by considering them as part of the larger landscape and regional scale habitat networks, adjusting management practices and developing policy frameworks to better support Geoparks for biodiversity conservation.

Keywords: Biodiversity; Climatic refugia; Environmental economy; Geoheritage; Nature-based solutions; Sustainable development.