Integration of the geoheritage management in environmental and land-use policies

Eva Almeida Lima (a), Ana Filipa Lima (b), José Brilha (c), Helena Calado (d) & João Carlos Nunes (e)
(a) Geosciences Department, Azores University/ Azores Geopark, Portugal. E-mail: evalima@uac.pt (b) Speleological Association Montanheiros / Azores Geopark, Portugal. E-mail: annafilima@gmail.com (c) Earth Sciences Department, Minho University, Braga, Portugal. E-mail: jbrilha@dct.uminho.pt (d) Geography section, Biology Department, Azores University, Portugal. E-mail: calado@uac.pt (e) Geosciences Department, Azores University / Azores Geopark, Portugal. E-mail: jcnunes@uac.pt

The conservation and management of the geological heritage requires the support of appropriate policies, which should be the result of the integration of nature conservation, environmental and land-use planning, and environmental education perspectives. It is necessary to establish protocols and mechanisms for the conservation and management of geological heritage. This is a complex type of management because it needs to address not only the fragile natural features to preserve but also legal, economic, cultural, educational and recreational aspects. In addition, a management methodology should ensure the geosites conservation, the local development and the dissemination of the geological heritage.

Azores Geopark, geoconservation, geoheritage, management