2006
Event details
Thursday 18th May - (evening lecture) -
"The GeoValue Project: Valuing geodiversity for the community" by Peter W. Scott Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus and David Roche GeoConsulting, Exeter. Joint meeting of East Yorkshire RIGS Group and Hull Geological Society
At the Geography Department, Cohen Building, University of Hull starting at 7-30pm (doors close at 7-30pm - no admission if you are late, sorry).
Admission - free.
Abstract :-
The GeoValue Project: Valuing geodiversity for the community
by Peter W. Scott, David Roche GeoConsulting, Exeter and Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus. P.W.Scott@ex.ac.uk
Project team:David Roche and Clive Nicholas (David Roche GeoConsulting) and Robin Shail (Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus).
The GeoValue Project provides a framework for evaluating geodiversity at geological and geomorphological sites and is developing procedures managing safe access to those sites with high geodiversity value. It is of particular relevance to those who own, operate or manage working or abandoned quarries, and those who seek to visit these sites to observe or study the geodiversity as part of professional, educational or cultural activities.
The Geodiversity Profile has been developed as a standardised and reproduceable procedure for the evaluation and comparison of geodiversity in rock units of the same geological setting. The Profile shows the extent of the geodiversity, and independently assesses the (a) scientific, (b) educational, and (c) historical, cultural and aesthetic importance of the site. The importance for applied as well as pure geology is considered, and any links with ecology are reported. The procedure involves a desk study of relevant geological literature along with field visits. The Geodiversity Profile is a transparent, justified, open-book statement that can be challenged and could form the basis of dialogue between landowners, quarry operators, planning authorities, geological groups, researchers, educators, conservation bodies and others.
GeoValue Access is a workable protocol and practical and safe solutions to facilitate access to sites of high geodiversity value, without compromising the responsibility of the quarry operator to extract minerals efficiently, profitably and safely. It is involving discussions with extractive operators and other landowners to establish current practice and problem issues. It is intended that GeoValue will provide an enabling framework so that safe access to observe and study geodiversity in quarries can be achieved. Different solutions may be needed for different community groups, and proposals may include viewing areas, dedicated walking routes, boulder parks, and a 'passport' scheme for leaders of geological parties. GeoValue Access will contribute towards improving liaison between the community and the extractive industry, so that both can gain advantage from the high value geodiversity often found in working and abandoned quarries.