Geodiversity, Geotourism and Geoconservation: Concepts, Theories and Methods

Abstract

This paper aims to present concepts, relations and the role of geodiversity,
geologic heritage, geomorphological heritage, geotourism and geoconservation. The methodology is based on literature review from articles, books, PhD thesis and MSc dissertations, related to this issue. These concepts have been adopted within the geosciences, since geoconservation of the natural elements, composed by abiotic elements, constitutes a necessity to maintain life quality of the planet species, such as they may lead to the understanding of the planet origin and evolution. Geodiversity, represented by the abiotic elements (rock outcrop and landforms) has a group of geoforms, or geosites, which represent the heritage of a certain area. As a way of spreading these concepts, geotourism constitutes a tool, and also a challenge, seen by some authors, in publicizing the Earth Sciences.