Conserving The Past – Sustaining the Future
Diversity is the nature of the universe. Earth’s minerals, rocks, fossils, soils, sediments, landforms, rivers and many more are what one refers to as geodiversity. Humanity’s history is intrinsically linked to geodiversity through exploring and exploiting Earth’s materials. Recognising its importance, in 2021, UNESCO proclaimed 6 October as “International Geodiversity Day”. The way the cities are expanding, and more megacities are emerging is throwing up challenges. Geodiversity is a record of past events. Geodiversity is an intrinsic part of humanity’s relationship with nature. Preserving the geodiversity and minimising its impact on biodiversity is essential. It is so crucial for the survival of human beings to find sustainable solutions for resource utilisation and mitigation of climate change.
Geodiversity  underpins  food  production,  water  management Â
and  energy  production. It is also central to the ‘green’ transition: when used wisely, mineral resources  can create wealth and jobs while decarbonising development,Â
all prerequisites for a sustainable future.   Â
Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
Diversity is the nature of the universe. So is the diversity in living beings. If you go back in time, it is possible that all living beings evolved and became diverse with time. Human beings are so diverse. Their approach to life is equally diverse. Diversity is seen in nature, too. There is so much geodiversity around. Earth’s minerals, rocks, fossils, soils, sediments, landforms, rivers and many more are what one refers to as geodiversity. Humans are so used to exploiting planet Earth that they now want to go to the moon and meteorites and see if they can extract materials to enhance their material comfort.
Geodiversity is the foundation of all biodiversity. Humanity’s history is intrinsically linked to geodiversity through exploring and exploiting Earth’s materials. Geodiversity is a record of past events. The changes one sees in geodiversity reflect what has happened in the past. In a way, they are markers for the climate change. Geodiversity is as vital as biodiversity and climate in ensuring ecosystem sustainability. Recognising its importance, in 2021, UNESCO proclaimed 6 October as
“International Geodiversity Day”. Campaigns at the grassroots level by geoscience organisations around the world.
Geodiversity is reflected in every aspect of our daily lives and in the objects and services we use. It is the source of the raw materials that make up all objects, including those used to build towns and cities. The well-being of humans is linked to the diversity of geological resources. Geological formations like rocks play a regulating role, like the river’s flow. They also ensure that the water in the rivers is not polluted.
The ways the cities are expanding and more and more megacities are emerging throw up challenges. There are many sites worldwide where geodiversity of particular significance has been recognised (referred to as geoheritage).
Geodiversity is an intrinsic part of humanity’s relationship with nature. The way humans exploit Earth’s resources, the uncontrolled growth of cities, and the exploding population threaten the planet’s very survival. Observation of days like this is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of preserving geodiversity. It is so crucial for the survival of human beings to find sustainable solutions for resource utilisation and mitigation of climate change. Preserving the geodiversity and minimising its impact on biodiversity is crucial.
Geodiversity: Biodiversity’s Silent Partner
Toons: Shreya
Logs: Sai Baba
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