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Article

Optimising geopark networks for biodiversity conservation under climate change

Details

Citation

Vasiliev D, Hamlet L, Stevens RL, Bornmalm L, Hazlett RW, Casadevall T, Duque C & Greenwood S (2025) Optimising geopark networks for biodiversity conservation under climate change. Journal of Environmental Management, 391, Art. No.: 126351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126351

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

Journal
Journal of Environmental Management: Volume 391

StatusPublished
Publication date30/09/2025
Publication date online31/07/2025
Date accepted by journal23/06/2025
PublisherElsevier BV
ISSN0301-4797

People (1)

Dr Sarah Greenwood

Dr Sarah Greenwood

Lecturer in Global Change Biology, Biological and Environmental Sciences