Geoconservation for science and society – an agenda for the future

Abstract The Earth's rich diversity of geological, geomorphological and soil features and processes are an integral part of the natural environment on which we all depend. The conservation and management of these features and processes is essential if we are to maintain the sites needed for research, education and training and the natural systems which provide us with ‘ecosystem goods and services’ such as water purification and erosion regulation. Geoconservation is now established in many parts of the World and has been part of statutory nature conservation in the UK for more than 60 years. With environmental, social, economic and political changes now affecting the whole of society, it is timely to explore how best to sustain and develop geoconservation in a rapidly changing World. Drawing on 15 papers exploring the future of geoconservation that originated from the 2011 Geologists’ Association Conference, an overview of the current context for geoconservation is provided and some of the challenges faced, and opportunities to be taken, are captured and considered. A key message to emerge from the conference and papers is that the future of geoconservation should be built upon what has already been achieved, but with greater emphasis now being placed on communicating and engaging with decision makers and the wider public, using language and arguments that will convince them that geoconservation is relevant to their lives and to society as a whole, as well as to science. Priorities and activities to help move geoconservation forward are set out.