6. října
Mezinárodní den geodiverzity
Tato každoroční oslava geodiverzity byla schválena v roce 2021 193 členskými státy, které se účastnily bienální Generální konference UNESCO v Paříži. Schválení následovalo po žádosti Mezinárodní unie geologických věd (IUGS) a 108 dalších vědeckých organizací o vyhlášení Mezinárodního dne geodiverzity s cílem zvýšit povědomí o mnoha výhodách, které geodiverzita poskytuje lidem, společnosti a životnímu prostředí.
Geodiversity is a natural part of the planet that includes non-living elements such as minerals, rocks, fossils, soils, sediments, and landforms, as well as hydrological features like rivers and lakes. It provides materials for building cities and supports agricultural systems by providing soil and water. Geodiversity also serves as a source of energy production, including materials used for wind turbines and solar panels. It inspires artists and fascinates tourists with its diverse landscapes. However, most people are not aware of the extent to which we depend on geodiversity. Therefore, it is crucial to promote a better understanding of Earth's dynamic processes to ensure that citizens make informed political decisions for a more sustainable society, which is a key element in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. International Geodiversity Day provides an opportunity to showcase how education in geological sciences can provide sustainable solutions to urgent problems such as responsible resource extraction, disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation, and loss of biodiversity. It also raises awareness of the critical connections between geodiversity and all forms of life. UNESCO, as the only UN body mandated to support research and capacity building in geology and geophysics, will use International Geodiversity Day to promote the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and create new UNESCO Global Geoparks, particularly in Africa, the Arab region, and Latin America.
