Local geodiversity action plans
These action plans offer a new route to achieving geoconservation, with groups, organisations and individuals agreeing local priorities for geodiversity.
Local geodiversity action plans (LGAPs) establish an ongoing process that sets clear aims, objectives and measurable targets for local geoconservation.
Each action plan provides a framework for the conservation of geodiversity within the landscape. By taking a partnership approach, LGAPs can make more effective use of the limited resources available.
Every LGAP is different, as each is tailored to suit the local geology. But all action plans share a common overall aim: the conservation and enhancement of geodiversity.
Combined with the safeguarding of geodiversity in protected areas, LGAPs will help to deliver healthy places for a greener Scotland.
LGAPs have been developed in part from the model for biodiversity action plans.
Typical action plan objectives
Geodiversity audit
This can include audits of:
- the geodiversity resource
- available information about the geodiversity resource
- relevant skills within the partner organisations and local community
Communication and education
The aims are usually to:
- promote an understanding and a wider awareness of geodiversity
- encourage participation in the action planning process
- encourage participation in the interpretation of the geological resource
Influence planning
The strategic development of protection for the geodiversity resource can be encouraged through local plans and planning guidance.
Conservation and management
Clear goals will be set to conserve and manage:
- geological sites
- natural processes
- the geodiversity of our landscape
Resource allocation
Setting clear objectives for the resourcing (money and people) of the action planning process can help to sustain its future momentum.
Example action plans
Many LGAPs have been prepared and successfully adopted in England.
The first Geodiversity Action Plan developed in Scotland was produced by the British Geological Survey for West Lothian in 2006. You can download the West Lothian Geodiversity commissioned report from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) website.
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