South Korea hosts international conference, announces 'Korean Declaration' on geo-heritage preservation

An international declaration emphasizing the shared responsibility for preserving geological heritage was announced in Busan, South Korea. The 'Core Geo-heritage Area Korean Declaration' was adopted at the 'Status and Prospects of K-Geo-heritage' international conference, hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration.

Geological heritage, encompassing rocks, minerals, fossils, and landforms, is recognized as a crucial part of Earth's history and the evolution of life. The declaration asserts that this heritage is a common asset of humanity and its preservation is an international duty, especially in the face of the climate crisis.

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Geological heritage is a common asset of humanity and requires international cooperation for preservation.

Attended by approximately 150 experts from international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), the conference focused on the conservation direction and international cooperation principles for Core Geo-heritage Areas (KGA).

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In the current era of climate crisis, the preservation of geological heritage is a shared responsibility that the international community must fulfill.

The Korean Declaration aims to strengthen international standards for geo-heritage conservation and promote the practical implementation and expansion of the KGA program. It also defines the roles of national governments in this effort. Discussions during the conference also covered topics like the linkage with UNESCO Natural Heritage designation systems, geo-heritage conservation policies, and the impact of climate change on geological environments.

Officials expressed hope that the Korean Declaration will raise public interest in geological heritage, which is a component of natural heritage, and enhance its significance and value in the process of applying for and registering World Heritage sites.

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This Korean Declaration is expected to be an opportunity to raise public interest in geological heritage, which is part of natural heritage, and to enhance its meaning and value in the process of applying for and registering World Heritage sites.