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This paper reviews the values and benefits of geodiversity and geoconservation in the context of the Strategic Objectives and National Outcomes in the Scottish Government's National Performance Framework, particularly in relation to: economic development; climate change adaptation; biodiversity; science and education; and recreation, health and cultural inspiration. A key challenge is to improve the integration of geodiversity in environmental policy and its implementation in order to deliver more holistic and sustainable environmental management and wider public benefits. This requires greater awareness and recognition of the key benefits and ecosystem services that geodiversity provides for society. With an overall objective of promoting integration of geodiversity into relevant policies and decision frameworks, we advocate a more strategic, ecosystem-based approach to address: the future-proofing of ecosystem services, particularly in a context of climate change and rising sea-levels; conservation and sustainable management of geodiversity both in designated sites and in the wider countryside; raising awareness of the value of geodiversity and its contribution to ecosystem services; and improving understanding of geodiversity and key knowledge gaps. Such an approach is adopted in the Scotland's Geodiversity Charter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the contribution of geodiversity to ecosystem cultural services, in particular to: educational values; cultural heritage and the built environment; cultural inspiration, creativity and aesthetic values as reflected in literature, poetry and art; and recreation and tourism. Exploration of the creative influence of geodiversity allows a broader, interdisciplinary perspective on cultural links with the physical landscape and the connections between people and the natural world. Recognition of the cultural role of geodiversity also provides heuristic, experiential opportunities for engagement with Scotland's geoheritage and raising awareness of the value and relevance of geodiversity and geoscience today, complementing more traditional didactic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building ecosystem resilience requires consideration of the role and response of physical processes to climate change. Understanding geodiversity will enable more effective conservation strategies for managing ecosystem responses, as well as helping to mitigate future impacts, inform appropriate policies, guide adaptive management, and contribute to the restoration of ecosystems already damaged by human activities. This will require applying understanding of the spatial and temporal connectivity and dynamism of geomorphological and soil processes, and working in harmony with them. Scenarios for the likely effects of climate change on coastal, river, slope and soil processes in Scotland include: reductions in recovery time for habitats and species between extreme events; changes in the distributions of landforms in response to altered patterns and rates of both erosion and deposition; and longer landform readjustment times to extreme events due to reactivation by subsequent events. In extreme cases, the frequency and speed of geomorphological change may mean that habitat recovery is never established, potentially leading to process regime change. Managing biodiversity adaptations to climate change through making space for natural processes must be informed by wider understanding of the links between geodiversity and biodiversity as part of an ecosystem approach climate-proof future nature conservation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the geological development of Scotland. It states that the topography is resulted from several tectonic events. It highlights that its positioning is such that it has led to erosion, and volcanism. It discusses how the landscape has changed due to its closeness to the continental plate. It highlights how the moine rocks were formed from the sediments of mountains. It discusses the six geographical areas in which Scotland is divided.

Outlines some of the land management issues in lower relief montane areas in Scotland, the Czech Republic and Sweden. Potential contribution of more integrated, geo-ecological approaches to addressing the issues; Value of montane areas for nature conservation; Vulnerability to disturbance from a range of human activities; Responsiveness to climate changes over short and long timescales.