Strategy for geoconservation
Management of geological heritage is an important aspect of Trollfjell Geopark. We wish to be the natural partner for anyone who seeks information about geology and to become a source of knowledge in the field of geoconservation.
Some possible threats to the geological heritage and the geosites that we identify in the area are:
- Pressure from development and land-use change
- Natural processes, such as vegetation growth and coastal erosion
- Human-induced changes, such as climate change and sea-level rise
- Pressure from tourism
- Quarrying, sand and gravel extraction
- Lack of information, education and knowledge about geology
In Trollfjell Geopark, we wish to promote geoconservation through:
- The establishment of a geosite database where the status of each geosite is described and monitored
- Identification and monitoring of the most vulnerable geosites
- If needed, the establishment of direct measures to protect geosites
- Information on the need for geoconservation on our website, in brochures and on signs
- The establishment of direct dialogue with the authorities and private landowners
- More knowledge about the importance of geology through guided tours and school programmes
Our aim is to make local communities take on responsibility and ownership for the geoheritage without legal measures. We believe this can be done by promoting sustainable economic activities such as geotourism and increasing public knowledge about geology. To spread information and knowledge about geology and its need for conservation is the main task for the geopark and we believe this is the key for any successful geoconservation measure.
For vulnerable geosites, we plan:
- Monitoring
- Better information about their vulnerability
- Additional measures (such as a fence around the site)
- Geosites we find seriously vulnerable will only be promoted through guided tours and will not be described in information brochures or on our website
- If there is a wish to protect a geosite from land-use changes, this can be done through municipal land-use planning