UNESCO celebrates International Geodiversity Day

The International Geodiversity Day is observed on October 6, a date proclaimed by UNESCO in 2021 following a proposal by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The 2026 theme, ‘Geodiversity On Our Doorstep’, encourages people to recognize the geological heritage in their immediate surroundings, such as local rocks, minerals, soils, and landscapes.

Geodiversity refers to the non-living components of nature, including fossils and landforms. Understanding these elements is essential for managing natural resources, anticipating environmental risks, and supporting biodiversity. In Angola, geodiversity provides a foundation for sectors like mining and agriculture, while in Spain, sites like Las Médulas demonstrate the intersection of geological history and human activity.

Various regional initiatives are marking the day, such as the launch of a geodiversity route in the historic center of Machico, Portugal, to make urban geological heritage more visible to the community.