International Geodiversity Day highlights geological heritage

International Geodiversity Day is observed annually on October 6 to highlight the importance of non-living nature as the foundation for landscapes, ecosystems, and natural resources. Geodiversity encompasses the variety of rocks, minerals, fossils, landforms, and geological processes that shape human environments and support tourism, science, and local identity.

Croatia possesses significant geological diversity, with more than half of its territory covered by karst landscapes. These areas feature caves, sinkholes, and complex water systems. The country also contains magmatic and metamorphic rocks, as well as 54 legally protected geolocations and 24 dinosaur fossil sites, particularly in the Istria region.

In celebration of the day, educational initiatives have taken place near the Sutla River border between Croatia and Slovenia. Students from Bizeljsko and Dubravica participated in field lessons to study geological phenomena, such as how geological foundations and climate influence the relief of the Sutla River valley and subsequent human settlement patterns.