cGAPs: Company Geodiversity Action Plans

What is Geodiversity?

‘The natural range (diversity) of geological (rocks, minerals, fossils), geomorphological (landform and processes) and soil features.  It includes their assemblages, relationships, properties, interpretations and systems.’ (Gray, 2004)

Why is Geodiversity important?

Geodiversity is an important aspect of nature conservation and is reflected as such in national planning policy (PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation) and related legislation. PPS9 highlights the importance of geodiversity by pointing out the Government's objective to:

'promote sustainable development by ensuring that biological and geological diversity are conserved and enhanced as an integral part of social, environmental and economic development, so that policies and decisions about the development and use of land integrate biodiversity and geological diversity with other considerations'.

Geodiversity is thus a material consideration to be taken in to account in planning decisions.

Why are Geodiversity Action Plans for Aggregate Companies important?

The concept of geodiversity provides opportunities for mineral companies to demonstrate how quarrying can provide very positive benefits to the environment, as well as to the economy and to society as a whole. The benefits involved can usually be realised at minimal cost and without adversely affecting normal quarrying operations.

The procedures set out in the booklet are for guidance only. They are neither mandatory nor minimum requirements, but they will enable shrewd quarrying companies to realise the potential of their geodiversity 'assets' and to engage in a very positive way with the planning system, local communities and nature conservation, as an affordable and integral part of their commercial operations.

cGAPs: A Guide to Good Practice

'cGAPs: A Guide to Good Practice.'