Mid‐ and large‐scale geodiversity calculation in fuentes carrionas (nw spain) and serra do cadeado (paraná, brazil): methodology and application for land management

Abstract

A state‐of‐the‐art geodiversity concept, its use and scientific development are presented. Methodologies for geodiversity calculation are assessed, as well as their aim and problems. Geodiversity calculation methodology based on biodiversity richness index is explained and applied to two different areas: uentes arrionas, a high mountain mid‐latitude environment in northern pain, and erra do adeado, a tropical mid‐mountain environment in southern rasil. A geodiversity map of uentes arrionas proves that glacial cirques over 2000 m a.s.l. keep a high geodiversity related to a periglacial and glacial environment, whereas a geodiversity map of erra do adeado shows that high geodiversity areas are situated at its main structural scarp. Geodiversity calculation needs to take scale and hierarchy issues into account, which makes comparison only possible if the same scale is used. Geodiversity calculation is a useful tool for land management as it defines areas subject to protection due to the richness of abiotic elements. It is also useful in terms of environmental impact assessment and geotourism evaluation at remote areas.

Key words:

• geodiversity
• environmental management
• environmental impact
• geotourism
• natural diversity

Acknowledgements

Carolina Foundation Program for Lecturers and Researchers Movility and OAPN 053‐2010/CGL‐2010‐19729 Spanish research projects provided financial support for this work. Dr Hjort and one anonymous reviewer are thanked for providing comments and further discussion which improved the paper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ramón Pellitero

Ramón Pellitero, Department of Geography and Environment, School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, St Mary's Building, Elphinstone Road, Aberdeen AB24 3UF, UK

Email: [email protected]

Fernando C. Manosso

Fernando C. Manosso, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Francisco Beltrão, Linha Santa Bárbara, rural. 85601970 – Francisco Beltrão, PR – Brasil, Caixa‐postal: 135

Email: [email protected]

Enrique Serrano

Enrique Serrano, Departamento de Geografía, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universidad de Valladolid, Pz/ del Campus s/n 47011, Valladolid, Spain

Email: [email protected]