Visages of geodiversity and geoheritage: a multidisciplinary approach to valuing, conserving and managing abiotic nature

Geodiversity and geoheritage studies are multidisciplinary, drawing from all sides of geosciences and extending them into the humanities, geoarchaeology, spatial planning, territorial and risk management, eco-nomics, tourism, or culture using integrated and interdisciplinary research approaches. During the last three decades, geodiversity and geoheritage research experienced a considerable growth that confirms both scientific and public relevance of these topics. In this introductory text, a brief review of current literature is presented and the importance of geodiversity and geoheritage for sustainable development, geohazard resilience and associated themes is discussed. Last, but not least, the aims and structure of this volume are outlined.