Contribution of the Geodiversity knowledge to social, economic, and environmental health development

Abstract

This article explores geodiversity within the context of Geosciences, emphasizing its central role in optimizing the generation, systematization, integration, and application of knowledge related to the physical environment and the sustainable use of natural resources. The proposed approach aligns knowledge and resource utilization with ecological constraints, incorporating environmental and social variables into territorial planning and development processes. As an integrative element of diverse geoscientific information bases, geodiversity provides essential technical and scientific support to key societal sectors, including mining, energy, agriculture, public health, urban planning, housing, civil defense, infrastructure, tourism, the environment, and territorial planning. In mining, geodiversity fosters knowledge and promotes the sustainable use of mineral resources essential for survival and quality of life. In the energy sector, its contributions encompass fossil fuels, minerals used in nuclear energy production, and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. In agriculture, geodiversity aids in the use of fertilizers, soil remineralizers, and conditioners, while ensuring a vital water supply. In public health, the monitoring of water, soil, and air quality is directly supported by geodiversity-derived knowledge, which also informs urban planning by identifying suitable areas for sustainable development and securing construction materials. Geodiversity is equally critical in preventing natural disasters, enabling civil defense to monitor and mitigate risks associated with landslides, floods, seismic activity, and erosion. In infrastructure, whether social (schools, health posts, housing, sanitation, etc.) or economic (transportation and communication systems), geodiversity plays a pivotal role by supporting solutions that enhance societal quality of life. In tourism, geodiversity promotes culture, leisure, and entertainment through the development of geoparks in areas with notable geoscientific significance and the preservation of scenic landscapes. For the environment, geodiversity provides assessments of current and potential impacts, guiding the rehabilitation of degraded areas and the prevention of natural hazards. In territorial planning, geodiversity is indispensable for formulating regional development plans, ecological-economic zoning, and land use planning, as well as for the sustainable utilization of coastal and continental shelf environments. This intrinsic relationship between society and geodiversity is evident, as the production of minerals, water, and food is essential for human survival and socioeconomic development. As knowledge of geodiversity and its connections to land use and the environment expands, its role in shaping Public Policies and Territorial Development Plans becomes increasingly relevant. These policies encompass urban and rural occupation, infrastructure planning, and the sustainable use of mineral and water resources, guiding Municipal Master Plans, State Development Plans, and the National Territorial Planning Framework. Thus, geodiversity-as an integrative element of Geosciences and its connection to society-emerges as a cornerstone for promoting sustainable development.