Earth's Blueprint: Bridging Geology, Cultural and Natural Heritage through UNESCO’s Global Geoparks
Imagine a living museum where the interplay between geology, culture, and natural settings is displayed and harnessed for community development and education. That's what Global Geoparks represent. These are landscapes with an integrated approach, serving as fertile grounds for historic preservation, sustainable tourism, and innovative design concepts. Through case studies from Mexico and worldwide, the lecture will present how Global Geoparks are becoming dynamic platforms for multi-layered storytelling and sustainable development.
Have you ever considered how geology influences the structures you conserve or design? Or how are geological formations often the bedrock of cultural practices and cultural landscapes? This lecture offers a fresh perspective on how the worlds of geology, cultural heritage, and natural heritage converge. Through the compelling concept of Global Geoparks, we delve into how these domains can interact to pave the way for holistic conservation and innovative design.
This lecture will unfold how interdisciplinary studies have unearthed the deeply woven threads between geological features and both tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage. The lecture will present how geological narratives are etched into architectural designs, landscape planning, and local traditions and learn how this informs the preservation of culturally significant sites.
About Miguel Cruz
Mexican geologist by the National Autonomous University of Mexico with combined experience in the private, public, and academic sectors. Founding member of Comarca Minera UNESCO Global Geopark and co-founder of Geoguías for training nature guides in rural communities. Miguel’s interests and publications are focused on geological heritage, mineral deposits, geoscience communication, and Geoparks. He is a research professor at La Salle University in Pachuca City, Hidalgo state, and teaches geo-heritage in the Earth Sciences Graduate Program of UNAM. He is also an evaluator for UNESCO Global Geoparks; he has helped assess Geopark projects in Brazil and Canada.