Lucknow's Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences sets up centre to promote geoheritage
A propagator of geotourism and geoheritage has been flagged off by Lucknow's Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in the form of a new centre. The overall aim is to conserve unexplored natural sites and develop them as global geoparks.
Geoheritage, or geological heritage, is the natural and cultural heritage of a particular area, constituted by various geodiversity elements. The aforementioned 'Centre for Promotion of Geoheritage and Geotourism' will share information of these sites with numerous stakeholders. Further, the centre will consult and provide expertise on the recognisation of these sites, later developing them on the lines of UNESCO sites and standards.
'Sustainable development of geological heritage is the promotion of geotourism'
“People must know their natural heritage, their importance and the need to conserve them. Sustainable development of our geological heritage is the promotion of geotourism where the common man will be benefitted at large,” said BSIP Professor Nitin R Karmalkar.
The country is replete with such geological wonders that are yet to be globally recognised. Some examples in UP include Chitrakoot's Janki Kund, Lalitpur's dancing rock and so on. Apart from it, geoheritage is a lesser explored conservation method in India, otherwise promoted by UNESCO globally.
“The conservation of these geological heritage is important as it is a non-renewable natural resource and once destroyed, cannot be rebuilt. As such, geo conservation is considered an emerging discipline within geosciences."
BSIP director Vandana Prasad said.
The former deputy director general of Geological Survey of India, Satish Tripathi, also suggested that, like ODOP scheme, every district should also have a geoheritage site in the form of their emblem.
Uttar Pradesh is a major geological area, with significant fossils (as of Sonbhadra and Chitrakoot) and potential geoparks. A sustainable way of promoting geotourism is the conservation of geological heritage. It will eventually benefit the locals, keeping in account their participation in the geopark admin. The efforts will also, in turn, promote local culture and history.
(Inputs from IANS)
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