The presence of biotic nature in the official nature protection system significantly surpasses that of its abiotic counterpart. Consequently, the concept of geodiversity, much like the concept of biodiversity study and assessment, has evolved in recent decades, encompassing, from a practical standpoint, the major geomorphological and geological, hydrological, and topographical features of the landscape. The primary purpose of this article is to define geodiversity and indicate its main characteristics. It summarises Slovenia‘s nature protection system, highlights its shortcomings, describes the development of the concept of geodiversity, and explains why geodiversity needs to be preserved and how it may be developed or lost. The article provides practical examples of geodiversity mapping and a full geodiversity assessment in the Dragonja Valley. The essential elements of geodiversity are described so that geoeducation on non-living nature can upgrade and make sense of the current geography learning. content.
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