UNESCO points to Al-Haouz earthquake as example of geo-diversity's importance 

On International Geodiversity Day, which is celebrated every 6th of October, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, shed light on the paramount significance of understanding the often-overlooked aspects of geodiversity, referring to the Al-Haouz earthquake as an example, according to a statement issued on UNESCO’s official website.

The devastating earthquake, which rattled the region of Al-Haouz, claimed the lives of thousands of people and caused physical as well as material damage, serves as a sobering reminder of how geodiversity plays a pivotal role in our daily lives and highlights the grave impacts of climate change, underscored the Director-General of UNESCO.

“Understanding and raising awareness of geological processes is therefore essential to explore the past, prepare for an unpredictable future, and inform the sustainable management of our land, rivers, and oceans, including flood management and climate adaptation. This was clear in September, when a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, causing widespread loss of life and extensive damage,” according to the official statement.

Azoulay also referred to Daniel flooding in Libya, which led to the collapse of two dams upstream in the port city of Derna with flooding submerging entire neighborhoods, as an example of the interwovenness of geodiversity with natural disasters and their grave consequences on human lives and planet in general.

Geodiversity refers to the non-living elements of nature, including rocks, minerals, soils, and landscapes, in addition to the processes that shape them. It plays a pivotal role in supporting ecosystems and various essential aspects of human life.

Geodiversity also supports important facets of our society, such as food production, water management, and energy production. It’s crucial to the green transition towards sustainable development.

UNESCO took to X (previously known as Twitter) to warn about the limited availability of freshwater on our planet.

71% of ? is covered in ?, yet 97% is saline & unsuitable for consumption or agriculture.

Less than 1% supports all life, primarily as groundwater. This resource, purified by rocks and sediments, is vital for us all.

Let’s preserve this source of life.https://t.co/iKdtDfRsaH pic.twitter.com/6lUkj53G5c

— UNESCO ?️ #Education #Sciences #Culture ?? (@UNESCO) October 6, 2023

“71% of our planet is covered in water, yet 97% is saline and unsuitable for consumption or agriculture. Less than 1% supports all life, primarily as groundwater. This resource, purified by rocks and sediments, is vital for us all,” UNESCO emphasized on X.

On International Geodiversity Day, the Director-General of UNESCO underscored the need for equal access to the benefits of geodiversity for all individuals, including public access to educational resources and opportunities for formal education, research, and careers in the geosciences.

For more than 50 years now, UNESCO has been committed to promoting and protecting the geological diversity of our planet through its International Geoscience Programme, which fosters cooperation and encourages the sustainable use of geodiversity.