법률과 관련된 지질유산: 그 가치와 의미

Geoheritages are geological features or processes which should be inherited to future generations. Geological features or processes with geoheritage values include rocks, minerals, geological structures, fossils, caves, landforms, soils, etc. Geoheritages are non-renewable resources. The most effective way for geoheritage conservation is through legal protection. The legislation for geoheritage conservation includes the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, Act on Buried Cultural Heritage Protection and Research, Natural Park Act and Natural Environment Conservation Act. The most strong geoheritage protection through Cultural Heritage Protection Act should be accompanied by State-, City- or Province-designated Heritage. Other ways for protection are through the endorsement of geoparks by Natural Park Act or designation as a Ecological Landscape Protected Area by Natural Environment Conservation Act. The significance of geoheritage has been recognized recently from the inscription of Jeju Island as a Natural Heritage on the World Heritage List by UNESCO and the endorsement of Jeju Island Geopark as a UNESCO-assisted Global Geopark. Thus, it is necessary to promote conservation, education, management and sustainable development of geoheritages by the Geological Society of Korea.