Conservation efforts globally are focussed primarily on biodiversity, but geodiversity elements and features such as soils, rivers, mountains and caves provide humans with a wealth of ecosystem services and enjoyment. In this unit, you will learn about how to recognise geodiversity elements as critical system supports for biodiversity and ecosystem function, and to appreciate their cultural and recreational value for society. Using a series of masterclasses with global experts (in-field, in person and online), you will be immersed in the practices of 'geoconservation' and 'geotourism'. With no prior knowledge or skills required, you will develop skills as a communicator and conservation professional, and learn how to:

- Rank and assess geodiversity elements (as 'units' of conservation) and features in terms of their rarity, uniqueness, importance to science and society,
- Construct inventories of abiotic, biotic and cultural elements and values for recreation and reserve establishment
- Undertake in-field degradation assessments of landscapes used by humans for tourism and production
- Recommend management strategies to restore landscape features and values for human enjoyment and wilderness protection
- Undertake decision-making in a range of modes – graphical, consensus methods, GIS methods and qualitative methods.
- Communicate landscape features and conservation strategies to a broad range of audiences.

Any student interested in how to undertake conservation practice, curate heritage, assess landscape suitability for tourism and other ventures, or to communicate natural values will find KGA527 useful. All skills and knowledge required to successfully complete KGA527 are developed within the unit.