Day on Geoethics: Management and governance of endangered natural resources and landscapes
Blanes, Catalonia, Spain23 January 2020
The objective of the session, co-organized by the Campus of Natural and Cultural Heritage of the University of Girona, SOS Costa Brava and the Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes, on January 23th, is to introduce Geoethics and the possibilities offered by this discipline in the search of solutions to conflicts related to the inert resources of nature, with an exercise focused on one of the most poignant and significant environmental conflicts of Catalonia: the regression and disappearance of sandy beaches, which support a large part of the tourist industry.
Geoethics is a relatively new field in Earth science and refers to the values in which humans relate to us in the geosphere. Managing natural disasters and resources, be it minerals, surface and groundwater or areas of scientific and cultural interest as well as floods, landslides … can be conflicting when conflicting values are at stake. Beyond socio-economic and environmental assessments, citizen participation, territorial planning and the protection of natural spaces … is there a way to overcome these conflicts? Geo-dilemmas aim to understanding the values that justify often opposing positions, establishing a vision for the future and a dialogue of values. Often behind these confrontation there are issues of social equity and environmental respect, and ultimately of ecological justice that will need to be overcome. Do we have to take into account the intrinsic value of nature and its spiritual values? What is the role of teaching and leadership in finding a common path?
The conference will be given by Dr. Francesc Bellaubí, geologist and technical engineer of mines, has a PhD in Natural Sciences from the University of Osnabrueck (Germany) with a wide personal career with international cooperation and research agencies. He is currently a researcher at South Urale University (Russia), a member of the International Association for the Promotion of Geoethics, of the International Association for Study of Religion, Nature and Culture, and the Silene Association.
Next, a participatory workshop will follow, focusing on a case study of current and relevant importance on the Costa Brava: the regression and vanishment of sandy beaches. This threat is a combination of several factors (sediment retention in reservoirs, blockage of redistribution by means of coastal currents, sea level rise and intensification of winter storms, degradation of dune systems …) becoming a very interesting example to be approached from the perspective of Geoethics, from all the main actors’ view points. The workshop will be conducted by Dr. Bellaubi and Dr. Josep Maria Mallarach, geologist, doctor of biology and environmental consultant with extensive experience in international, national and local projects. He is also a member of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and the steering committee of the IUCN Specialized Group on Cultural and Spiritual Values in Protected Areas, and coordinator of the Silene Association.
Venue: Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes, C / Access Cala Sant Francesc, 14 17300 Blanes
This day is free, but prior registration is required via the following LINK
