Restoration: The Forgotten Stage of Geoconservation

Abstract Among the different stages or steps that comprise a geoconservation strategy, restoration presents the least methodological development and the least amount of empirical experience. This paper discusses concepts that allow for an understanding of restoration, describes background on restoration methods and uses in the context of ecological and cultural assets, and presents some specific examples of geoheritage restoration. Based on a synthesis of this information, a pioneering general methodology for geoheritage restoration is suggested. The goal is to contribute to diversifying and expanding the body of knowledge on the actions that should be considered in a geoconservation strategy.