Özlem Adiyaman-Lopes, specialist in UNESCO's International Geosciences and Geoparks programme.
© Unesco
Extract from an interview with Özlem Adiyaman-Lopes, published in full in BRGM's journal Géosciences, no. 29: "Talking about Earth".
I understand you are responsible for coordinating and monitoring applications for the UNESCO Global Geopark label, a new programme launched in 2015.
Özlem Adiyaman - Lopes: Yes, at that time, there were 120 geoparks in 38 countries. Today, there are 241 UNESCO geoparks in 51 countries. The Haute-Provence Geopark, covering an area of 2,000 km² around the town of Digne-les-Bains, was one of the first four geoparks to be established worldwide, in 2000. It has served as a model for the development of geoparks, driven by a desire to protect our natural heritage. It is important to identify our heritage, characterise it, classify it, and draw up an inventory of the areas to be protected for future generations.
Our mission is to raise awareness among decision-makers of how geoparks work and the advantages they can bring to local populations. To do this, we facilitate contact with our ambassadors, who share examples of successful projects elsewhere in a practical way that is adapted to the specific characteristics of each region.
Today, we are able to show, through tangible achievements, the positive impact of geoparks, whether in terms of saving lives, generating jobs or training people. We also organise training programmes wherever the need arises. What I'm particularly pleased to see is the growing commitment of people to enhancing their local environment, which encourages both the development of high-level scientific research and the growth of tourism, and therefore economic development, because this label has enabled museums and spin-off products to be created on the initiative of local communities.
UNESCO promotes cooperation between countries, with geographical priorities for the geosciences, such as Africa. For what reasons?
Ö. Y.-L.: The African continent includes around 30% of the world's mineral reserves, with the largest reserves of diamonds, platinum group metals, phosphates, gold, chromium, manganese, vanadium, cobalt and aluminium. Many African countries are economically dependent on these resources. Over the last ten years or so, minerals have accounted for an average of 70% of total exports and around 28% of GDP. Concomitantly, the continent's development is threatened by numerous geological, geodynamic and climatic hazards (land degradation, floods, droughts, earthquakes, volcanism and landslides). Geoscience research in Africa is therefore essential if we are to meet the challenges of sustainable development, such as resource management, spatial planning, reducing natural risks and providing access to drinking water. Integrated geoscience research and training are needed to build local capability and develop a skilled workforce.
It is important to identify our heritage, to characterise and classify it, and make an inventory of the areas to be protected so that they can be passed on to future generations.
You are the only geologist working at UNESCO headquarters in Paris today. How does your job help you coordinate global geoparks?
Ö. Y.-L.: I'm effectively the only geologist at headquarters, with a mandate to cover 194 countries, which is an exceptional opportunity. I'm now in a position to manage international cooperation projects, due to my range of previous experience, whether in education in the UK, industry in the USA or the UK Department for Education. After studying geological engineering in Turkey, where I am originally from, I obtained my doctorate in France at the University of Paris VI. I wrote a thesis on structural geology, volcanology, geochemistry and satellite-image data. From the start of my career, this education has enabled me to adapt easily, which is a great advantage in my role at UNESCO. I work on a daily basis with geologists from all over the world, from Ethiopia to Colombia and Indonesia.
Cover of Issue 29 of the Géosciences journal
© BRGM
Géosciences No. 29: Talking about Earth
“Talking about Earth” may seem to be a surprising expression for a scientific journal. However, it is by telling this story that the geological history of our planet is most clearly understood. And when faced with the amazing phenomena that led to the formation of the rocks beneath our feet, it is often wonder that dominates.
This 29th issue of BRGM's Géosciences journal takes a slightly different angle from its predecessors, exploring the beauty of the landscapes that surround us, inspiring the arts through science, passing on the Earth sciences to young people and the general public, and protecting our geological heritage.
