Geoheritage and geodiversity elements of the SW Pacific: A conceptual framework

Abstract

The SW Pacific is a complex geotectonic region with limited knowledge of its geoheritage and geodiversity. It consists of small islands where geological and geomorphological features are concentrated in small landmasses that have strong association with volcanic, tectonic, and coastal-shallow marine processes, and are sensitive to global and planetary changes.

The SW Pacific’s rich Polynesian and Melanesian traditions form a special geocultural aspect of the region. The interaction of these societies with volcanism provides a unique geocultural perspective based on accumulated oral traditions and cultural practices that remain part of everyday life into the 21st century. Consequently, geoheritage is a significant element to enforce community resilience for natural hazards in the SW Pacific islands.