29 US-Mexico Exchange on Cave and Karst Science and Conservation

This session welcomes submissions in fields related with cave and karst sciences applied in Mexico, with a special interest in showcasing present or past US-Mexico binational collaborations, inter- and multidisciplinary studies and community outreach projects.

Thursday, 23 April 2026
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
LMH, Meeting Room

Geoconservation and Geological Heritage in Mexico: Lessons from the Coast of Sonora

Paper number: 29-8
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 3:45 PM – 4:05 PM

Authors

Abstract

Geoconservation and the study of geological heritage in Mexico remain emerging fields, despite the country’s exceptional geodiversity and its relevance for understanding large-scale geological processes. Conservation policies have historically prioritized biodiversity, while geological features are often considered only indirectly or remain absent from formal management and planning frameworks.

The coastal region of Sonora, including continental and insular environments of the Gulf of California, provides illustrative examples of both the potential and the challenges of geoconservation in Mexico. This region records key stages in the tectonic, magmatic, and sedimentary evolution associated with the opening of the Gulf of California and hosts a wide range of geological and geomorphological features with high scientific, educational, and cultural value.

This contribution draws on a range of experiences to outline general lessons relevant to geoconservation practice in Mexico. Rather than focusing on individual sites, the discussion emphasizes recurring patterns observed across different coastal settings, including issues related to governance, recognition of geological heritage within existing conservation schemes, and the coexistence of multiple land-use interests. These patterns are representative of broader challenges faced by geoconservation initiatives in similar contexts.

The Sonoran coast highlights the need for integrated approaches in which geological heritage is explicitly acknowledged alongside biological, cultural, and social values. From this perspective, geoconservation is presented as a complementary component of environmental management, with potential to support education, public awareness, and more inclusive conservation strategies in complex socio-environmental settings.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026CD-410741

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