Universit� degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Geodiversity, Geological heritage and Geoconservation: interview with Prof. Piotr Migoń, Visiting Professor at the Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences

In March 2025, the Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences of Unimore hosted, as Visiting Professor, Prof. Piotr Migoń from the University of Wroclaw (Poland), for an intensive course aimed at doctoral students and young researchers on a very current topic in the field of geology: “Geodiversity and Geoheritage - Contribution of Geosciences to the Global Environmental Agenda.”

The course, under the supervision of Prof. Mauro Soldati, Director of the Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, explored concepts such as geodiversity, geological heritage and geoconservation, not only from a theoretical perspective, but also by studying practical applications and associated challenges through specific examples.

We then met with Prof. Migoń for some questions about his experience at Unimore.

- What were the main themes of the seminars you held in Modena?

The title of the course was “Geodiversity and Geoheritage – Contribution of Geosciences to the Global Environmental Agenda”. Within the four units of the course I covered four closely related themes, emerging one from another and going from theoretical underpinnings to practical applications. I started with the concept of geodiversity, which is essentially a holistic way to look at the abiotic components of the Earth, from rocks through landforms, soils, to surface waters and groundwater, with all interrelations between them. I briefly reviewed these components, highlighting their specific features, and discussed the values and threats associated with geodiversity. I followed by presenting the most valuable part of geodiversity, which is termed geoheritage (or heritage of the Earth), emphasizing why it is important, why it needs conservation and how it is linked with cultural heritage. In the third unit the focus was on geosites, which are specific places where different aspects of the history of the Earth can be examined and interpreted for the general public. We talked about effective interpretation and how places of the highest significance or suitability to use in education can be selected. In the final unit I talked about UNESCO Global Geoparks, which are innovative means to both conserve geoheritage, to raise broader environmental awareness, and to interpret the fascinating subject of geology for the general public (unjustly perceived as too difficult by some people).

- What were the reactions of the students who attended your course?

I hope they were positive and I enjoyed the feeling of them “being with me” during the course. This was particularly important for the more practical component of the course, when I asked the students to study materials provided and give me their opinions. They asked various insightful questions and offered further examples from their own experience, so I believe the subject met their expectations. In fact, some course participants came from quite far away in Italy to attend (universities of Bari and Palermo).

- How did the collaboration with Unimore come about and how do you find it during this period of "visiting" the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia?

My professional collaboration with Professor Mauro Soldati and his research group has a long history and is at least 10 years old. We met even before, both being involved in the activity of the International Association of Geomorphologists since the latest 20^th century, and then we recognized that our research interests in mass movements, rock control in geomorphology and geoheritage converge. I would like to particularly emphasize the hospitality offered to my PhD students who had a chance to join field trips of UNIMORE students to the Dolomites and to visit places in the Apennines. We also collaborated on book editing. Right now we are involved in a project focused on geomorphology of the Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark in Spain and during this stay of mine in Modena we are working on a paper that presents results of field work we jointly conducted last year.

- Your studies have allowed you to visit spectacular places. What were the most memorable experiences?

I was privileged to see many impressive places across the world as my professional activities took me to all continents, including Antarctica. Even having holiday, I do not stop being a field geoscientist, collecting new observational materials for my courses and books. It is difficult to select just a few localities or to decide which experience was the most memorable. Certainly the research stay in King George Island in Antarctica was a highlight, not only because the landscape there is so stunningly beautiful (in good weather, with all glaciers shining), but also because so few people reach these remote locations. Visits to the rainforest of Borneo, high-mountain landscape of the Himalayas, red deserts of the North American Southwest and volcanic plateaus of Iceland were opportunities to enjoy the scenery so different from the one at home that they cannot be forgotten. But various places I had the chance to see here, in Italy, I found almost equally impressive, even some relatively close to Modena (Monte Giovo in the Apennines, where I had one my best hikes ever, Pietra di Bismantova, Salse di Nirano). However, my most memorable experience – so to say – is about people. Thanks to my professional contacts I have many colleagues and friends all around the world and they were always extremely helpful and welcoming, doing their best to make my travel experience positively unforgettable. Italy, and UNIMORE in particular, are no different in this respect!

- What advice would you give to young people who are interested in a career in geology?

A career in geosciences is demanding, especially at the beginning when one needs to develop a strong professional background and all necessary skills, but it is also very rewarding, although it may take time to enjoy all benefits. Patience is a necessary component and my advice, if I am in a position to offer one, is to be patient in waiting for the professional recognition and always to think in a longer time perspective about career building. After all, this is what geology is all about! And it should not be forgotten that Earth sciences are not only a discipline of high social relevance, but also the provide an opportunity to see a lot. This happened in my case and I never showed any regret that I decided to study geography and to continue my career as a physical geographer at a university.  

 

Piotr Migoń is Professor of Geography at the University of Wrocław, Poland, and former Director of the Institute of Geography and Regional Development. His main research interests are rock control in geomorphology, especially in sandstone and granite areas, mass movements in mountain terrain, geoheritage and geotourism. The Sudetes Mountains in Central Europe is his main research area, but he was also involved in projects in various other European countries (Czechia, Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, Portugal, Spain), in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, China, Jordan and Namibia. His publication record includes two academic textbooks published in Poland, research monograph “Granite Landscapes of the World” (Oxford University Press, 2006) and more than 150 original peer-refereed papers in international and domestic journals. He used to be the Secretary of the International Association of Geomorphologists (1997–2001), its Vice-President (2009–2013) and member of Executive Committee (2013–2022); he was also the President of the Association of Polish Geomorphologists (2005–2008). Since 2019 he is a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He is the series editor of ‘World Geomorphological Landscapes’ series published by Springer and a member of editorial board of ‘Geomorphology’ journal.

Categorie: International - english, Notizie_eng