John Gordon

Prof John Gordon is an Honorary Professor at the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews. His research focuses on geoheritage conservation, geodiversity, climate change impacts on natural environments, and the integration of geodiversity into biodiversity conservation frameworks. He has contributed significantly to understanding the role of geodiversity in ecosystem resilience and protected area management.

Key research areas include the impacts of climate change on geoheritage sites, the development of geodiversity metrics (e.g., Essential Geodiversity Variables), and the socio-cultural dimensions of geotourism. His work bridges geoscience with policy, advocating for integrated approaches that value both biodiversity and geodiversity in conservation strategies.

Recent publications emphasize clarifying the 'meaning of nature' for stronger protection frameworks, addressing ecosystem service boundaries, and advancing guidelines for geoconservation in global protected areas. While no formal awards are listed, his contributions have shaped international conservation policies through IUCN collaborations.

Prof Gordon has advised on Scotland’s marine and terrestrial geoconservation initiatives, including risk assessments for climate-sensitive geoheritage sites. His work underscores the need for adaptive management strategies in the face of environmental changes.