Report by IAG Grant Holder for the Geomorphosites 2026 – Heritage Geomorphology Conference (Sion, Switzerland, 7-12 September 2026)

The International Conference “Geomorphosites 2026 – Heritage Geomorphology” and the Intensive Course on Geomorphosites for MSc and PhD students were held in Sion, Switzerland, from 7–12 September 2026. The event celebrated 25 years of research on geomorphological heritage and paid tribute to the late Prof. Mario Panizza.

The International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) supported the participation of Young Geomorphologist Naomi Irapta, a PhD candidate at the Department of Physical Geography, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary. The IAG Travel Grant enabled her to participate in the intensive course, present her research during the conference and engage with leading researchers working in heritage geomorphology.

Naomi considered the intensive course particularly valuable for her PhD research on volcanic geodiversity. Sessions addressing new conceptual and methodological frameworks in Heritage Geomorphology, geosite degradation risk and mapping, and geosystem services and disservices were directly relevant to her ongoing work. The course also included demonstrations of LiDAR and Virtual Reality technologies and a field trip to the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark.

During the international conference, Naomi presented her research entitled “Geomorphosite-based mapping of geodiversity for volcanic regions to facilitate geointerpretation and geosite evaluation.” Discussions and feedback from other participants provided new ideas for extending her work and reflecting on the role of volcanic geodiversity within the broader field of Heritage Geomorphology.

With additional support from her university, she also joined post-conference excursions to Mont Fort and the Aletsch Glacier. These experiences provided further perspectives on geoeducation, changing glacial landscapes and the challenges involved in protecting geoheritage.

Naomi described the week as an enriching experience that strengthened her motivation to continue her work in geoheritage and highlighted the value of being part of an international community dedicated to protecting the Earth’s geomorphological heritage.

See Naomi’s full report here: Naomi Irapta