Regionally important geological and geomorphological sites (RIGS) are locally designated sites of local, national and regional importance for geodiversity (geology and geomorphology) in the United Kingdom and Isle of Man.
They do not have the statutory management protection enjoyed by Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or Areas of Special Scientific Interest (Isle of Man).
In many areas the selection and designation process relies on significant amounts of volunteer effort.
Once designated through notification to the local planning authority, they are conserved and protected as a material consideration through local and national planning policies.
[7] RIGS are treated by the UK government's 'Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation' (ODPM 2005) (known as PPS9) under the category of regional and local sites.