print this page Interesting Geoscience Initiatives in Europe… In the recent June 2005 issue, three things caught my attention as they seem to me to be bellwethers for professional geoscience in North America. They are: the role of geoscience and geoscientists as a guider of public policy; the widening range of what the profession of geoscience embraces; and, the duty of geoscience professionals in humanitarian relief and voluntary service overseas. Recently, the EFG has issued a Geo-Scientific Manifesto on Civil Protection against Natural Hazards. Basically, it is a reasoned public statement emphasizing the importance of fully integrating geoscience information with knowledge in public policy and planning as a predictor of, and protector against, natural hazards. To view this document, which was prepared for the EFG by its “Group of Experts on Natural Hazards” (a group of practitioners akin to one of our APGO Professional Practice Subcommittees) go to: http://www.eurogeologists.de/Manifestocivilprotnaturalhazards.pdf In a different vein, the EFG, together with 10 other learned and technical societies (both European and International), have brought out a similar manifesto document on Earth Heritage and Geodiversity. This is a statement around the close linkages between geology, landscape and soil, and the importance of geological diversity and “earth heritage” to local economies, tourism and education. Motherhood stuff to most geoscientists you might say – and I would not disagree- only what we are seeing here is not internal preaching to the converted, but an external public awareness statement emphasizing the unique contribution our earth heritage and geodiversity has made, and will continue to make, in most regional development and oversight projects – be it tourism, recreation, rural/urban planning etc. What I found particularly interesting in this item also was the list of signatories that included the International Association of Geomorphologists and The International Union of Soil Science. More testaments that the definition of what is professional geoscience is taking in an ever broadening range of disciplines – landform science and pedology. To view this item, go to: http://www.eurogeologists.de/ManifestoEarthHeritage_Geodiversity.pdf The third item that caught my attention was an article about humanitarian work by Geologos del Mundo (World Geologists) in Sri Lanka following the December 2004 tsunami. Under an agreement with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Urban Development and Water Supply, geologists of Geologos del Mundo are assisting, in the field, with groundwater exploration work in tsunami-affected regions. Geologos del Mundo is a not-for-profit international NGO (Non-governmental Organization, based in Madrid, Spain, that provides the services of geologists to the most needy human groups. One of its main aims is to collaborate with other national and international relief associations and NGOs in response to emergencies and natural disasters, by providing technical and logistical support. Currently, Geologos del Mundo is involved in 10 separate humanitarian projects around the world, many of which are in Central America. Perhaps as a professional, you may see a calling to serve as a Geologos del Mundo volunteer, or alternatively, you may wish to either become a Geologos del Mundo member or contributor. To find out more about Geologos del Mundo visit their website at: http://www.geologosdelmundo.org/index_ingles.htm EFG is the organization mandated with oversight of the profession of geoscience in Europe. The Eur Geol designation is a secondary level of licensure in the European Union that is open to practitioners who are already registered as professional practitioners at the national level in any of the EU member countries. The EFG facilitates mutual recognition of credentials and provides for trans-European professional mobility. The EFG website is: |
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As a registered Eur Geol, I receive the magazine “European Geologists”, the twice-yearly publication of the European Federation of Geologists (EFG). While reading much discussion around challenges and issues that are the same as those we face on this side of the pond, I am often struck by the different issues that are the focus of discussion in the practice of professional geoscience in Europe.