IGCP Board; 10th session; Report of the ... - unesdoc - Unesco

• Publications, publicity, communication:
Board members Advisors Observers
A. Boudda F. Delany A.R. Berger
Chi Ji-shang A. Martinsson S. Karamata
D. J. McLaren
D. F.Merriam
(Chair)
J. M. Tater
J. V. Watson
(Rapporteur)
G. Verploegh
• Scientific scope, structure, regional
programme development:
Board members
D.A. Campos
G. Dengo
L. Elizalde
P.E. Gamsonre
J. F. Lovering
(Rapporteur)
V. Majer
J. C. Maxwell (Chair)
G.B. Vai
V.A. Zharikov
Observers
A.W. Bally
N.A. Bogdanov
E.A. Flinn
R. Howarth
C. Lepeltier
G. Olivares
R.A. Price
F. L. Repetto
A. Tollmann
I. Yace
I. Zamarreno
The reports proposed by the working groups
were considered in plenary session and are incorporated
in the following recommendations.
Development of the Programme
The Board reviewed the organizational framework
of the Programme in the light of the need
to encourage both the participation of developing
nations and the identification of new projects directly
relevant to the interests of these nations
within the field of earth science.
The value of regional meetings sponsored by
IGCP which provide opportunities for groups of
scientists drawn from one region to assess local
priorities has already been demonstrated. The
Board agreed to support at least one such meeting
annually and noted that preparations for a
regional meeting in Buenos Aires (1982) were
already in hand in connection with the 5th Latin
American Geological Congress and in collaboration
with the consultative council of directors
of geological surveys of Latin America. Where
possible, the Board should appoint "activators"
from within each region who would take responsibility
for assisting participants to identify
appropriate new projects of importance to the
developing nations of the region, for helping in
the preparation of a formal project proposal and
for monitoring the progress of projects after
acceptance by the Board. It was recognized
that preliminary discussions at regional IGCP
meetings might usefully lead to the forging of
bilateral links between a developing country and
scientists from outside institutions capable of
contributing to a project of regional interest.
Another line of development is exemplified by
the successful launching by Unesco of its Regional
Project on the Precambrian of Africa, which
was stimulated by initiatives originating within
IGCP and which is now supported by Unesco outside
the Programme. The role of IGCP, in providing
facilities for the review of problems of
regional importance, should be extended and the
Board emphasizes the need for additional funding
of this type of activity. Future meetings in East
Africa and South-east Asia are under consideration.
Substantial financial support from outside sources
has been given to IGCP projects which have been
timely and effective. The maintenance of this
support depends on the quality of the scientific
work. The role of the Scientific Committee in
monitoring the progress of individual projects
and reviewing the scope of the Programme as a
whole is crucial in this respect and the Board
reaffirms the need for scientists of international
standing to serve on the Committee.
New initiatives which can be supported within the
Programme are, however, limited by financial
constraints. The success of projects already
adopted and the extension of regional activities
require additional funding both within the IGCP
budget and from other sources.
Further scope for new developments may be found
in a better co-ordination between the activities of
IGCP and those of other programmes sponsored
by Unesco, UN, ICSU and IUGS. In particular
the Board would seek means of co-ordinating
Unesco training facilities in earth sciences with
needs for training identified in developing countries.
There is a need for review by the sponsoring
organi. ations of all programmes touching on
earth science. The Board recommends the publication
in "Geological Correlation" and "Episodes"
of full details of training opportunities in
earth science which might assist in the work of
IGCP.
More generally, the Board sees a need for constructive
discussions between representatives of
the Board and Scientific Committee and the
Director-General of Unesco and President of
IUGS. Such discussions are essential in order
to determine the future of the Programme and to
make it responsive to the needs of participating
countries. In previous years, recommendations
from the Board have not always received a response
from the sponsoring bodies and discussions
should seek means of making interchange of
views more effective.
Preparation for the 27th International
Geological Congress, 1984
The General Secretary of the Organizing Com-