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

delegations for addressing the Conference on
matters of the IGCP.
Comments by observers
Upon invitation, observers commented on questions
of concern to IGCP.
The relation between Unesco's training programmes
in earth sciences and IGCP activities needed
to be clarified. Relevant information on
Unesco-sponsored training courses, seminars
and fellowships is to be disseminated through
appropriate journals such as "Episodes", and
leaflets.
The representative of UN Department of Technical
Co-operation for Development gave an outline
of areas in which IGCP and his Department
could collaborate. Though primarily investmentoriented,
mineral exploration projects executed
by UN DTCD produce a vast amount of geological,
geophysical and geochemical data which are
not systematically exploited scientifically, development
of exploration methodology included.
Regular exchanges between appropriate IGCP
projects and UN DTCD projects could be of mutual
interest. Means should be found for exchange
of technical data and reports between interested
IGCP projects and UN DTCD projects.
Each UN DTCD project comprises also a training
component ( in-field training, fellowships
of 6-36 months, study tours, participation in
congresses, seminars) normally available to
national geologists working as counterparts in
the project. Allocation of training facilities to
candidates therefore could be a subject of coordination
between IGCP and UN DTCD.
As concerns storage and treatment of data created
by IGCP projects,the representative of
IAMG and COGEODATA reminded the Board
that these organizations are concerned about
long-term data loss and will always be ready to
offer advice on data processing and storage and
dissemination of data on computer compatible
form or on microfiche. Many projects could
advantageously make use of the new methods for
data analysis developed, for example, in Projects
98, 148 and 163.
The Secretary-General of the ICL outlined the
present status of this Programme which is becoming
operational in 1982. Fruitful co-operation
of the two Programmes will be assured by
overlap of personnel between IGCP and ICL bodies
and by mutual representation in their respective
co-ordinating meetings.
Observers of National Committees reiterated the
value of bilateral contacts which could often give
access to funds especially destined to bilateral
co-operation.
10
A. Martinsson suggested that the issue of postal
stamps at its 10th anniversary may stimulate
interest in the IGCP.
Comments by the Assistant Director-
General for Science of Unesco
A.R. Kaddoura addressed the Board on means of
enhancing the effectiveness of the Programme.
He assured the Board of the continued support
of the Director-General of Unesco especially as
regards the role of IGCP in fostering regional
initiatives. The need to increase financial support
for successful initiatives such as those arising
from IGCP was acknowledged. The formulation
of the African Regional Project sponsored
by Unesco owed much to IGCP and further developments
along similar lines would be welcomed.
He suggested that the African Project should
take the opportunity of reporting progress and
discussing future developments at the International
Geological Congress in Moscow in 1984, and
indicated that Unesco would support attendance by
participants involved.
The first Interim Report on IGCP issued by the
Board in 1978 had been noted as a useful aid in
evaluating scientific progress by the Unesco Panel
of Advisors on science. The preparation of
a similar review of progress to date would be
welcome.
A.R. Kaddoura emphasized the value of regular
round-table discussions on the evolution of the
Programme between representatives of Unesco
and IUGS and of the Board and Scientific Committee
of IGCP and expressed his willingness to
participate in such a discussion before the next
session of the IGCP Board.
Closing of the session
The report of the Board meeting was discussed,
revised and adopted. The revised guidelines for
project leaders were approved.
Board members G.O. Kesse and V. Majer were
invited to attend the next meeting of the Scientific
Committee (7-11 February 1983), tobe followed
by the 11th session of the Board (14-18 February
1983), at Unesco Headquarters.
The thanks of the Board were recorded to A.
Boudda, G. Dengo, D.J. McLaren (former
Chairman), A. Peive, and J.V. Watson (Rapporteur)
retiring from the Board.
After acknowledging the work of the Secretariat,
the Chairman declared the session closed.