Responses (as of June 2000) to IUGS Survey on Public Policy Activities

The following responses are listed alphabetically by nation followed by international associations. A report summarizing these responses is also available on this site.

IUGS National Members

Albania

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Geological Research Institute

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities State Organizations in the framework of the Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization:
- Albanian Geological Survey
- Oil and Gas and other hydrocarbon materials Survey in Albania
- Mining Survey of Albania
Nongovernmental Organizations:
- Geologist's Association of Albania, organized in the framework of the Geological Survey of Albania (1989)
- Albanian Association of Engineering Geology and Geoenvironment (1993)
- Albanian Union of Geologists for the Geological Sciences Heritage (1997)

Have they issued position statements?

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions

Major national geoscience policy issues - Total collapse of exploitation of oil, chromium, copper, coal, and many other mineral deposits and industrial minerals and rocks. That happened during last ten years of transition period. Up to 1990, 2 million tons of oil, 1.2 million tons of chromium ore, 800,000 tons of copper ore, and several millions tons of coal were exploited each year. Oil and chromium production has fallen to around 200,000 tons/year and the production of copper ores and other minerals have stopped completely. Mines are damages. Many skilled geologists and specialists are without jobs and many are leaving Albania.
- In Albania, there is no copyright law for geologists not for geoscientists
- There is a very bad situation concerning environmental protection and geological heritage conservation. Museum, geoparks, woodland, and green spaces are damaged. The situation is going to be worse because of lack of funds and incapable policies of the Albanian government and geoscientists that are in major policy positions such as the Academies of Sciences and in some ministries
- There is need for foreign investments for exploitation of mineral ores and industrial minerals, for improving infrastructure, and for the building of some tourist villages in geoparks. For that purpose, we are of the opinion that the Albanian State must make concessions to foreign companies and corporations

Major international geoscience policy issues

Representative to the working group Afat Serjani
Geological Research Institute

Azerbaijan

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Azerbaijan National Committee of Geologists (AzNCG);

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: No

organizations/activities N/A

Have they issued position statements? No

Issues? N/A

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions Mr. Aliyev A. Natik – President of State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR)
Mr. Yusif-Zadeh B. Hoshbakht – vice-president of SOCAR;

Major national geoscience policy issues Aimed at the preservation of environment and thorough exploration of deposits of mineral resources and, first of all, oil and gas deposits onshore and offshore and usage of advanced methods and technologies of mineral resources production out of depths the outstanding companies with great experience in these fields are drawn.

Major international geoscience policy issues To our opinion the major international geoscience policy issues are the processing of program of subsequent development of nature resources of the Republic to strength its economical independence

Representative to the working group Prof. Ismail-Zadeh Arif J.

Botswana

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Botswana Geological Survey

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities Geological Survey: production of legislation related to mines and minerals and protection of the environment with special emphasis on groundwater protection.

Have they issued position statements? no

Issues? N/A

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions

Major national geoscience policy issues

Major international geoscience policy issues

Representative to the working group

Cyprus

Country Cyprus

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Geological Survey Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: The Geological Survey Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and the Environment is the legal advisor of the Government on geological issues such as: groundwater (quantity and quality), oil and mineral resources, build environment

organizations/activities

Have they issued position statements?

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions Dr. A. Panayiotou: Undersecretary, Ministry of the Interior

Major national geoscience policy issues - Groundwater quantity and quality
- Natural Hazards (landslides and earthquakes)
- Environmental issues related to groundwater pollution and opencast mines
- The establishment of antiseismic code in design
- Construction materials (quality and extraction effects)

Major international geoscience policy issues - Quantity-distribution and quality of groundwater
- The over exploitation of natural resources
- The disposal of wastes
- Geohazards affecting urban areas

Representative to the working group Dr. Maria Charalambous

Estonia

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Estonian National Committee for Geology (EstNCG)

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:

organizations/activities The most essential contribution was made to elaboration of new legislation after Estonia regained independence. For example, the Geological Survey of Estonia was one of compilers of the Earth’s Crust Act (adopted 1994) and later improvements to it. The Institute of Geology, Estonian Academy of Sciences acted as reviewer in this case. Both these institutions have played important role also in drafting the Water Act (adopted 1994, the last version in 1999), Act on Natural Protected Objects (adopted 1994). Several employees of these institutions were actively involved in preparation of the Estonian National Environmental Strategy (adopted 1997), Plan of the Activities basing on the Act on Sustainable Development etc. In all cases the above mentioned institutions cooperated with the Earth’s Crust Office and the Department of Environmental Management and Technologies of the Ministry of Environment of Estonia headed by geologists

Have they issued position statements? yes

Issues? As the most striking examples we should mention the statements issued by the Institute of Geology, Estonian Academy of Sciences and seconded by Presidium of the Estonian Academy of Sciences during the so-called Phophorite War in the late 80s, which stressed a serious need for thorough studies, including environmental aspects, before designing any phosphorite mine in NE Estonia as was planned by the Soviet government.
Another example concerns the so-called creationist movement in Estonia. The Division of Biology, Geology and Chemistry of the Estonian Academy of Sciences headed by a geologist and the Faculty of Biology and Geosciences of the University of Tartu issued in 1999 statements warning the Estonian society about dangerousness of creationist propaganda, especially in education of young people.

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions There is no geologist in the government sensu stricto. But Dr. Rein Raudsep, a member of the EstNCG, is the head of the Department of Environmental Management and Technologies of the Ministry of Environment of Estonia; Prof. Dimitri Kaljo, the chair of the EstNCG, is the head of the governmental Commission of Estonian Mineral Resources; Prof. V. Kalm, a pro-rector of the University of Tartu, is a member of the governmental Commission of the Sustainable Development; Prof. Anto Raukas, a member of the EstNCG, is a member of the Estonian – Russian joint commission on transboundary waterbodies.

Major national geoscience policy issues - Rational and sustainable usage of minerals and minimization of environmentally hazardous consequences of the usage, especially ground
water pollution.
- A special issue is to overcome certain resistance of the population to mining of any mineral. The fear is a result of the Phosphorite War mentioned above and now a lot of PR work should be done in order to regain people’s trust.
-Promotion of the conservation of our rich natural heritage: landscape, rock, fossil and mineral sites (geosites or geological monuments).

Major international geoscience policy issues The list of scientific issues seems to be rather long and regional emphasis is usually placed on different aspects. Perhaps a general theory of the Earth’s evolution is still missing (huge progress has been made in plate tectonics, but not so much in understanding the interacting evolution of the oceanic-terrestrial environment, global climate and living components of ecosystems).
In more applied sense, all aspects of geosciences connected with the quality of life and minimization of dangers of natural hazards should be top priorities.

Representative to the working group Dr. Rein Raudsep
Head of the Department of Environmental Management and Technologies of the Ministry of Environment of Estonia

Finland

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Finnish National Committee for Geology

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities - Governmental Geological Survey of Finland affects indirectly by its all research activities in public policy and directly by issuing official statements concerning environmental and land use matters (e.g. Guidelines for the Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure for Mining Projects for the use of Ministry of Trade and Industry).
- Geological Society of Finland act as dissemination forum for geoscientific information. It publishes its own bulletin and monthly newsletter and organizes seminars which have proved quite successful because they have reached also decision makers such as local authority.
- Association of Minerals Industry looks after mining industry's interests and coordinates research projects.
- Finnish National Committee for Geology affects indirect way: it's a link
between the universities, geoscientific societies and Geological Survey. It doesn't give any statements but it serves as discussion forum.

Have they issued position statements?

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions Senior inspector Heikki Vartiainen, Ministry of Trade and Industry

Major national geoscience policy issues Land use planing with environmental aspects

Major international geoscience policy issues Natural hazards and fresh water

Representative to the working group Dr. Kalle Taipale
Geological Survey of Finland

Georgia

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Georgian Branches of IAH, IAEG and IGA2

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities - Georgian Department of Geology took part in adoption of Waters Resources Law by Parliament

Have they issued position statements? yes

Issues? - Georgian Geothermal Association presented to the Government a project titled "Using of Geothermal Energy" which gives us possibility to reduce a huge amount of CO2 disseminate to the atmosphere.
- Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology distributed letters to the Government and Public Organization concerning the risk during Baku - Supsa oil pipeline exploitation in sense of the Black Sea coast zone protect.

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions - Prof., Dr. Givi Gigineishvili - Head of Environmental Commission of Georgian Parliament.
- Prof., Dr. Guram Buachidze - Head of Governmental Commission of Exploitation Natural CO2 gases
- Prof., Dr. Zurab Mgeladze - Deputy Chairman of State Agency for Regulation of Oil and Gas Resources.

Major national geoscience policy issues Rational Exploitation of Natural Resources; Contamination of Atmosphere, Waters, Soils and Underground Waters

Major international geoscience policy issues Environmental Problems

Representative to the working group Prof. G. Buachidze
Inst. of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Academy of Sciences, Tbilisi

Indonesia

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name The Indonesian Association of Geologists (IAGI)

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:

organizations/activities

Have they issued position statements?

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions

Major national geoscience policy issues

Major international geoscience policy issues

Representative to the working group Untung Sudarsono
Chairman of Indonesian National Group of IAEG/ Head of Engineering and Environment Division IAGI

Ireland

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Geological Survey of Ireland

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: The Geological Survey of Ireland is the national geoscience agency and a division of the Government Department of Public Enterprise (DPE). It advises government through the DPE on public policy issues with an earth science dimension.

organizations/activities

Have they issued position statements? The Geological Survey of Ireland would not issue policy position statements in its own right but is available to contribute to policy development and issued through its parent department (DPE).

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions

Major national geoscience policy issues - Transportation infrastructure policy
- Land use planning
- Environmental issues such as radon, groundwater vulnerability, etc.

Major international geoscience policy issues - Global warming
- Sustainable earth resource development

Representative to the working group Dr. Ralph Horne
Geological Survey of Ireland

Ireland (continued)

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Institute of Geologists of Ireland

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: The Institute of Geologists of Ireland (IGI) represents professional geologists in Ireland, it has issues press releases on topical matters with a geological dimension, it is developing policy position statements with the objective of advising government and regulatory authorities on geological related issued.

organizations/activities

Have they issued position statements? The IGI has made submissions, through the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), to the European Commissions. The EFG is a Europe-wide body with representation from 20 countries. The current president of the EFG is a member of the IGI Board.

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions none

Major national geoscience policy issues - Planning and managing sustainable development
- Geothecnical aspects of civil engineering, especially related to transportation
- Groundwater management and protection
- Natural resource development, including offshore resources
- Geotourism and geological conservation
- Mine and quarry rehabilitation

Major international geoscience policy issues - Development of international standards
- Sustainable use and development of mineral, hydrocarbon and water resources
- Reduction of hazards associated with natural processes – volcanic eruptions and earthquakes
- Global warming

Representative to the working group no

Morocco

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Moroccan Geological Survey (MGS)

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

Organizations/Activities MGS is a public institution belonging to the Ministry of Energy and Mining (MEM). MGS is involved with the following policy issues:
- Geological infrastructure achievement
- Geologic hazards
- Mining and petroleum exploration
- Industrial minerals and building materials
- Environmental protection
- Water research
The Moroccan Bureau of Mining Research (BRPM)
- Mining activities related to exploration, promotion, and investment
ONAREP is a public institution in charge of petroleum sector
- Petroleum exploration and exploitation

Have they issued position statements? yes

Issues? Ministry of Energy and Mines
- The National Plan for Geological Cartography (NPGC), is a ten year plan aimed at geological infrastructure
- The Mining Investment Chart, which deals with promotion of mining exploration and exploitation investments
- The Hydrocarbon Law: promotion of petroleum exploration and exploitation investments

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions Managers of geological organizations are holding directly or indirectly, major policy positions in the government:
- Mr. Mohamed Boutaleb, Director of Moroccan Geological Survey
- Miss Amina Benkhadra, General Director of The Moroccan Bureau of Mining Research
- Mr. Mohamed Douieb, General Director of ONAREP

Major national geoscience policy issues - Budget limitations, geological infrastructure covers only a small part of the country: in order to speed up the geological coverage and to prevent a lack of basic geological data which may affect exploration activity.
- State efforts are focused on mining and petroleum promotion to attract private investors: Laws and rules need to be constantly simplified. In addition, implementation of a Mining and Geological Information System need to be achieved. This important ongoing project which represents a big challenge for geoscience development requires substantial financial support and technology transfer, throughout international cooperation programs

Major international geoscience policy issues - Infrastructure achievement in developing countries
- Natural resources exploration development. As industrial needs are increased but resources are exhausted, governments, particularly in developing countries, are not provided necessary funding and there is not sufficient foreign investments
- Environmental protection, especially in urban areas
- Geologic hazard assessments
- Regional cooperation programs concerning large scale geological issues such as the environment, marine geology studies, atmospheric studies
- Development of advanced technologies: GIS and remote sensing in developing countries

Representative to the working group Mohamed Saaidi
Moroccan Geological Survey

Netherlands

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Earth and Climate Council of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities The former Earth Science Council and the former Climate Committee of the Academy have prepared and sent letters of advice about the position and future of geosciences and climate research in The Netherlands. for example, by an Academy foresight report (in Dutch) "Room for Earth Sciences" in 1996.

Have they issued position statements? no

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions no known

Major national geoscience policy issues Gas exploration/exploitation in nature reserves
Global warming
River flooding
Natural (biogeochemical) decontamination of contaminated soils
Sustainable management of contaminated soils and groundwater
Coastal erosion
Underground space (subsurface management) CO2 storage in depleted gas reservoirs
Land reclamation

Major international geoscience policy issues not yet discussed

Representative to the working group no

Spain

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Comision Nacional de Geologia

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities at a national level the "Ilustre Colegie Oficial de Geologos (Council of Professional Geologists) and the "Sociedad Geologica de Espana" deal respectively with professional and scientific issues. Occasionally they could be involved with public policy activities

Have they issued position statements? no

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions

Major national geoscience policy issues hydrogeology, geologic hazards, and environmental issues

Major international geoscience policy issues natural resources and environment control

Representative to the working group no

Sweden

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name IAEG Commission nr 17 on Aggregates

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities Swedish Association of Scientists, SN:
- Vocational guidance and conditions (salaries, holidays, privileges, racism and equality)
- Remittance work on education and research
- Taking part in debates, participating in radio and TV, articles in newspapers
- Contacts with politicians, lobbying
- Leaflets on education, marketing of geologists etc.
European Federation of Geologists, EFG, (Swedish Association of Scientists, SN ):
- European Geologist, journal
- Policy statements
- Lobbying and files to European Union, EU
Swedish Association of Scientists, SN / Geologists section, GS:
- Leaflets, e.g. how planning in Society earns with the help of geologists
- Article in newspaper on the position of geology in Society and economic consequences
- Taking part in debates
- Remittance work
Geological Survey of Sweden, SGU:
All authorities in Sweden are independent of Parliament and Government. SGU deals with 1) Geology in a wide sense and 2) Mineral issues (natural resources in a wide sense)
- To make Geology known and used in Society, remittance work for correct decisions on the exploitation of natural resources
- SGU is responsible for the application of legislation concerning mineral issues (natural resources), SGU is also responsible for mineral policy (natural resources)
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
Dealing with geoscience in very wide sense, i.e. environment, nature conservation etc.)
- Remittance work
- Application of legislation

Have they issued position statements? yes

Issues? SGU, see above

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions none

Major national geoscience policy issues - Increase geological/geoscientific knowledge: to make geology/geoscience known, recognized and respected in society.
- Education in geology/geoscience in school for people below 18 years, most people in society, including politicians, have very poor knowledge of geology/geoscience.
- Involve geoscience in industrial activities: geoscience is not completely recognized for example in the construction industry. This market is more or less overtaken by technicians and engineers. This could be due to the inability of the geoscientists to face problems in Society
- More "applied" geology at the university level so that more geology students are employed in industry. Instead they start as teachers etc. (not in geology).
- Marketing and information of geoscience in society, show the connection between natural resources - planning - exploitation – sterilisation and environment.

Major international geoscience policy issues - The interplay between different types of geoscience including engineering geology and geotechnics (therefore the GeoEng conference in Melbourne in November this year is important).
- International cooperation in order to understand, to learn and to incorporate essential information is very important. I think an exchange of ideas, presentations and for example also work and employment’s, etc. is of high interest.

Representative to the working group Dr. Lars Persson
Geological Survey of Sweden, SGU

Switzerland

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Swiss IUGS Committee, Schweizerische Geologische Kommission

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities -The Swiss GEOForum, a geoscience communication platform, furnishes relevant information to the media and answers questions concerning geoscientific issues
http://www.geoforum.ethz.ch
President: Prof. A. Strasser
Geology Department
Fribourg University,
1800 Fribourg, Switzerland, Andreas.Strasser@unifr.ch
Working groups are active in geotope protection and its implementation in the federal legislature, in the production of geoguides for tourists, and in geoscience education on college level. The Swiss GEOForum is affiliated to the Swiss Academy of Sciences. The Swiss IUGS Committee is a founding member of the GEOForum.
- The Federal Geological Commission is consulted by the government on issues of political and societal importance, such as nuclear waste or alpine tunnels
contact: Prof. W. Wildi
Institut Forel, Route de Suisse 10
CH-1290
Versoix, Switzerland
walter.wildi@sc2a.unige.ch
W. Wildi has also been president of a working group formulating a new concept for nuclear waste disposal in Switzerland in February 2000.
- The Swiss Association of Geologists, the organization of consulting geologists, takes position on selected topics, e.g. on how to improve
university education in engineering geology
contact: Dr. P. Ouwehand
c/o Wanner AG Solothurn
Dornachstrasse 29
CH-4501
Solothurn, Switzerland
pouwehand@cuenet.ch
- The Swiss Geological Commission informs the Swiss government on geoscience education in Switzerland. It also issues geological teaching
material for college teachers
contact: Prof. Helmut Weissert,
Geologisches Institut
ETH-Zentrum, CH-8092
Zurich, Switzerland,
helmi@erdw.ethz.ch
The Swiss Geological Commission is affiliated to
the Swiss Academy of Sciences.
- The Swiss Geological Survey, a government organization but small when compared to other countries, produces geological maps, monitors
geological parameters, and documents the geological activities in Switzerland. It has close contacts with the above-mentioned bodies.
- In most Swiss cantons (= states), a geologist consults with the local policy makers on practical problems concerning this canton.

Have they issued position statements? yes

Issues? -The Swiss Paleontological Society issued a public position statement concerning the situation of paleontology in Switzerland in 1999
(universities and museums).
-The Swiss Geological Commission produces an annual report on the state of the art of Geosciences at Swiss Universities (www.sanw.ch/exthp/sgc/)

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions - Prof. Walter Wildi (President of the Federal Geological commission and of the working group "nuclear waste disposal"
- Dr. Kathy Riklin , member of the Swiss parliament
- Odilo Schmid, member of the Swiss parliament.

Major national geoscience policy issues - Nuclear and chemical waste disposal
- Landslide prediction and mitigation
- Earthquake prediction and mitigation
- Impact of climate change on alpine environment
- Groundwater, river and lake pollution
- Tunnel construction
- Sustainable development in an alpine environment (energy, traffic, landuse, tourism)
- Relevance of geoscience education

Major international geoscience policy issues - Groundwater
- Soil erosion, aridification
- Environmental impact of large dam constructions (groundwater, deltas, coastal environments)
- Resources: environmental impact of recovery
- Climate change: impact on coastal regions (sealevel and changes in ocean chemistry>impact on biotic communities as coral reefs)
- Pollution in the marine realm
- Increased impact of tropical storms
- Cities and geology (subsidence, groundwater problems, natural hazards)

Representative to the working group Prof. H. Weissert
Geological Institute
ETH-Zuerich

Taiwan

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name The Geological Society located in Taipei, China

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities the first reading of the Law of Geology by the Legislative Yuan

Have they issued position statements? yes

Issues? this first draft of the Law of Geology was initiated by this Society

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions

Major national geoscience policy issues

Major international geoscience policy issues

Representative to the working group no

Tanzania

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Tanzania Geological Society

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: No, though high ranking officials of the Society are holding important positions in the Government, Public (National) Institutions and Companies.

organizations/activities

Have they issued position statements? Yes, in two geological conferences TGS prepared resolutions which were submitted to the Government. Dr Semkiwa may be requested to submit copies of our resolutions and recommendations to the Government.

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions - Mr. G. Mwakalukwa (member of TGS),
Commissioner of Geology & Mines.
- Prof. S. Muhongo (Council Member, TGS), Chairman, Board of Directors, State Mining
Corporation.

Major national geoscience policy issues Geoscience education in Tanzanian schools
Management of the Environment
Management of Tanzania's mineral resources.

Major international geoscience policy issues Geoscience education and research in
developing countries.
Earth resources for poverty eradication in developing countries.

Representative to the working group Mr. G.Mwakalukwa
DR P.Semkiwa

United Kingdom

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name British Geological Survey

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes

organizations/activities The British Geological Survey (BGS) does engage in public policy activities, but not through any statutory process. There is no formal consultation process other than through Parliamentary Questions and Government consultations, usually directed through the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Consultations are received from Government departments such as the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). Recent examples of consultation documents received include ‘Consultation on Draft Guidance on the Groundwater Regulations 1998’ from the DETR and ‘Minerals Planning Guidance (Wales) Planning Policy’ from the National Assembly of Wales. Other instances are where the Royal Society, Geological Society and individuals lobby Parliament or are invited to take part in public enquiries, royal commissions etc.
The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) is a geological advisory and research service operated by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment of the provincial Government of Northern Ireland. GSNI is staffed and supported by the BGS and carries out all the functions of a national geological survey in support of Government, industry and the public.

Have they issued position statements? yes

Issues? The BGS and the Geological Society recently wrote a joint position paper on radioactive waste disposal.

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions - Keith O’Nions – chief scientist for the Ministry of Defense
- Professor Allan Rogers – MP

Major national geoscience policy issues - Maintenance of sea defences
- Cliff erosion
- Flooding
- Maintenance of a mining/quarrying industry in the face of environmental pressure
- Sustainable management of mineral and petroleum exploration and development, onshore and offshore
- Contribution of earth sciences to sustainable economic development
- Environmental protection and geochemical baseline studies, including protection of groundwater and mitigating the impacts of contaminated land
- Geohazard engineering and planning issues relating to unstable ground

Major international geoscience policy issues - Rising sea level and climate change studies
- Environmental impacts on estuaries and the coastal zone
- Groundwater supply and quality
- Global impact of massive volcanic eruptions
- Impacts of major earthquakes, particularly on urban and coastal environments (tsunamis)
- Environmental impacts of Earth resources supply
- Sustainable management of mineral and petroleum exploration and development, onshore and offshore
- Contribution of earth sciences to sustainable economic development
- Environmental protection and geochemical baseline studies, including protection of groundwater and mitigating the impacts of contaminated land
- Geohazard engineering and planning issues relating to unstable ground

Representative to the working group Mr D C Ovadia
British Geological Survey

United Kingdom -- Northern Ireland

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Geological Survey of Northern Ireland

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: GSNI is a branch of the Northern Ireland government’s Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment and carries out all the functions of a normal geological survey. In addition to mapping, this also includes information and advisory services, public awareness of earth science activities (lectures, exhibitions, etc.), and interaction with other government departments on policy matters.

organizations/activities

Have they issued position statements? no formal statements other than GSNI policy

Issues? - Geohazards (landslip, subsidence, compressible ground)
- Pollution (acquifer contamination, eutrophication)
- Mineral extraction in areas of tourist and other development

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions none

Major national geoscience policy issues

Major international geoscience policy issues same as listed above, but much broader range, plus establishing geoscience as central to the process

Representative to the working group depends on time and cash commitment

Zambia

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name Geological Society of Zambia

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:

organizations/activities future draft bill, not passed by parliament

Have they issued position statements? no

Issues for position statements.

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions D. Mulela - Director of Geological Survey
W. Sweta - Director of Mines
G. Kangamba - Director of Mines Safety

Major national geoscience policy issues - Geological activities such as prospecting/exploration and mining
- The placement of industries in geologically unstable areas
- Groundwater issues
- The impact of quarrying and mine wastes on the environment
- The effects of exposure to dust during mining operations
- Many more, Zambian geologists are NOT consulted

Major international geoscience policy issues - Environmental issues related to the exploitation and use of natural resources
- The effects of continued extraction of ozone depleting organic fuels

Representative to the working group Dr. Imasiku A. Nyambe
Geology Department
School of Mines
University of Zambia

IUGS Affiliated Societies

Geological Society of Africa

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: yes, we have initiated contacts with OAU and hope that we will, in the future, have direct involved in policy matters related with the management of the mineral resources of Africa.

organizations/activities

Have they issued position statements? no

Issues?

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions variable, mostly from Universities

Major national geoscience policy issues refer to Muhongo, S.1996. The Geological Society of Africa: Role and Objectives for the 21st Century. Episodes, v. 19, 66-70.

Major international geoscience policy issues Geoscience education and research in
developing countries. Earth resources for poverty eradication in developing countries. Management of the Environment.

Representative to the working group Prof. S. Muhongo

International Association of Sedimentologists

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: N/A

organizations/activities N/A

Have they issued position statements? see below

Issues? The International Association of Sedimentologists does not operate on a national level and thus does not issue policy statements. However, we have established a working group on Environmental Sedimentology.
A first Meeting on Environmental Sedimentology in the Coastal Zone was held in Venice, Italy, in October 1997, where we have obtained the attention of the local media, and where a Position Paper for an international audience was prepared (see Journal of Sedimentary Research 68, 1998, p. 702-709). A Meeting on Aquifers will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, in September 2000. A Meeting on Pollution will be organized in Hong Kong in 2001.

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions N/A

Major national geoscience policy issues N/A

Major international geoscience policy issues N/A

Representative to the working group N/A

International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues: The ISSMGE represents 71 member societies from over 75 countries. For details of geological and geoscience issues facing each country, you would need to contact each member society (details available from http://www.issmge.org/ ) or probably the geological society (or equivalent) in each member society. Each country which has a representative society on both the ISSMGE and IAEG probably have relevant geological and geoscience organizations and representatives.

organizations/activities N/A

Have they issued position statements? N/A

Issues? N/A

Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions N/A

Major national geoscience policy issues N/A

Major international geoscience policy issues - Nuclear waste storage and disposal
- Brownsite (contaminated land) remediation and disposal
- Coastal erosion and flooding

Representative to the working group Professor R N Taylor
Secretary General, ISSMGE
City University, Northampton Square, London

Posted August 27, 2000

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Geological Research Institute
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	State Organizations in the framework of the Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization: - Albanian Geological Survey - Oil and Gas and other hydrocarbon materials Survey in Albania - Mining Survey of Albania Nongovernmental Organizations: - Geologist's Association of Albania, organized in the framework of the Geological Survey of Albania (1989) - Albanian Association of Engineering Geology and Geoenvironment (1993) - Albanian Union of Geologists for the Geological Sciences Heritage (1997)
Have they issued position statements?
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Total collapse of exploitation of oil, chromium, copper, coal, and many other mineral deposits and industrial minerals and rocks. That happened during last ten years of transition period. Up to 1990, 2 million tons of oil, 1.2 million tons of chromium ore, 800,000 tons of copper ore, and several millions tons of coal were exploited each year. Oil and chromium production has fallen to around 200,000 tons/year and the production of copper ores and other minerals have stopped completely. Mines are damages. Many skilled geologists and specialists are without jobs and many are leaving Albania. - In Albania, there is no copyright law for geologists not for geoscientists - There is a very bad situation concerning environmental protection and geological heritage conservation. Museum, geoparks, woodland, and green spaces are damaged. The situation is going to be worse because of lack of funds and incapable policies of the Albanian government and geoscientists that are in major policy positions such as the Academies of Sciences and in some ministries - There is need for foreign investments for exploitation of mineral ores and industrial minerals, for improving infrastructure, and for the building of some tourist villages in geoparks. For that purpose, we are of the opinion that the Albanian State must make concessions to foreign companies and corporations
Major international geoscience policy issues
Representative to the working group	Afat Serjani Geological Research Institute

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Azerbaijan National Committee of Geologists (AzNCG);
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	No
organizations/activities	N/A
Have they issued position statements?	No
Issues?	N/A
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	Mr. Aliyev A. Natik – President of State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Mr. Yusif-Zadeh B. Hoshbakht – vice-president of SOCAR;
Major national geoscience policy issues	Aimed at the preservation of environment and thorough exploration of deposits of mineral resources and, first of all, oil and gas deposits onshore and offshore and usage of advanced methods and technologies of mineral resources production out of depths the outstanding companies with great experience in these fields are drawn.
Major international geoscience policy issues	To our opinion the major international geoscience policy issues are the processing of program of subsequent development of nature resources of the Republic to strength its economical independence
Representative to the working group	Prof. Ismail-Zadeh Arif J.

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Botswana Geological Survey
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	Geological Survey: production of legislation related to mines and minerals and protection of the environment with special emphasis on groundwater protection.
Have they issued position statements?	no
Issues?	N/A
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions
Major national geoscience policy issues
Major international geoscience policy issues
Representative to the working group

Country	Cyprus
Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Geological Survey Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	The Geological Survey Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and the Environment is the legal advisor of the Government on geological issues such as: groundwater (quantity and quality), oil and mineral resources, build environment
organizations/activities
Have they issued position statements?
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	Dr. A. Panayiotou: Undersecretary, Ministry of the Interior
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Groundwater quantity and quality - Natural Hazards (landslides and earthquakes) - Environmental issues related to groundwater pollution and opencast mines - The establishment of antiseismic code in design - Construction materials (quality and extraction effects)
Major international geoscience policy issues	- Quantity-distribution and quality of groundwater - The over exploitation of natural resources - The disposal of wastes - Geohazards affecting urban areas
Representative to the working group	Dr. Maria Charalambous

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Estonian National Committee for Geology (EstNCG)
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:
organizations/activities	The most essential contribution was made to elaboration of new legislation after Estonia regained independence. For example, the Geological Survey of Estonia was one of compilers of the Earth’s Crust Act (adopted 1994) and later improvements to it. The Institute of Geology, Estonian Academy of Sciences acted as reviewer in this case. Both these institutions have played important role also in drafting the Water Act (adopted 1994, the last version in 1999), Act on Natural Protected Objects (adopted 1994). Several employees of these institutions were actively involved in preparation of the Estonian National Environmental Strategy (adopted 1997), Plan of the Activities basing on the Act on Sustainable Development etc. In all cases the above mentioned institutions cooperated with the Earth’s Crust Office and the Department of Environmental Management and Technologies of the Ministry of Environment of Estonia headed by geologists
Have they issued position statements?	yes
Issues?	As the most striking examples we should mention the statements issued by the Institute of Geology, Estonian Academy of Sciences and seconded by Presidium of the Estonian Academy of Sciences during the so-called Phophorite War in the late 80s, which stressed a serious need for thorough studies, including environmental aspects, before designing any phosphorite mine in NE Estonia as was planned by the Soviet government. Another example concerns the so-called creationist movement in Estonia. The Division of Biology, Geology and Chemistry of the Estonian Academy of Sciences headed by a geologist and the Faculty of Biology and Geosciences of the University of Tartu issued in 1999 statements warning the Estonian society about dangerousness of creationist propaganda, especially in education of young people.
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	There is no geologist in the government sensu stricto. But Dr. Rein Raudsep, a member of the EstNCG, is the head of the Department of Environmental Management and Technologies of the Ministry of Environment of Estonia; Prof. Dimitri Kaljo, the chair of the EstNCG, is the head of the governmental Commission of Estonian Mineral Resources; Prof. V. Kalm, a pro-rector of the University of Tartu, is a member of the governmental Commission of the Sustainable Development; Prof. Anto Raukas, a member of the EstNCG, is a member of the Estonian – Russian joint commission on transboundary waterbodies.
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Rational and sustainable usage of minerals and minimization of environmentally hazardous consequences of the usage, especially ground water pollution. - A special issue is to overcome certain resistance of the population to mining of any mineral. The fear is a result of the Phosphorite War mentioned above and now a lot of PR work should be done in order to regain people’s trust. -Promotion of the conservation of our rich natural heritage: landscape, rock, fossil and mineral sites (geosites or geological monuments).
Major international geoscience policy issues	The list of scientific issues seems to be rather long and regional emphasis is usually placed on different aspects. Perhaps a general theory of the Earth’s evolution is still missing (huge progress has been made in plate tectonics, but not so much in understanding the interacting evolution of the oceanic-terrestrial environment, global climate and living components of ecosystems). In more applied sense, all aspects of geosciences connected with the quality of life and minimization of dangers of natural hazards should be top priorities.
Representative to the working group	Dr. Rein Raudsep Head of the Department of Environmental Management and Technologies of the Ministry of Environment of Estonia

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Finnish National Committee for Geology
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	- Governmental Geological Survey of Finland affects indirectly by its all research activities in public policy and directly by issuing official statements concerning environmental and land use matters (e.g. Guidelines for the Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure for Mining Projects for the use of Ministry of Trade and Industry). - Geological Society of Finland act as dissemination forum for geoscientific information. It publishes its own bulletin and monthly newsletter and organizes seminars which have proved quite successful because they have reached also decision makers such as local authority. - Association of Minerals Industry looks after mining industry's interests and coordinates research projects. - Finnish National Committee for Geology affects indirect way: it's a link between the universities, geoscientific societies and Geological Survey. It doesn't give any statements but it serves as discussion forum.
Have they issued position statements?
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	Senior inspector Heikki Vartiainen, Ministry of Trade and Industry
Major national geoscience policy issues	Land use planing with environmental aspects
Major international geoscience policy issues	Natural hazards and fresh water
Representative to the working group	Dr. Kalle Taipale Geological Survey of Finland

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Georgian Branches of IAH, IAEG and IGA2
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	- Georgian Department of Geology took part in adoption of Waters Resources Law by Parliament
Have they issued position statements?	yes
Issues?	- Georgian Geothermal Association presented to the Government a project titled "Using of Geothermal Energy" which gives us possibility to reduce a huge amount of CO2 disseminate to the atmosphere. - Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology distributed letters to the Government and Public Organization concerning the risk during Baku - Supsa oil pipeline exploitation in sense of the Black Sea coast zone protect.
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	- Prof., Dr. Givi Gigineishvili - Head of Environmental Commission of Georgian Parliament. - Prof., Dr. Guram Buachidze - Head of Governmental Commission of Exploitation Natural CO2 gases - Prof., Dr. Zurab Mgeladze - Deputy Chairman of State Agency for Regulation of Oil and Gas Resources.
Major national geoscience policy issues	Rational Exploitation of Natural Resources; Contamination of Atmosphere, Waters, Soils and Underground Waters
Major international geoscience policy issues	Environmental Problems
Representative to the working group	Prof. G. Buachidze Inst. of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Academy of Sciences, Tbilisi

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	The Indonesian Association of Geologists (IAGI)
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:
organizations/activities
Have they issued position statements?
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions
Major national geoscience policy issues
Major international geoscience policy issues
Representative to the working group	Untung Sudarsono Chairman of Indonesian National Group of IAEG/ Head of Engineering and Environment Division IAGI

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Geological Survey of Ireland
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	The Geological Survey of Ireland is the national geoscience agency and a division of the Government Department of Public Enterprise (DPE). It advises government through the DPE on public policy issues with an earth science dimension.
organizations/activities
Have they issued position statements?	The Geological Survey of Ireland would not issue policy position statements in its own right but is available to contribute to policy development and issued through its parent department (DPE).
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Transportation infrastructure policy - Land use planning - Environmental issues such as radon, groundwater vulnerability, etc.
Major international geoscience policy issues	- Global warming - Sustainable earth resource development
Representative to the working group	Dr. Ralph Horne Geological Survey of Ireland

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Institute of Geologists of Ireland
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	The Institute of Geologists of Ireland (IGI) represents professional geologists in Ireland, it has issues press releases on topical matters with a geological dimension, it is developing policy position statements with the objective of advising government and regulatory authorities on geological related issued.
organizations/activities
Have they issued position statements?	The IGI has made submissions, through the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), to the European Commissions. The EFG is a Europe-wide body with representation from 20 countries. The current president of the EFG is a member of the IGI Board.
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	none
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Planning and managing sustainable development - Geothecnical aspects of civil engineering, especially related to transportation - Groundwater management and protection - Natural resource development, including offshore resources - Geotourism and geological conservation - Mine and quarry rehabilitation
Major international geoscience policy issues	- Development of international standards - Sustainable use and development of mineral, hydrocarbon and water resources - Reduction of hazards associated with natural processes – volcanic eruptions and earthquakes - Global warming
Representative to the working group	no

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Moroccan Geological Survey (MGS)
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
Organizations/Activities	MGS is a public institution belonging to the Ministry of Energy and Mining (MEM). MGS is involved with the following policy issues: - Geological infrastructure achievement - Geologic hazards - Mining and petroleum exploration - Industrial minerals and building materials - Environmental protection - Water research The Moroccan Bureau of Mining Research (BRPM) - Mining activities related to exploration, promotion, and investment ONAREP is a public institution in charge of petroleum sector - Petroleum exploration and exploitation
Have they issued position statements?	yes
Issues?	Ministry of Energy and Mines - The National Plan for Geological Cartography (NPGC), is a ten year plan aimed at geological infrastructure - The Mining Investment Chart, which deals with promotion of mining exploration and exploitation investments - The Hydrocarbon Law: promotion of petroleum exploration and exploitation investments
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	Managers of geological organizations are holding directly or indirectly, major policy positions in the government: - Mr. Mohamed Boutaleb, Director of Moroccan Geological Survey - Miss Amina Benkhadra, General Director of The Moroccan Bureau of Mining Research - Mr. Mohamed Douieb, General Director of ONAREP
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Budget limitations, geological infrastructure covers only a small part of the country: in order to speed up the geological coverage and to prevent a lack of basic geological data which may affect exploration activity. - State efforts are focused on mining and petroleum promotion to attract private investors: Laws and rules need to be constantly simplified. In addition, implementation of a Mining and Geological Information System need to be achieved. This important ongoing project which represents a big challenge for geoscience development requires substantial financial support and technology transfer, throughout international cooperation programs
Major international geoscience policy issues	- Infrastructure achievement in developing countries - Natural resources exploration development. As industrial needs are increased but resources are exhausted, governments, particularly in developing countries, are not provided necessary funding and there is not sufficient foreign investments - Environmental protection, especially in urban areas - Geologic hazard assessments - Regional cooperation programs concerning large scale geological issues such as the environment, marine geology studies, atmospheric studies - Development of advanced technologies: GIS and remote sensing in developing countries
Representative to the working group	Mohamed Saaidi Moroccan Geological Survey

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Earth and Climate Council of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	The former Earth Science Council and the former Climate Committee of the Academy have prepared and sent letters of advice about the position and future of geosciences and climate research in The Netherlands. for example, by an Academy foresight report (in Dutch) "Room for Earth Sciences" in 1996.
Have they issued position statements?	no
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	no known
Major national geoscience policy issues	Gas exploration/exploitation in nature reserves Global warming River flooding Natural (biogeochemical) decontamination of contaminated soils Sustainable management of contaminated soils and groundwater Coastal erosion Underground space (subsurface management) CO2 storage in depleted gas reservoirs Land reclamation
Major international geoscience policy issues	not yet discussed
Representative to the working group	no

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Comision Nacional de Geologia
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	at a national level the "Ilustre Colegie Oficial de Geologos (Council of Professional Geologists) and the "Sociedad Geologica de Espana" deal respectively with professional and scientific issues. Occasionally they could be involved with public policy activities
Have they issued position statements?	no
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions
Major national geoscience policy issues	hydrogeology, geologic hazards, and environmental issues
Major international geoscience policy issues	natural resources and environment control
Representative to the working group	no

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	IAEG Commission nr 17 on Aggregates
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	Swedish Association of Scientists, SN: - Vocational guidance and conditions (salaries, holidays, privileges, racism and equality) - Remittance work on education and research - Taking part in debates, participating in radio and TV, articles in newspapers - Contacts with politicians, lobbying - Leaflets on education, marketing of geologists etc. European Federation of Geologists, EFG, (Swedish Association of Scientists, SN ): - European Geologist, journal - Policy statements - Lobbying and files to European Union, EU Swedish Association of Scientists, SN / Geologists section, GS: - Leaflets, e.g. how planning in Society earns with the help of geologists - Article in newspaper on the position of geology in Society and economic consequences - Taking part in debates - Remittance work Geological Survey of Sweden, SGU: All authorities in Sweden are independent of Parliament and Government. SGU deals with 1) Geology in a wide sense and 2) Mineral issues (natural resources in a wide sense) - To make Geology known and used in Society, remittance work for correct decisions on the exploitation of natural resources - SGU is responsible for the application of legislation concerning mineral issues (natural resources), SGU is also responsible for mineral policy (natural resources) Swedish Environmental Protection Agency Dealing with geoscience in very wide sense, i.e. environment, nature conservation etc.) - Remittance work - Application of legislation
Have they issued position statements?	yes
Issues?	SGU, see above
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	none
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Increase geological/geoscientific knowledge: to make geology/geoscience known, recognized and respected in society. - Education in geology/geoscience in school for people below 18 years, most people in society, including politicians, have very poor knowledge of geology/geoscience. - Involve geoscience in industrial activities: geoscience is not completely recognized for example in the construction industry. This market is more or less overtaken by technicians and engineers. This could be due to the inability of the geoscientists to face problems in Society - More "applied" geology at the university level so that more geology students are employed in industry. Instead they start as teachers etc. (not in geology). - Marketing and information of geoscience in society, show the connection between natural resources - planning - exploitation – sterilisation and environment.
Major international geoscience policy issues	- The interplay between different types of geoscience including engineering geology and geotechnics (therefore the GeoEng conference in Melbourne in November this year is important). - International cooperation in order to understand, to learn and to incorporate essential information is very important. I think an exchange of ideas, presentations and for example also work and employment’s, etc. is of high interest.
Representative to the working group	Dr. Lars Persson Geological Survey of Sweden, SGU

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Swiss IUGS Committee, Schweizerische Geologische Kommission
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	-The Swiss GEOForum, a geoscience communication platform, furnishes relevant information to the media and answers questions concerning geoscientific issues http://www.geoforum.ethz.ch President: Prof. A. Strasser Geology Department Fribourg University, 1800 Fribourg, Switzerland, Andreas.Strasser@unifr.ch Working groups are active in geotope protection and its implementation in the federal legislature, in the production of geoguides for tourists, and in geoscience education on college level. The Swiss GEOForum is affiliated to the Swiss Academy of Sciences. The Swiss IUGS Committee is a founding member of the GEOForum. - The Federal Geological Commission is consulted by the government on issues of political and societal importance, such as nuclear waste or alpine tunnels contact: Prof. W. Wildi Institut Forel, Route de Suisse 10 CH-1290 Versoix, Switzerland walter.wildi@sc2a.unige.ch W. Wildi has also been president of a working group formulating a new concept for nuclear waste disposal in Switzerland in February 2000. - The Swiss Association of Geologists, the organization of consulting geologists, takes position on selected topics, e.g. on how to improve university education in engineering geology contact: Dr. P. Ouwehand c/o Wanner AG Solothurn Dornachstrasse 29 CH-4501 Solothurn, Switzerland pouwehand@cuenet.ch - The Swiss Geological Commission informs the Swiss government on geoscience education in Switzerland. It also issues geological teaching material for college teachers contact: Prof. Helmut Weissert, Geologisches Institut ETH-Zentrum, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland, helmi@erdw.ethz.ch The Swiss Geological Commission is affiliated to the Swiss Academy of Sciences. - The Swiss Geological Survey, a government organization but small when compared to other countries, produces geological maps, monitors geological parameters, and documents the geological activities in Switzerland. It has close contacts with the above-mentioned bodies. - In most Swiss cantons (= states), a geologist consults with the local policy makers on practical problems concerning this canton.
Have they issued position statements?	yes
Issues?	-The Swiss Paleontological Society issued a public position statement concerning the situation of paleontology in Switzerland in 1999 (universities and museums). -The Swiss Geological Commission produces an annual report on the state of the art of Geosciences at Swiss Universities (www.sanw.ch/exthp/sgc/)
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	- Prof. Walter Wildi (President of the Federal Geological commission and of the working group "nuclear waste disposal" - Dr. Kathy Riklin , member of the Swiss parliament - Odilo Schmid, member of the Swiss parliament.
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Nuclear and chemical waste disposal - Landslide prediction and mitigation - Earthquake prediction and mitigation - Impact of climate change on alpine environment - Groundwater, river and lake pollution - Tunnel construction - Sustainable development in an alpine environment (energy, traffic, landuse, tourism) - Relevance of geoscience education
Major international geoscience policy issues	- Groundwater - Soil erosion, aridification - Environmental impact of large dam constructions (groundwater, deltas, coastal environments) - Resources: environmental impact of recovery - Climate change: impact on coastal regions (sealevel and changes in ocean chemistry>impact on biotic communities as coral reefs) - Pollution in the marine realm - Increased impact of tropical storms - Cities and geology (subsidence, groundwater problems, natural hazards)
Representative to the working group	Prof. H. Weissert Geological Institute ETH-Zuerich

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	The Geological Society located in Taipei, China
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	the first reading of the Law of Geology by the Legislative Yuan
Have they issued position statements?	yes
Issues?	this first draft of the Law of Geology was initiated by this Society
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions
Major national geoscience policy issues
Major international geoscience policy issues
Representative to the working group	no

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Tanzania Geological Society
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	No, though high ranking officials of the Society are holding important positions in the Government, Public (National) Institutions and Companies.
organizations/activities
Have they issued position statements?	Yes, in two geological conferences TGS prepared resolutions which were submitted to the Government. Dr Semkiwa may be requested to submit copies of our resolutions and recommendations to the Government.
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	- Mr. G. Mwakalukwa (member of TGS), Commissioner of Geology & Mines. - Prof. S. Muhongo (Council Member, TGS), Chairman, Board of Directors, State Mining Corporation.
Major national geoscience policy issues	Geoscience education in Tanzanian schools Management of the Environment Management of Tanzania's mineral resources.
Major international geoscience policy issues	Geoscience education and research in developing countries. Earth resources for poverty eradication in developing countries.
Representative to the working group	Mr. G.Mwakalukwa DR P.Semkiwa

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	British Geological Survey
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes
organizations/activities	The British Geological Survey (BGS) does engage in public policy activities, but not through any statutory process. There is no formal consultation process other than through Parliamentary Questions and Government consultations, usually directed through the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Consultations are received from Government departments such as the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). Recent examples of consultation documents received include ‘Consultation on Draft Guidance on the Groundwater Regulations 1998’ from the DETR and ‘Minerals Planning Guidance (Wales) Planning Policy’ from the National Assembly of Wales. Other instances are where the Royal Society, Geological Society and individuals lobby Parliament or are invited to take part in public enquiries, royal commissions etc. The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) is a geological advisory and research service operated by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment of the provincial Government of Northern Ireland. GSNI is staffed and supported by the BGS and carries out all the functions of a national geological survey in support of Government, industry and the public.
Have they issued position statements?	yes
Issues?	The BGS and the Geological Society recently wrote a joint position paper on radioactive waste disposal.
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	- Keith O’Nions – chief scientist for the Ministry of Defense - Professor Allan Rogers – MP
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Maintenance of sea defences - Cliff erosion - Flooding - Maintenance of a mining/quarrying industry in the face of environmental pressure - Sustainable management of mineral and petroleum exploration and development, onshore and offshore - Contribution of earth sciences to sustainable economic development - Environmental protection and geochemical baseline studies, including protection of groundwater and mitigating the impacts of contaminated land - Geohazard engineering and planning issues relating to unstable ground
Major international geoscience policy issues	- Rising sea level and climate change studies - Environmental impacts on estuaries and the coastal zone - Groundwater supply and quality - Global impact of massive volcanic eruptions - Impacts of major earthquakes, particularly on urban and coastal environments (tsunamis) - Environmental impacts of Earth resources supply - Sustainable management of mineral and petroleum exploration and development, onshore and offshore - Contribution of earth sciences to sustainable economic development - Environmental protection and geochemical baseline studies, including protection of groundwater and mitigating the impacts of contaminated land - Geohazard engineering and planning issues relating to unstable ground
Representative to the working group	Mr D C Ovadia British Geological Survey

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Geological Survey of Northern Ireland
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	GSNI is a branch of the Northern Ireland government’s Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment and carries out all the functions of a normal geological survey. In addition to mapping, this also includes information and advisory services, public awareness of earth science activities (lectures, exhibitions, etc.), and interaction with other government departments on policy matters.
organizations/activities
Have they issued position statements?	no formal statements other than GSNI policy
Issues?	- Geohazards (landslip, subsidence, compressible ground) - Pollution (acquifer contamination, eutrophication) - Mineral extraction in areas of tourist and other development
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	none
Major national geoscience policy issues
Major international geoscience policy issues	same as listed above, but much broader range, plus establishing geoscience as central to the process
Representative to the working group	depends on time and cash commitment

Affiliated Society/ National Committee Name	Geological Society of Zambia
Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:
organizations/activities	future draft bill, not passed by parliament
Have they issued position statements?	no
Issues for position statements.
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	D. Mulela - Director of Geological Survey W. Sweta - Director of Mines G. Kangamba - Director of Mines Safety
Major national geoscience policy issues	- Geological activities such as prospecting/exploration and mining - The placement of industries in geologically unstable areas - Groundwater issues - The impact of quarrying and mine wastes on the environment - The effects of exposure to dust during mining operations - Many more, Zambian geologists are NOT consulted
Major international geoscience policy issues	- Environmental issues related to the exploitation and use of natural resources - The effects of continued extraction of ozone depleting organic fuels
Representative to the working group	Dr. Imasiku A. Nyambe Geology Department School of Mines University of Zambia

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	yes, we have initiated contacts with OAU and hope that we will, in the future, have direct involved in policy matters related with the management of the mineral resources of Africa.
organizations/activities
Have they issued position statements?	no
Issues?
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	variable, mostly from Universities
Major national geoscience policy issues	refer to Muhongo, S.1996. The Geological Society of Africa: Role and Objectives for the 21st Century. Episodes, v. 19, 66-70.
Major international geoscience policy issues	Geoscience education and research in developing countries. Earth resources for poverty eradication in developing countries. Management of the Environment.
Representative to the working group	Prof. S. Muhongo

Do geological organizations engage in policy issues:	The ISSMGE represents 71 member societies from over 75 countries. For details of geological and geoscience issues facing each country, you would need to contact each member society (details available from http://www.issmge.org/ ) or probably the geological society (or equivalent) in each member society. Each country which has a representative society on both the ISSMGE and IAEG probably have relevant geological and geoscience organizations and representatives.
organizations/activities	N/A
Have they issued position statements?	N/A
Issues?	N/A
Name/Title of geoscientists holding policy positions	N/A
Major national geoscience policy issues	N/A
Major international geoscience policy issues	- Nuclear waste storage and disposal - Brownsite (contaminated land) remediation and disposal - Coastal erosion and flooding
Representative to the working group	Professor R N Taylor Secretary General, ISSMGE City University, Northampton Square, London