OBJECTIVES
Stemming from the goals of the International Union of
Geological Sciences (IUGS), the IGC
aims to promote development of the earth sciences relevant to preserving Earth's
natural environment, using all natural resources wisely and improving
prosperity and the quality of human life; and to strengthen public awareness of
geology and advance geological education.
The general objectives of IGCs's are to:
- Contribute
to the advancement of fundamental and applied research in the geological
sciences.
- Provide
a general assembly of geologists where ideas and information can be freely
exchanged.
- Provide
the opportunity, by way of geological excursions, to examine geological
problems and features in the field.
Specific goals include:
Improved
identification and assessment of energy and mineral resources;
Clarity
in understanding global change;
Assessment
of geological hazards;
Employ
the learnings of the geological sciences; and
Facilitate
international and interdisciplinary cooperation.
An outcome of achieving of the objectives is furthering
public welfare by assuring that geology makes appropriate contributions to and
influences public policy decisions of an international nature.
Secondary objectives include, but are not limited to;
- Increase IUGS membership and IGC
participation,
- Disseminate information on the geological sciences,
-
Increase and enhance professional education in the geological
sciences,
- Enhance existing affiliations and partnerships, along
forming new ones, and
- Increase visibility of the geological sciences.
The increased visibility of geological sciences is a
particularly broad objective. For the purposes of AUSTRALIA 2012, this will
mean increased awareness of the geosciences amongst younger people, additional
delegates, government and non government organisation awareness, corporate
awareness, financial involvement, and perhaps most importantly encouragement of
increased numbers choosing the earth sciences as a career path. Public outreach
to the City of Brisbane
is also a broad goal, however, the returns on this effort are uncertain. Outreach
also encompasses enhanced understanding in the developing countries through a
high level of participation in the congress
