DUSHANBE, August 19, 2008, Asia-Plus — Three senior representatives from Tajikistan’s main Geology Directorate attend the 33 rd International Geology Congress (IGC) that was held in Oslo, Norway on August 6-14.
Speaking in an interview with Asia-Plus, head of Tajikistan’s main Geology Directorate Azim Ibrohim said that during nine days, 6,000 scientists from 113 counties had taken part in lively discussions within almost every conceivable aspect of geology.
“We participated at the IGC, which was founded in 1876 already, for the first time,” said Mr. Ibrohim, “During the Congress, Tajikistan joined the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), becoming its 120th national member. In the meantime, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have been national members of the IUGS since 1992.”
“Tajikistan’s membership of the IUGS will give us an opportunity to establish the National Geology Committee and train skilled specialists with financial and scientific support of the IUGS as well as develop bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of geology,” he said.
The 33rd International Geological Congress was organized jointly by the Nordic countries. This “Geoscience World Congress 2008” ran up to 40 parallel science sessions, poster sessions, an extensive exhibition, short-courses, workshops, and business meetings.
The International Geological Congress (IGC) was founded in 1876 and the first meeting was held in Paris in 1878. Thereafter, for more than 100 years, the IGCs have been the main global multidisciplinary platform for exchange of ideas and experience among geologists and other geoscientists. IGCs, taking place every four years, are the “Olympic Games” for geologists. Over the years, the number of participants has gradually increased, from the initial 312 from 23 countries in Paris 1878, to 6,000 from 113 countries in Oslo. UNESCO has also offered its patronage, clearly demonstrating the importance of the Congress for society at large.
The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) aims to promote development of the earth sciences through the support of broad-based scientific studies relevant to the entire earth-system; to apply the results of these and other studies to preserving Earth”s natural env ironment, using all natural resources wisely and improving the prosperity of nations and the quality of human life; and to strengthen public awareness of geology and advance geological education in the widest sense.
The Union is one of the largest and most active non-governmental scientific organizations in the world. Founded in 1961, IUGS is a member of the International Council of Science. IUGS promotes and encourages the study of geological problems, especially those of world-wide significance, and supports and facilitates international and interdisciplinary cooperation in the earth sciences. At present IUGS gives special consideration to: initiatives related to the identification and assessment of energy and mineral resources; global change; geological hazards; and environmental geology.
