PEACE CORPS GEOSCIENTISTS - FUTURE NEEDS

A review of one hundred identified, returned Peace Corps (PC) volunteer geoscientists shows a dramatic decrease in the number per decade (1960s – 61, ‘70s – 26, ‘80s – 7, ‘90s – 7, ‘00s – 1). This reflects many factors such as changing PC objectives, reduced geology graduates and, possibly, fewer requests from host countries (HC).

These are difficult times globally with tightened budgets, dramatic decreases in global trust/understanding of U.S. attitudes, and a widening of the difference in standards of living in developed vs. less developed countries. The economies and societies of the poorer countries are also struggling to adapt rapidly to the increasing stresses from population change, global warming and impacts of free market forces on local agriculture.

Increased use of geoscientists and expansion of the PC are cost effective ways to address these problems. Plans have been announced to double the PC size, but commensurate budgets have yet to be approved. (Note: the annual total PC budget is less than annual budgets for U.S. Military Bands and less than the cost of maintaining U.S. forces in Iraq for three days.) PC has proven particularly effective at bridging cultural differences while promoting community and national development through one-on-one relationships, due to the volunteers’ personal/technical skills and high enthusiasm.

Geoscientists can provide input to many programs such as environmental, mineral-resource assessments, infrastructure construction, science/math teaching and as members of Teams working on agriculture, forestry, water-resources and public health/safety. These types of projects produce usable additions to HC Infrastructure, a critical base for future development and capital-investment decisions. PC geoscience programs could be small and serve to supplement or broaden HC programs. PC program-developers should listen carefully to HC leaders for suggestions on where needs are greatest.

Geoscience societies, universities and private industry should all look at ways to support such volunteers/projects. Returned volunteers (geoscience and regional groups) should look at innovative ways to actively support current volunteers by use of the increased connectivity of today’s world.