THE USGS - UNESCO PARTNERSHIP

The USGS and UNESCO have enjoyed a strong and rewarding partnership through the 70-year history of UNESCO. This partnership has been a platform for the expansion of natural science exploration beyond national boundaries. It has been one of cooperation and commitment to a shared vision of scientific advancement. In recognition of the 70th anniversary of UNESCO, it is worth recalling the major accomplishments of the USGS – UNESCO partnership.

The history of the partnership started early on when USGS served on the committees that ultimately formed UNESCO. The USGS participated in studies in the arid zone, metallogeny and ore deposits, ocean studies, and geologic correlation. As UNESCO matured the programs existing today formed and USGS continued to enjoy a positive relationship. The projects of the IGCP, IHP, OBIS, and IOC have played a critical part in USGS international science. The USGS has gladly taken on responsibilities in the Secretariats and governance of the programs and supports the U.S. national committees dedicated to them.

The USGS-UNESCO partnership has supported the establishment of many scientific and technical standards. Guides on the hazard zonation of landslides and volcanoes have defined a common language for the description of these geological processes. These and the many other descriptive works facilitate global scientific discussion.

USGS and UNESCO have jointly organized regional workshops on topics of natural hazards, resources, and water. These workshops have brought together scientists from many countries to enhance the understanding and management of these resources and perils. The workshops have shown that science can bring together nations that have few other bases for engagement and cooperation. The success of workshops like the Reduction of Earthquake Losses in the Extended Mediterranean Region (RELEMR) and Groundwater Management in the Syr Darya Basin demonstrate UNESCO’s guiding principle, the Culture of Peace.

In this spirit the USGS looks forward to continuing its partnership with UNESCO in the areas so embedded in our history and so vital to our future, with the goal of making relevant interdisciplinary science readily available so that it can routinely and effectively be used across the globe in making wise decisions that will affect all of us and generations to come.