MINUTESINTERNATIONAL UNION OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES
78th EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
OPEN SESSION

February 14th-15th, 2023

Queen’s University and Ulster University
Belfast, Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

Contents
Participants .................................................................................................................... 3
1. Opening of Meeting ................................................................................................5
2. Discussion and Approval of Agenda ....................................................................... 5
3. Approval of Minutes of Virtual Progress meeting, October 2022 ..........................5
4. Executive Committee Reports ................................................................................ 6
4.a. President's Report ........................................................................................6
4.b. Treasurer's Report ....................................................................................... 6
4.c. Secretary General's Report ........................................................................ 17
4.d. Permanent Secretariat's Report ................................................................ 18
5. IUGS Committees ..................................................................................................21
5.a. Publications Committee .............................................................................21
5.a.1.E-Bulletin and Social Media ................................................................ 21
5.a.2. Website..............................................................................................23
5.a.3. 60th anniversary publicity ................................................................. 26
5.a.4. Episodes.................................. ...........................................................26
5.b. Nominating Committee ............................................................................. 27
5.c. New Activities Strategic Implementation Committee (NASIC) ..................28
6. IUGS Commissions, Task Groups, Initiatives .........................................................30
6.a. Global Geochemical Baselines (CGGB) ...................................................... 30
6.b. Education, Training and Technology Transfer (COGE) .............................. 31
6.c. Management and Application of Geoscience Information (CGI) .............. 32
6.d. History of Geological Sciences (INHIGEO) ................................................. 33
6.e. Tectonics and Structural Geology (TecTask) ..............................................34
6.f. Geoheritage (ICG) ....................................................................................... 35
6.g. Stratigraphy (ICS) ....................................................................................... 37
6.h. Initiative on Forensic Geology (IFG) .......................................................... 39
7. New Commission on Geoethics ............................................................................ 40
8. IUGS Joint Programs ............................................................................................. 41
8.a. International Lithosphere Programme (ILP) .............................................. 41
8.b. UNESCO - IGCP ...........................................................................................42
8.c. DDE .............................................................................................................43
9. 37th IGC in 2024 (Busan) ...................................................................................... 44
10. Reports from IUGS Adhering Organizations .......................................................... 45
11. European Federation of Geologists ....................................................................... 46
12. Other groups: Geological Society of Kenya andplans for 2024 IUGS EC Meeting ............................................................................47
13. Discussion: Future of Geosciences; Future of IUGS ...............................................48
14. Close of the Open Session ..................................................................................... 51

Participants
IUGS Executive Committee:
John LUDDEN (JL; President), Stanley FINNEY (SF; Secretary General), Hiroshi
KITAZATO (HK; Treasurer), Qiuming CHENG (QC, Past President, Chair of Nominating
Committee), Daekyo CHEONG (DC; Vice President), Hassina MOURI (HM; Vice
President), Jennifer MCKINLEY (JM; Councilor), Ludwig STROINK (LS; Councilor),Lola
PEREIRA (LP; Councilor), Yamirka ROJAS-AGRAMONTE (YR; Councilor)
Observers (attending parts of the meeting):Özlem ADIYAMAN LOPES (UNESCO), Giuseppe DI CAPUA (Publications Committee,PC), Gurmeet KAUR (Publications Committee, PC), Youngsook HUH (Managing Editorof Episodes), David HARPER (International Commission on Stratigraphy, ICS), Anna
LADENBERGER, Gloria PRIETO RINCON, Ariane ARGYRAKI, Demetriades ALECOS andPaula ADANEZ (Commission on Global Geochemical Baselines, CGGB), Sandra
VILLACORTA CHAMBI (Commission on Geoscience Education, Training & Technology,
COGE), Asier HILARIO (International Commission on Geoheritage, ICG), EnriqueGÓMEZ RIVAS (Commission on Tectonics and Structural Geology, TecTask), Ezio
VACCARI and Martina KOELBL-EBERT (International Commission on the History of
Geological Sciences, INHIGEO), Harvey THORLEIFSON (Commission on theManagement & Application of Geoscience Information, CGI), Silvia PEPPOLONI (TaskGroup on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, TGDEI), Laurance DONNELLY (Initiative on
Forensic Geology, IFG), Hans THYBO (International Lithosphere Program, ILP),
Natarajan ISHWARAN (Deep-Time Digital Earth, DDE), Patrick McKeever (Global
Geoparks Network, GGN), Courtney JERMYN (Earth Science Matters Fundation,
ESMF), Laura QUIJANO (EuroGeoSurveys, EGS), Akinade OLATUNJI (Society for
Environmental Geochemistry and Health, SEGH), Marko KOMAC (European
Federation of Geologists, EFG), Chaosheng ZHANG (International Medical Geology
Association, IMGA), Hema ACHYUTHAN (Geological Society of India, GSI), Jianhua
CAO, Qukan LUO and Liang ZHONG (International Research Center on Karst, IRCK),
Bernhard GRASEMANN (Austrian National Committee of Geosciences), Banerjee
DHIRAJ MOHAN (Indian National Committee for IUGS-INQUA), Chrysanthus Muchori
GICHERUH and Joseph Ng’ang’a KURIA (Geolocial Society of Kenya, GSK), Ahmed
AL-TAMIMI and Zahed EBRAHIM (Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Board of
Yemen), Ana María ALONSO ZARZA (Instituto Geológico y Minero de España(IGME), Liza Socorro MANZANO (Lands Geologcial Survey Division of the Mines andGeosciences

Bureau-Philippines),

Marianna

Kováčová(National

Geological

Committee of Slovakia)
IUGS Secretariat:
MA Yongzheng (Director), SITU Yu (Secretary) and MU Langfeng (Secretary)

1. Opening of Meeting
Prof. Chris Johnston, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Engineering and PhysicalSciences of Queen’s University, Belfast delivered a welcoming Address. Prof.
Johnston conveyed his welcome to meeting delegates. He reviewed the history of
the University and gave an introduction of the Faculty of Engineering and PhysicalScience. He finally wished a full success of the meeting.
John Ludden (JL) expressed gratitude to the Queen’s University, Belfast for hosting
the 78th IUGS EC Meeting and welcomed the online and offline delegates of the
Meeting. JL introduced Councillors Lola Pereira and Yamirka Rojas-Agramonte whostarted their term in 2022. In-person delegates briefly introduced themselves one byone.
JL explained that IUGS EC originally planned to hold the 78th EC Meeting in Nairobi,
Kenya, but as COVID-19 pandemic was still active in Kenya, EC had to make thedecision to change the meeting place to Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
Lola Pereira (LP) suggested a condolence message on the IUGS website for theearthquake that affected Turkey and the north of Syria, as well as other adjacentcountries.
2. Discussion and Approval of Agenda
JL suggested adding items “Geological Net-Zero” and “the role of IUGS National
members” under the item “Discussion: Future of Geosciences; Future of IUGS”.
Laurance Donnelly (LD) suggested adding item “influencing government” under theitem “Discussion: Future of Geosciences; Future of IUGS”.
Motion to approve the Agenda.
Approved.
3. Approval of Minutes of Virtual Progress meeting, October 2022
Motion to approve minutes of the Virtual Progress meeting, October 2022.
Approved.

4. Executive Committee Reports
4.a. President's Report
JL reported that in 2022, IUGS has ceased cooperation with Russia, including the 38th
International Geological Congress (IGC) to be held in St. Petersburg, Russia in 2028
and called for potential candidates for the new host of the 38th IGC.
IUGS decided to increase its visibility on social media and succeeded with outreachthrough web presence, tweets, face-book etc increasing broadly. IUGS has establish
a short-term task force on the transition management of the IUGS public outreachactivities and a series of events of the 60th Anniversary of IUGS have beensuccessfully held and effectively promoted via IUGS social media platforms.
IUGS started the smooth transition of TecTask from a commission to a professionalsociety. IUGS created the Task Group on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (TGDEI),
which aims to deal with problems related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within
the IUGS scientific community, such as gender equality.
JL reviewed that IUGS made efforts for the consensus on the use of geographic
nomenclature between the Japanese geological community and the Korean
organizers of the 37th IGC.
JL emphasized that IUGS has effectively developed new memberships of Kenya andAlgeria and United Kingdom has agreed to promote its IUGS membership fromLevel-6 to Level-7. Russia’s membership stops as IUGS has ceased cooperation with
Russia.
JL emphasized that IUGS has built a stronger relationship with IUGG and other
GeoUnions so as to enhance the impact of the geosciences and link acrosssubdisciplines, such as from geophysics to bio-geo sciences and joint geoscienceeducation. JL mentioned that IUGS has made progress in joining the International
Science Council (ISC) gender inclusiveness actions and in creating an ethics
commission within IUGS, namely Commission on Geoethics (CG).
4.b. Treasurer's Report
Hiroshi Kitazato (HK) introduced the budgetary structure of IUGS. IUGS income
includes membership fee (70%), UNESCO-IGCP reimbursement, Royalties from
Geological Society of London and capitation fee both from IGC and RFG (once every
four years). IUGS expense includes UNESCO-IGCP allocation, joint programs (ILP and
OneGeology), IUGS Commissions, Task Groups, Initiatives, Affiliated Organizations,contributions to ISC, IUGS committees, Episodes and administration costs. IUGS fundis composed of current activities, contingency/flexibility and reserve for future.

By December 31, 2022, total balance of IUGS account is 1,832,882.59 USD.
Breakdown of current part as of December 31, 2022 includes USD account(1,377,301.94 USD), EUR account (337,465.18 EUR) and JPY account (12,415,023 JPY
and cash (3.5 EUR).

Note 2: Exchange rate as of December 31, 2022
1 EUR = 1.0704 USD
1 JPY = 0.0076 USD
Note 3: This is the amount received from India in relation to the cancellation of the 36th IGC(International Geological Congress) at Delhi in 2020. Considering there are some people who arehaving difficulties in receiving refund of the registration fee that they paid directly from theIndian LOC (Local Organising Commitee), IUGS has decided to undertake some of the refunding
task after negotiations with LOC of the 36th IGC and this "Deposit payable" will be used for therefund. It is planned that IUGS will notify the procedures of refund to those eligible, collectnecessary information for remittance and then, start making the remittance for the refund. The
transactions related to this fund are excluded from the calculation of Income/Expense of IUGS.
Note 4: This is due to overpaid membership fee of the Russian member in 2011 and had beenused for the subscription fee of Episodes of the Russian member since 2014. However, there wasno movement in 2022.
Note 5: This is the provision for the expenses related to Hutchison Award on the occasion of IGC(International Geological Congress) in 2024. It is planned to make provision of USD 30,000 by theend of 2023 (for the three years from 2021-2023, USD 10,000 per year is provided). For thedetails of the award, please refer to https://www.iugs.org/awards.

IncomeIUGS income in 2022 is 533,616.07 USD in total and it includes membership fees
(369,584.99 USD), contribution from UNESCO to IGCP (162,500 USD) and otherincome (1,531.08 USD).

(Amount in USD)
2022

2021

IncomeMembership Fees

For2020
For2021
For2022615.48

For2019

3,170.00

45,479.18
323,490.33

For2020
For 2021

11,018.52

Contribution from UNESCO to
IGCP(Note 6)
Final payment for previous year
1st payment for current year
2nd payment for current year

Other Income(Note 7)
Total Income

400,782.35

369,584.99

386,593.83
84,100.00

162,500.00
34,100.00

50,000.00
60,000.00
52,500.00

50,000.00
1,531.08

42,893.65

533,616.07

527,776.00

ExpenseIUGS expense in 2022 is 609,787.35 USD in total and IUGS net income in 2022 is-76,171.28 USD. Translated exchange loss (with no cash-out) is -33,226.57 USD anddeposit payable from the 36th IGC is 176,993.60 USD. Therefore, the net increase in
IUGS account is 67,595.75 USD.
Expense (Note 8)
IGCP
Joint Programmes
IUGS Commissions

2022

2021
256,196.11
20,089.05
117,903.13

170,600.00
21,278.98
78,529.07-

IUGS Task Groups
Initiatives
Affiliated Organizations
Contributions

9,500

47,165.00

28,000
16,100.96

29,000.00
14,226.39

Committees-

Episodes

28,000.00

Awards (Argand, Harrison, and YS Prize)
Awards (Hutchison)

6,901.82

Secretariat Expense

15,000.00

28,000.00
12,427.00
15,000.00-

ICS Special Funding Program
60,247.73

5,008.66

Total Expense

51,848.56
609,787.35

28,031.41
449,266.51

Net Income-76,171.28

78,509.49

IUGS Associated Event
Other Expense

Translated Exchange Loss (with No Cash-out) (Note-33,226.57-33,361.45

9)Deposit Payable from the 36th IGC (refer to Note 3

176,993.60

in Page 1)
Net Increase in IUGS Account

67,595.75

45,148.04

Note 6: UNESCO reimburses the finance to IGCP based on Implementation Partners Agreement
upon submission of payment report by IUGS. Receipt of USD 38,560 as the final reimbursementfor 2022 is expected in early 2023.
Note 7: Other income includes royalty (USD 1,416.38) and bank interests.
Note 8: The breakdown and detail of Expense is shown in "Breakdown and Detail of Expense
compared to Budget in Allocation Table". For the details of the projects and activities, pleaserefer to https://www.iugs.org/

Note 9: This item was included in "Other Income/Expense" in the past. However, in theconsideration that it is not the income/expense that IUGS can budget, it has been moved out of"Budget in Allocation Table" and the calculation of Net Income. This translated exchange loss isdue to the difference of the balance amount converted to USD between the beginning and theend of 2022, caused by the appreciation of USD against EUR and JPY towards the end of 2022. No
cash out occurred on this.
Exchange rate as ofDecember 31, 2022
1 EUR = 1.0704
1 JPY = 0.0076

December 31, 2021
USD = 1.1343 USD
USD = 0.0087 USD

Note 10: Budget is allocated based on the evaluation of projects by IUGS Executives Committee
members in reference toannual reports from each project. For the details on projects and activities, please refer tohttps://www.iugs.org/activities.

Note 11: Hutchison Award: This award is intented to promote professional growth of young
scientists by supporting their participation in important IUGS-sponsored conferences. It isplanned to make provision of USD 30,000 for IGC in 2024. For the details of the award, pleaserefer to https://www.iugs.org/awards.
Note 12: IUGS Awards: IUGS Émile Argand Award, James M. Harrison Award and Early Career (YS)
Award. For the details of the awards, please refer to https://www.iugs.org/awards.

Note 13: Special Funding Program: This program was created based on the recommendations by
IUGS Finance Committee in 2019. The following two projects were awarded the fund in February
2020.
"Forensic Geological Analysis of Crimes in International Mining, Minerals and Metals" from
Initiative on Forensic Geology (USD 47,500 for 2 years)"Regenerating the Time Lords: Towards the completion, calibration, digitation and outreach of
the geological timescale" from the International Commission on Stratigraphy (USD 50,000 for 2
years)
Note 14: Related to the 60th Anniversary of IUGS, for renewal of the website, creation of newmaterials and photographic galleries, and organising events at "Earth Futures Festival", payments
were made to Seismic Geoscience Limited (EUR 37,600.64) and Earth Futures Pty Limited. (USD
20,000).
Note 15: Attendance on Ceremony/Conference on Chibanian (Japan), Congress "The first 100
IUGS geological heritage" (Spain), Meeting at GAC (Geological Association of Canada), EGU

(European Geoscience Union), SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) (India), World
Science Forum (South Africa), ICL 20th Anniversary/18th Global Committee of IPL (Japan)

Analysis of Membership Status and Fees
Status of Countries by Fees Category - 2022
Category

ActiveInactive

Total

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
(2021)(2020)

22
11
12
8
3
4
4
64
66
66

49
6
3
1
0
0
0
59
56
56

71
17
15
9
3
4
4
123
122
122

Category 1
Category6&8
Category 8

Number of Countries paid for
2022
2021
2020
17
2
1
10
1
10
1
6
1
2
1
4
1
3
52
7
1
48
11
51

Algeria became a new active member of Category 1 in 2022
One member changed its category from 8 to 6 for 2022.
One membership has been suspended by the resolution of EC
meeting in March 2022.

Alteration of Status during the year 2022
New member
Algeria
Cuba
Pending→Active
Kenya
Inactive→Active
Bangladesh
IranMongolia
Active→Pending
South Africa
Sri Lanka
VietnamArgentina
GreecePending→Inactive
KosovoTajikistan

2022 dues paid
2022, 2021, 2020 dues paid
2022 dues paid

Dues unpaid for 2 years as of the end of2022

Dues unpaid for 3 years as of the end of2022

Countries with no contact point - 26 countries
Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovia, Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Cote D'Ivoire, Ecuador, Georgia, Ghana, Iraq, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Panama,Paraguay, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uruguay,

Venezuela, (Nepal), (Rwanda). The countries in ( ) are not the members but showedinterest in membership in the past.
Countries restricted by OFAC (US Office of Foreign Assets Control)- four countries, one region and two self-proclaimed countries
Cuba, Iran, D.P.R.Korea, Syria, Crimea Region,
Donetskaya Narodnaya Respublika (self-proclaimed) and,
Luganskaya Narodnaya Respublika (self-proclaimed)(as of April 2022, by MUFG Bank)
Expenses of IGCPIn 2022, IUGS paid 105,136.11 USD for 14 IGCP projects and UNESCO paid 151,060
USD for 20 projects.
Financial Comments
Financial Situation as of December 31, 2022
During the period from 01/01/2022 to 31/12/2022, IUGS income and expense are
USD 533,616.07 and USD 609,787.35 respectively,and the net loss is USD 76,171.28.
The balance of IUGS current account as of 31/12/2022 is USD 1,832,882.59. This
includes USD 203,768.20 of "Deposit payable" as explained in Note 3 & 4 in Page 1.
Income
The total income received during 2022 is USD 533,616.07, including membership feeof USD 369,584.99 (compared to USD 400,782.35 in 2021) . The major reason for thedecrease of the membership fee income is the suspension of one membership ofCategory 8 (by the resolution made at EC meeting in March). On the positive side,
Algeria, Cuba and Kenya became active members in 2022. Receipt of USD 38,500, as
the final reimbursement of finance to IGCP projects for 2022, is expected from
UNESCO in early 2023.
Expense
The total expense during 2022 is USD 609,787.35. Finance to IGCP increased
compared to the previous year (2021) by more than USD 85,000, as mentioned
below.
For several items of the budget on IUGS Task Groups, Initiatives, Affiliated
Organisations and ICS Special Funding Program, the payments had not been made by
the end of 2022 (with invoice in process etc.) and, therefore, additionally thepayment for these items up to around USD 89,000 may be made in 2023.
IGCP Projects Co-financed with UNESCO
34 IGCP (International Geoscience Programme) projects were financed jointly with
UNESCO during 2022 (compared to 26 projects in 2021), totaling to USD 256,196.11,
of which IUGS bore USD 105,136.11. The projects that were not implemented during2022 may be transferred to 2023 upon the approval of UNESCO.
IUGS 60th Anniversary
The major costs regarding the 60th anniversary are for organising the related
conferences and events (including "Earth Futures Festival", "First 100 IUGSGeological Heritage Sites"), renewal of the website, creation of new materials andphotographic galleries.
“Long-term Inactive” matters
Outlook for 2023
In order to encourage the members that have been inactive for long periods to be
active, a special measure will be implemented for 2023.
Inactive member countries count more than two thirds in Category 1. Most of them
have not paid membership fee for more than 5 consecutive years. According to the
IUGS statute, inactive members should pay for 3 consecutive years to return toactive status. However, in order to encourage these countries to become active,
IUGS Bureau proposes to adopt a special treatment “Special Rule for 60th
Anniversary” for 2023. With this “special rule”, the members of Category 1 that havenot paid membership fee for the last 5 consecutive years can become active, if they
pay membership fee for 2023 only.
36th IGC refund procedures and time plans
History
Due to COVID-19 pandemic that started in January 2020, the 36th IGC India waspostponed just one week prior to its opening. It was finally canceled in 2021. The
35th IGC LOC decided to refund registration fee and some other received fees.
However, the refund procedures took much time and also faced many troubles. As aresult, more than 150 people still had not received refund as of November 2022.
IUGS President and Secretary General negotiated with IGC secretary general and to
take the task of refund procedures with IUGS networks and facilities.
Fund transferred from India
In November 2022, the fund for refund, USD 176,993.60 (net o f the bank charges),
was transferred from India to IUGS’s bank account, with lists of those eligible forrefund. It is planned that refund will be made using this amount and that bankcharges and other related expenses will be paid from this fund.
Steps to Implementation
Proposed steps are:1) Notify the eligible people on refund procedure by letter from IUGS Secretary
General, with Form for Claim (Form similar to IUGS Reimbursement Claim Form).
2) Collect the filled Forms for Claim (proposed deadline: the end of March, 2023).
3) Start making refund in April 2023, when Treasurer’s Office can work on this.
Auditing
Treasurer’s office has received appropriate level of audit by a Japanese auditor (Mr.
Kazuhiro Tanaka, CPA) year by year. Income and expense records have been duly

examined during the year 2022. The accounting records have been preparedcorrectly.
EC78Act_01: Yamirka Rojas-Agramonte (YR) to contact inactive members in Central
and Southern America to encourage them to reactivate their membership.
4.c. Secretary General's Report
Stanley Finney (SF) reported that the main activities of the IUGS Secretary General in
2022, including:
1. Organized 77th IUGS EC in Paris in March 2022;
2. Wrote action and allocation letters arising from EC meeting;
3. Served as EC contact for issues arising from IUGS constituent groups;
4. Managed the production of the 2021 IUGS Annual Report, distributed in May
2022;
5. Attended dedication of Chibanian GSSP in Japan in May 22 and gave apresentation on ICS and GSSPs in the Chibanian Symposium;
6. Managed the IUGS response to the death of IUGS Councilor-elect Carlos
Cónsole-Gonella and the election of replacement Councilor Yamirka
Rojas-Argramonte;
7. Managed the voting by the IUGS EC on ratifications of the GSSA for the HadeanEon, the GSSP for the Campanian Stage, the First 100 Geological Heritage Sites, andten IUGS Geological Heritage Stones. SF were invited to meet President of Los
Angeles County Museum of Natural History and front-page story in Los Angeles
Times on La Brea Tar Pits as one of “First 100”;
8. Contributed to the First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, including the Zumaia
Event in October and organized the presentation of Emile Argand and Early Career
Geoscientist medals at the Zumaia Event;
9. Participated in IGCC meeting in July 2022 and prepared call for EOI for 38th IGC in
2028;
10. Participated in a Virtual progress meeting of the EC in October 2022 and several
Bureau meetings;
11. Worked to organize EC meeting in Kenya;12. In January 2023, carried out ARC review of IGCP (report to follow);
13. Worked closely with IUGS Secretariat on many IUGS related matters andquestions.
SF pointed out that scheduling of 2024 EC Meeting will be discussed at the 78th EC
meeting and he will contact IUGS Bureau members, constituent groups and relevantorganizations to contribute to the 2022 IUGS Annual Report soon after the 78th EC
meeting with the deadline of late March.
JL asked when IUGS should call on for the medalists of IUGS awards to be presented
at the IUGS Council Meeting at the 37th IGC. SF answered that this call will be
distributed in early 2024 with the deadline of May or June, 2024. SF reminded that
IUGS constituent groups needed to prepare a four-year reports to IUGS Council atleast one month prior to the Council Meeting. SF reminded IUGS constituent groups
to prepare lists of new officers of their groups for EC’s ratification at the EC meeting
before the Council Meeting at the 37th IGC.

4.d. Permanent Secretariat's Report
Mr. MA Yongzheng (MY) reported on the main work of the Secretariat.
Business Meetings

1. 77th EC Meeting on 16-18 March, 2022
 Assisted Secretary General in preparing and distributing the Announcement of
the 77th EC Meeting; Distributed the call for submitting IUGS Annual Reports to the IUGS Constituent
Groups, Adhering Organizations and Affiliated Organizations; Prepared and distributed meeting documentation (including Agenda, annual
reports etc.);
 Assembled financial requests from the IUGS Bodies; Minute taking, preparation and distribution (including Action List);
2. EC Virtual Progress Meetings and Other Virtual Meetings
The Secretariat arranged the following meetings through zoom: Virtual Meeting of IGCC (14 July 2022)
 EC Virtual Progress Meeting (5 October 2022)- Prepared and distributed meeting documentation;- Minute taking, preparation and distribution (including Action List);
3. DDE Open Science Forum and Series of Business Meetings, 9 November, 2022

 Assisted in its promotion to the IUGS Constituent Groups, Adhering
Organizations and Affiliated Organizations, etc.;
 Assisted in the preparatory work of the forum and on-site meeting affairs;
4. 78th EC Meeting in February, 2023
 Distributed the call for submitting IUGS Annual Reports to the IUGS Constituent
Groups, Adhering Organizations and Affiliated Organizations; Collected all the annual reports and prepared meeting documentation (including
Agenda, annual reports etc.).
5. Second IUGS Nominating Committee Meeting, 11 January, 2023
 Made arrangements for the second NC meeting and inform all the NC members;
 Compiled and collected meeting documentation (including Agenda, Nomination
Call, etc.);
 Minute taking, preparation and distribution (including Action List).
 IUGS 60th Anniversary
 Assisted in updating the 60th Anniversary website, showcasing the scientificachievements of the IUGS constituent bodies; Participated in the preparatory work of a series of scientific events, including the
IUGS 60th anniversary event held in Basque Coast on October 25 – 28 on which
IUGS announced the First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, Geosolutions for
Net Zero, International Geodiversity Day, etc.;
 Invited Chinese scientists to participate in the IUGS 60th anniversary events;
 Conducted survey on the participation of the IUGS constituent bodies so as tostrengthen links within IUGS; Held zoom meetings with the IUGS@60 team on the IUGS 60th anniversary; Distributed information of the IUGS 60th anniversary events to the IUGS
community.
 Electronic Election of the IUGS Councilor (2022-2026)
 Sent the call of Nominations for position of IUGS Councilor (2022-2016) to all the
IUGS active adhering organizations; Organized two rounds of electronic elections via emails; Finished statistics of voting and send the results to the IUGS community.
 Outreach and Publications
1. Annual Report Designed and formatted the 2021 IUGS Annual Report;
2. Episodes
 Prepared and updated the list of recipients;
 Mailed 100 hardcopies of Episodes, No. 1 (Mar), No. 2 (Jun), No. 3 (Sep), No. 4(Dec).

3. E-Bulletin
 Formatted and distributed the E-Bulletin #182-#191 to over 160,000 recipients;
 Updated the list of recipients based on feedbacks.
 Drafted some pieces of IUGS news being published on E-Bulletin.
4. New Year E-Card
 Designed and distributed the electronic New Year Card in the name of the
Bureau to the international geoscience community.
 Membership Maintenance
1. Adhering Members
 Updated the contact information of the IUGS Adhering Members in the IUGS
Information Management System.
 Prepared the updated list of membership status (Active, Pending, Inactive) of
Adhering Members being posted on the IUGS website;
 Actively communicated with inactive members and assisted them in becoming
active members.
2. Affiliated Members
 Updated the contact information of IUGS Affiliated Organizations in the IUGS
Information Management System according to the information published on
their official websites.
 Others
 Assisted in the statistics analysis of the active IGCP projects;
 Did a large amount of daily correspondence with regard to the 36th IGC
reimbursements;
 Assisted with NC on its annual meeting.
 Work Plan for 2023
Preparations and Participation of the IUGS Business Meetings
 78th IUGS EC Meeting, IUGS EC Progress Meetings and Bureau Meetings,
 Meeting with the 37th IGC Organizing Committee IUGS Nominating Committee Virtual Meeting in August and November, etc.;
Daily Routine
 Basic Work on membership maintenance Information system updates
 Distribution of IUGS publications including Episodes, E-Bulletin and annual
report, etc
IUGS Exhibitions at EGU，GSA and AGU Materials for Distribution are as follows: IUGS pop up, flyer and brochures（need updating）
 Flyer and brochures of some IUGS affiliated organizations (voluntary
contribution)
 IUGS annual reports in 2020-2022
 Hard Copies of ICS charts
 IUGS Publications (e.g. Episodes, First 100 Geoheritage Book with purchase
information, Geochemical Sampling Book, IUGS books published by GSL, andother voluntary contributions from IUGS affiliated organizations) Promotional items (IUGS pins, hats, notebooks, T-shirts etc.)
5. IUGS Committees
5.a. Publications Committee
5.a.1.

E-Bulletin and Social MediaE-Bulletin
Gurmeet Kaur (GK) introduced that all IUGS commissions, task groups, initiatives,
IGPC projects and adhering bodies are invited to provide a steady flow of material,consisting of concise texts accompanied by a few illustrations (photographs,
diagrams, etc.). The E-bulletin is the quickest instrument for disseminating news
about IUGS initiatives, activities, achievements, events and publications. Some IUGS
constituent groups, including INHIGEO, IFG, ICS, CGGB, ICG, TecTask and TGDEI
contribute to E-bulletin on a regular basis.
GK mentioned that the E-bulletin is brought out in the last week of every month andit is regularly published well in time. The e-Bulletin is a collective efforts of the IUGSPC and various groups. The E-bulletin is sent to IUGS President for final approval
before it is sent out for circulation to IUGS Secretariat and IUGS webmaster.
Social Media
GK introduced that IUGS social media platforms include Facebook, Twitter and
Linkedin. IUGS@60 technical team managed the main IUGS twitter page for the year
2022.
The total number of Facebook followers has surpassed 8,000. The close coordinationand cooperation amongst the PC members has been instrumental in the smoothfunctioning of the IUGS social media platforms.

Total IUGS facebook followers:

Gives the age group and gender statistics on accessing IUGS facebook posts

Tweet impressions month by month (January to November 20th)

5.a.2.

WebsiteGiuseppe Di Capua (GDC) reported that the activity of the webmaster was focused tomaintain efficient website of IUGS by creating and updating pages regularly. During
the year, GC worked in strict cooperation with IUGS Secretary General, the E-bulletin
editor, the Secretariat and the IUGS 60th Anniversary staff for asuring continuous
support to IUGS bodies to promote events and activities organized or supported by
the Union.
GDC introduced that IUGS website is monitored through Google Analytics in order toanalyze accesses and user behaviors. The comparison of access statistics in thenrange of years 2019-2022 for the interval 1 January-20 December is shown in table 1.
The comparison of the total number of unique visitors, visits and page views for thesame time interval is also shown in figure 1.

GDC reported that the percentage increase in the number of unique visitors, visits
and page views is shown in table 2, as well as a small percentage increase wasobserved for the average visit duration from 2021 to 2022. Moreover, there is adecrease in the number of pages consulted for each visit. Finally, the bounce rates
increased in 2022 reaching the highest value since 2019.

GDC mentioned that the contribution of social media to the number of visits is
scarce, as shown in table 3. Most visits come from Facebook. Visits from Facebook

and Twitter have decreased from 2021 to 2022, whilst from LinkedIn have doubled
up. The low impact of social media is due likely to the lack of direct links to the IUGS
website in the posts published.

GDC introduced that in 2022, peaks of visits were reached on 24, 25, 26 and 27
October 2022 with a number of 290, 314, 302, 329 sessions respectively, during theevent “First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites”, held in Zumaia (Spain). The numberof 329 visits is the second higher since 2016, after the major peak of 439 visits on 29
October 2021.
Visits come from 181 countries, mainly from China (14.7%), USA (11.5%), India(11.3%). Less than 5% of visits comes from all other countries.
The most visited pages of the website were the following: Homepage (38.3%),
Calendar 2022 (6.4%), History (5.9%), ICS (5.2%), IGC (4.7%), Executive (2.8%),
Flagship Activities (2.6%), Episodes (2.6%), DDE (2.3%), Organization (2.3%), Calendar
2023 (2.1%). Other pages got less than 2.0% of visits.
GDC presented several criticalities:
 IUGS doesn’t have the property of the website domain (iugs.org), so we don’t
have access to it. This implies that we don’t know user and password to accessthe domain management.
 The contribution of social media to the number of visits is scarce. It is due likely
to the lack of direct links to the IUGS website in the posts published.
 The Calendar is the second most visited page of the website. Unfortunately its
updating is quite demanding since it requires data mining from many otherwebsites. Numbers of events in the Calendar decrease year by year since 2019.

5.a.3.

60th anniversary publicity

This item has been elaborated under the agenda item “President’s Report”.
5.a.4.

EpisodesYoungsook Huh (YH) reported that notable activities of Episodes in 2022 as follows:
Publication status
A total of 88 manuscripts were submitted in 2022 (as of 2022.12.31) through the EM
system, and 41 manuscripts (24 original articles, 2 reviews, 4 communication
regarding IUGS geological standards, 1 report, 2 History of Geology, 2 book reviews,
3 obituaries/profiles, and 3 editorials) were published.
Key figures for Episodes for the period 2018-2022 are shown below:

Journal turnaround time (days):
Submission to technical check completion (ME)Technical check completion to transfer to EIC
Submission to editor assignment (EIC)
Submission to reviewer invitation (AE)
Submission to first decision

2021
1.2
0
1.2
12.9
48

2022
1.1
0
1.1
10.3
36

Acceptance/Rejection rate (Final decision in 2022)
Acceptance rate: 44.5%, Rejection rate: 55.5%
Youngsook Huh (YH) reported notable achievements of Episodes in 2022 as follows:Updated editorial board
 Dr. Lucia Angiolini resigned for personal reasons, and Dr. Carlos Cénsole-Gonella
passed away.
 Dr. Maria Rose Petrizzo and Dr. Kathleen Histon newly joined the editorial board(August, 2021).
New managing editor
YH is from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Seoul National University.
She started as the new Managing Editor in January 2023. She received her Ph.D. in
Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry from Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
CiteScore metrics
According to the Scopus CiteScore (as of 2022.12.31), the Citescore rose from 2.8 in2020 to 3.9 in 2021, and the percentile rose from Q2 in 2020 to Q1 in 2021.
CiteScore Tracker 2022 is 5.2 (Last updated on February 5th, 2023). CiteScore is
proportional to the IF, so the IF is expected to rise slightly next year.
YH reported the revenue and expenditure of Episodes in 2022 as follows:
Revenue
Annual revenue of Episodes is composed of IUGS fund and subscriptions and others.
Annual IUGS fund is 28,000 USD. In 2022, subscriptions and others are 4,020 USD
and the whole revenue of Episodes in 2022 is 32,020 USD.
Subscriptions
In 2022, the subscription fee is 720 USD, which is much lower than those of previous
years (8,880 USD in 2021, 7,840 USD in 2020 and 7,520 in 2019) due to thecancellation of the subscription by Russian colleagues.
Expenses
In 2022, the delivery costs are 1,966 USD, which are lower than those of previous
years (4,509 in 2021, 2,957 USD in 2020, 2,228 in 2019) due to the cancellation ofsubscription of Russian colleagues. Balance in 2022 is -3,775 USD.
Activities planned for 2023
YH reported the activities planned for 2023, including 1. To implement the diversity
tool in the EM system and 2. To aim for on-time publication and secure a Special
Issue.
5.b. Nominating Committee

Qiuming Cheng (QC) expressed gratitude to IUGS Secretariat for the preparation of
the virtual meeting of the Nominating Committee (NC) in January 2023 and to editorof Episodes and webmaster for publishing news from NC.
QC reported that the second meeting of the IUGS Nominating Committee (NC,
2020-2024) was held virtually on January 11th, 2023. The meeting was organized by
QC with the attendance of 5 NC members from Colombia, Germany, Namibia, Spain,
and USA. During the meeting, the NC members reviewed activities in 2022 anddiscussed on the draft Nomination Call with definition and references for each IUGSEC position and potential benefits. During the meeting, NC’s work plan for 2023 and2024 is decided. According to the work plan, a call for nominations for EC (2024-2028)
was distributed in January 2023 with deadline of October 31st, 2023, and other tasks
for 2023 and 2024 are as follows:
July/August 2023: Send out reminders for nomination
November 2023: Send out a second call for nominations (if necessary) (Extended
deadline: 31 December, 2023)
January-March 2024: Hold an in-person meeting to discuss and put forward the slateof candidates by the NC
April 2024: Send the formal slate to the IUGS President
August 2024: Be elected by the IUGS Council
QC mentioned that NC will make full use of the IUGS website, E-Bulletin and theextensive international networking of IUGS to publicize the call for nominations as
widely as possible to attract qualified and capable candidates with geographicaldistribution and gender balance to take up leading roles of IUGS.
5.c. New Activities Strategic Implementation Committee (NASIC)
Edmund Nickless (EN) as the Chair of NASIC (New Activities Strategic Implementation
Committee) reported that NASIC was established in 2013 with the Resourcing Future
Generations (RFG) initiative as the only NASIC activity. The prime objective of the
RFG is to help ensure the multigenerational needs for raw materials, energy andwater while ensuring social equity. To implement RFG, symposiums, seminars andannual meetings of many geoscience societies have been organized. NASIC publisheda White Paper on Demand and Supply Issues.
EN then introduced RFG 2018, organized by the Canadian colleagues, as an IGC
Special Topic Meeting, characterized by predominantly young early career audience.
The follow-up of RFG2018 is ReSToRE (Researching Social Theories, Resources andEnvironment) Summer Schools. The first ReSToRE event was held in Dublin in July
2019 to bring together early-career researchers and practitioners at the intersectionof the social sciences and geosciences from developing and developed countries toaddress critical issues related to resources.

Since 2020 the work programme of NASIC/RFG has focussed on delivering
capacity-building events aimed at three specific audiences: ReSToRE Summer School;
Technical Workshops to address locally identified training needs; and FoRGe(Fostering Researchers in Geosciences), a programme to build research capacity andsupport professional development among early-career university faculty indeveloping countries.
Specific activities during 2022 included three principal tasks: delivering ReSToRE2,
postponed from 2021; working with the FoRGe steering committee on aquestionnaire, to be distributed under the auspices of UNESCO, inviting geosciencecolleagues in African universities to identify and separate the operational,
disciplinary and scientific barriers they face in pursuing their research; and working
with SGA on student-led, online panel discussions on “How Africa can transition to
C-neutrality by 2050”.
ReSToRE2 attracted over 120 applications from which 50 were selected from 28
nations, including 18 developing countries. About a fifth of the delegates came fromthe extractive industries, the remainder from academia and government. Collectively,
participants’ expertise included geology, environmental management,
environmental psychology, anthropology, sociology, data science, law, engineering,hydrogeology and political science. Planning is underway for ReSTORe3, to be heldin Dublin, Ireland, 1-5 July 2024 (details will be available shortly at
https://www.icrag-centre.org/restore/). Thereafter, the intention is to franchise
the brand and, in so doing, to encourage a series of such events outside of Europe.
The planned work programme for 2023 is: to continue to collaborate with Africancolleagues on organising the 8th SGA-IUGS-UNESCO-SEG Short Course on African
Metallogeny to be held in Johannesburg from 9 to 13 October 2023; and to work on
delivering ReSTORe3.
Among other matters, The Glasgow Pact, the outcome of COP 26, pledged further
cuts to CO2 emissions, but nowhere in the text is there any acknowledgement of theforecast, greatly- increased demand for the metals and minerals that will be requiredby the technologies to enable the energy transition.
Neither is there any
recognition of how and from where these raw materials are to come.
Suchomissions should provide an opportunity for IUGS to embrace an expanded
programme of RFG activities, particularly as every indication is that, COP 27, to beheld this autumn, will focus on technologies to combat climate change without
addressing issues of raw material demand and supply. Given that policy vacuum,
there is an opportunity for IUGS, as an authoritative and independent voice, to takea more active position.
The future of RFG remains uncertain. If it is to continue, whether or not as an IUGS
activity, the initiative needs a physical home and staffing, possibly in a GeologicalSurvey Organisation, and a more ambitious outward facing programme which links
strongly to other disciplines in the humanities, social, natural and physical sciences,which are actively working in the area of climate change mitigation and the energy
transition.
DB pointed out that the 36th IGC refunding to a large number of registrants were
failed due to various reasons. Therefore, the refunds have already been transferredto the IUGS account and IUGS will attempt to accomplish the refunding instead. The
final formal presentation of the 36th IGC will be handed over to the South Koreancolleages during their visit to Busan this July. The 36th IGC was formally closed, so
any remaining issues concerning the 36th IGC should be addressed to DB only.
6. IUGS Commissions, Task Groups, Initiatives
6.a. Global Geochemical Baselines (CGGB)
Anna Ladenberger (AL) presented the Steering Committee of CGGB (2020-2024). The
Committee is Co-Chaired by AL and Dr. Kate V. Knights. CGGB has 214 members in 73
countries in 2022, including 12 members newly joining CGGB in 2022. AL introduced
the history, mission and implementation of CGGB. AL presented CGGB website andpublications on global-scale geochemical mapping according to IGCP 259
specifications.
AL reviewed that in 2022,The FOREGS project celebrated its 25th anniversary and
CGGB participated in IUGS World Water Day Event and IUGS Women in Geoscience
Event. CGGB organized a virtual event at the IUGS Earth Science Festival with thetitle “A planetary health check on Global Geochemical Baselines: Assessing thegeochemistry of life’s most vital resources” on October 10th, 2022. AL participated in
the ASGMI conference “Geochemistry for Social Development” and delivered aninvited lecture “Geochemical mapping in Europe: Geochemistry Expert Group EGS
contribution to more sustainable resources management”.
AL reported that in 2017, CGGB was invited to participate in the project “Global
Black Critical Zone Geo-ecological Survey” and compiled the Manual of Standard
Geochemical Method for the Global Black Soil Project. The fifth Workshop on Global
Black Critical Zone Geo-ecological Survey(BASEGS-IGCP665) was virtually held on
December 7th, 2022 and CGGB Steering Committee member, Alecos Demetriades
delivered a presentation at the Workshop.
AL mentioned that Manual of Standard Methods for Establishing the Global
Geochemical Reference Network was published in June 2022 and the Manual has 49
contributors from 23 countries and 23 referees from 13 countries. The Manual
introduced sampling design, sample types, sample preparation, geoanalysis, data
management, maps and statistics. Publications of CGGB now have a DOI number.

AL introduced that CGGB provided a letter of support for the OneGeochemistry
Initiative’s application to become a Working Group within CODATA.
AL mentioned that in 2022, CGGB participated in or held meetings including 77th
IUGS EC meeting, Steering Committee Virtual Meetings and Annual Joint BusinessMeeting with Geochemistry Expert Group of EuroGeosurveys and the GeochemistryGroup of ASGMI in Athens.
AL reported that the total cost of CGGB is 7,088.10 USD and CGGB requested fundfrom IUGS of 13,782 USD to cover planned expenses in 2023 and first quarter of2024.
6.b. Education, Training and Technology Transfer (COGE)
Sandra Villacorta (SV) represented SWOT analysis of COGE, the role of a COGE
member, COGE’s goal, specific objectives and vision, COGE’s current structure andorganization. COGE sets up Chris King Award to commemorate the life and work ofProf. Chris King, the former President of COGE. Geoscience Education Field Officer(GEFO) Program was established in 2019 by Chris King and is a collaboration program
between IUGS and EGU. COGE cooperates with EGU to train GEFOs, conduct
initiatives and with IGEO to constantly monitor and collaborate with Latin American
Chapters of IGEP and translate books at Spanish.
SV reviewed activities and achievements of COGE in 2022 as follows: Set up session on Geoscience Education session at the IGC 2024.
 Updated COGE website and uploaded organizational documents and previous
reports.
SV presented COGE activities plan in 2023 as follows:
January: Submission of COGE Session at IGCP 2024; Submission of COGE Annual
Report; Meeting with EGU Education.
February: Virtual general assembly; Chris King Award committee election
March: Launching social media campaign to invite geoscience educators to apply for
Chris King Award; Quarterly virtual meeting of ordinary members; selection of
nominees.
April: Coordinating with Education Field Officers; Field Officers Program meeting at
EGU2023; Publising results of Chris King Award.

May: Quarterly virtual meeting of ordinary members.
June: Participating of AESC2023.
July: Coordinating with Education Field Officers.
August: Quarterly virtual meeting of ordinary members
September: Drafting paper to the IUGS E-bulletin
October: Coordinating with Education Field officers
November: Meeting with EGU Education
December: Drafting working plan 2024 and annual report; Quarterly virtual meetingof ordinary members; COGE end-of-the year general assembly.
SV mentioned that balance of COGE at the end of 2022 is USD 5,080 and requested
budget for 2023 is USD 9,910.
SV pointed out that in next steps, COGE will organize local events, such as rock andmineral exhibitions to introduce people to geosciences in a fun and interactive way,
partner with industry/gov/schools and universities to offer geology workshops andgeotrips, and host film festivals, such as Earth Future Festival.
6.c. Management and Application of Geoscience Information (CGI)
Harvey Thorleifson (HT) presented the general information of CGI, including mission,
vision, relationship with IUGS, membership status, CGI Secretariat. HT mentionedthat CGI hosts or co-hosts DDE standards task group and five working groups andcollaborates especially with CGMW, CODATA, DDE, LOOP, OGC and OneGeology.
HT reviewed that 2022 CGI Council meetings were held on January 26th, April 12th,
June 30th and October 26th and leadership meetings were held on August 30th,
October 17th and December 20th. CGI co-hosted the GeoInfo Summit on February
24th, May 19th and September 20th and 21st and the Summit brought together CGI,
CGMW, CODATA, DDE, LOOP, OGC and OneGeology. CGI actively supported andparticipated in the November DDE meetings in Paris. Also last year, GeoSciML GitHub
repositories were rationalized.
HT mentioned that with the DDE Standards Task Group, we further developed the
DDE review procedure, metadata standard, evaluation guide, standards framework
plan and metadata app.

HT pointed out that financial transactions were light due to the lack of in-person
meetings and the closing balance of CGI by January 1st, 2023 is USD 23,650. In 2023,
CGI will intensify preparation for meetings and sessions at the 37th IGC and update
1-year and 5-year plan. CGI will support DDE Standard Task Group focus on FAIR andOpen Science and sustain our broad communication mechanisms.
HT mentioned that CGI is entering the year with USD 23,650 carried over and for2023, CGI requests USD 20,000 from IUGS. CGI anticipates USD 10,000 from DDE for
DDE-STG activities.
HT featured the GeoInfo Summit consensus on a global solid earth digital twin. HT
mentioned that a digital twin is an indefinitely sustained dynamic model and thisspatial geoscience paradigm incorporates observations and inferences. CGI’s 2020s
focus will be on authoritative information to support applications and concurrent
effort and CGI needs concurrent effort on FAIR publications and evergreen databases.
The global solid earth digital twin thus is an agenda for the 21st Century.
6.d. History of Geological Sciences (INHIGEO)
Martina Koelbl-ebert (MK) introduced that the goal of INHIGEO is to promote study
on the history of geological disciplines in an international context and with an open
interdisciplinary approach and to encourage national and regional organizations withthe same purpose. Currently, INHIGEO has 286 members from 50 countries and 14
organizations affiliated with. MK presented the current Board of Management of
INHIGEO.
MK reviewed the INHIGEO Conference 2022 in Les Eyzies, France on September 1524, 2022. At the Conference, 40 papers and 10 posters were presented. INHIGEO
sponsored History of Geology session at the 6th International Palaeontological
Congress- From Gondwana to Laurasia, Thailand on November 7-11, 2022 and 20
papers and 3 posters were presented.
MK mentioned that INHIGEO contributes to the journal Episodes reviews of historical
IGCs, the series on classic papers, book reviews and independent research papers. 7
papers on the history of geology have recently been published in Episodes. INHIGEO
also contributed articles to the monthly anniversary events for IUGS website andE-bulletin.
MK reported that INHIGEO organized the special webinar event on October 8, 2022
on related history of the IGC and IUGS within the development of the geologicalsciences from the late 19th century to the end of the 20th century and mentioned
historical geosites contributed to “The First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites” at
Zumaia, Basque Country, Spain on October 2022, 25-28.

Ezio Vaccari (EV) reviewed the Virtual Open Forum “History of the Geological
Sciences- providing resources for society” took place on July 11, 2022. An INHIGEO
webinars “Histories of Volcanology: from Ancient catastophies to a contemporary
discipline” will be held online on February 24th, 2023.
EV introduced that Dr. Maddalena Napolitani and Timothe Lhoste won the INHIGEO
Young Scholar Awards at the the 47th INHIGEO Symposium in Les Eyzies, France on
September 21, 2022.
EV mentioned that INHIGEO cooperates with IUGS commissions and groups, such as
International Commission on Geoheritage, Initiative on Forensic Geology,
International Commission on Stratigraphy and International Commission on
Geoethics.
EV pointed out that INHIGEO has more projects underway, including development of
its website and bibliographical sources, archives and historical-geological databases.
INHIGEO Meetings 2023 including INHIGEO Symposium in Cracow, Poland on July 31
to August 4, 2023, INHIGEO Session “V10 History of Volcanology and Historical
Volcanology” at the 28th IUGG General Assembly in Berlin and 6th ArgentinianCongress and First Latin American Congress of History of Geology on October 6-7,2023 in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina. In addition, INHIGEO has proposed two
geo-historical sessions at the IGC 2024 related to the themes “Earth History andstratigraphy” and “Geoheritage, Geopark and Geotourism”.
6.e. Tectonics and Structural Geology (TecTask)
Enrique Gómez Rivas (EGR) introduced that TecTask was established as an IUGS task
group in 2004 and was upgraded to an IUGS commission in 2009. Main aims of
TecTask are to stimulate communication and coordination within the international
science community and to provide information to the public. TecTask has 5 EC
members and 12 officers. It is planned to end TecTask in 2024.
EGR presented the Terminology & Standards in structural geology & tectonics. Aimof the Terminology and Standards is to create and maintain a database forprofessional terminology and standards. On Wiki website, the Terminology andStandards is open to the community for contributions and there are currently morethan 200 entries.
EGR introduced Outcropedia, which is an online tool for collecting data fromworld-class outcrops and for creating GeoTours. It was launched in 2004 andre-designed in 2018. It is aimed to link Outcropedia to Terminology & Standards wiki.

TecTask has 24 seminars with about 1,250 subscribers and more than 43,500 total
views under YouTube seminar channel.
EGR reviewed conferences organized or coorganized by TecTask, includingInternational Conference of Deformation Mechanisms, Rheology and Tectonics in
Catania, International Conference of Young Researchers in Structural Geology &Tectonics and Italian Geological Society 2022 Meeting in Torino.
EGR mentioned that TecTask participated in the Earth Science Festival
seminar ”Tectonics: the Science of the Dynamic Earth” and 100 IUGS Geologcial
Heritage Sties-Tectonics Chapter.
EGR reported that transition from IUGS TecTask Commission to the IASGT(International Association for Structural Geology & Tectonics) is conducted throughthree phases (Phase 1: 2020-2021, Phase 2: 2022, Phase 3: 2023-2024). In 2022,
TecTask finished the foundation of IASGT and it is legally based in India. EC members
are appointed and TecTask starts activity transfer. In 2023 and 2024, the transfer of
TecTask activities, member recruitment, and the creation of the legal structure in
India will be completed. Prof. Manish Mamtani has been appointed as IASGT
founding chair. More than 900 members have signed up to date and it is planned tohold an inaugural IASGT workshop in Kharagpur, India in February 2024.
EGR mentioned that TecTask budget provided by IUGS for 2022 is 4,566 EUR and for2023, budget request of TecTask is 2,500 EUR.
6.f. Geoheritage (ICG)
Asier Hilario (AH) introduced that International Commission on Geoheritage(IUGS-ICG) was created in 2016 and in 2020, IUGS EC decided to dissolve andrejuvenate ICG. AH presented the Executive Committee of ICG.
AH reported that in 2022, main achievements of ICG includes:
 The First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites have been designated. Definition ofstandards, procedures, voting members.
 10 new IUGS Heritage Stones have been designated The new Subcommission on Geo-collection has been created 17 aspiring UGGp have been evaluated for their geological heritage ICG new website. www.iugs-geoheritage.org
AH reviewed the IUGS Zumaia Declaration of the the First 100 IUGS Geological
Heritage Sites. The declaration event attracted more than 17,800 online and offline
visitors from 158 countries.

The 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites program was developed on the bases of IGCP
project 731. At the beginning of the program, 42 focal points (national
representatives) and 10 international organizations were involved. The program has
181 candidates from 56 countries and 36 voting members. During the conduction of
the program, 550 evaluations were completed, 100 sites from 56 countries wereselected and 485 authors from more than 50 countries were involved. 500 hardcopies of the book “The First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites” were sold out and3,000 digital copies were downloaded from the website.
AH introduced the process of the evaluation of the first 100 IUGS Geological Heritage
Sites. In March 2022, 181 application from 56 countries were received and all
proposals were evaluated by 34 voting members. Every proposal was evaluated by atleast three voting members who graded each candidate. 550 evaluations werecompleted. An IUGS selection committee was established and all 550 evaluations
were reviewed to double check and ensure quality control. 150 sites have been
accepted as IUGS geological heritage sites and only the first 100 will be designated in
2022 and the rest will be designated in 2023. The selection of the first 100
geoheritage sites has been done according to voting members scoring, geographicaldistribution and typology. More than 500 experts from 55 countries were involved in
the First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites programs.
The 100 geoheritage sites include 34 sites in America, 28 sites in Europe, 15 sites inAfrica and 23 sites in Asia-Pacific-Middle East.There was a Chinese event for the first
100 IUGS Geoheritage Sites.
AH mentioned that there were more than 200 mass media publications on the First
100 IUGS Geoheritage Sites in 30 different countries. At the Geoparkea social media
platforms, the First 100 IUGS Geoheritage Sites received 56,400 impacts in Twitter,
6060 impacts/8452 people reach in Facebook and 3082 impacts in Instagram. At
IUGS social media platforms, the First 100 IUGS Geoheritage Sites receives 70,000
impacts. From May to October 2022, www.iugs.org/100sites had 7,762 visits andfrom October to January 2022, www.iugs-geoheritage.org had 18,000 visits from 158
countries.
AH showed ICG’s total cost for the IUGS 60th Anniversary event of 138,864 Euros.
IUGS Subcommission on Heritage Stones has redefined its standard on heritage
stones and 10 new heritage stones were ratified and currently there are totally 32
heritage stones.
AH mentioned that in 2022, ICG received allocation of 11,000 USD from IUGS,
support for IUGS Geoheritage Event of 20,000 USD and remain from 2021 of 4,697
USD. The total income in 2022 is 35,607 USD. Total expenditure of 2022 is 34,068.9
Euros. 2022 remains is 1,628.1 Euros. ICG proposes budget of 18,600 Euros for 2023.

AH pointed out that in 2023, the main goals of ICG are the consolidation of theinternal structure, statutes, members and operation of the three designation
programs and the promotion of the designation programs, visibility and engagement
among the global geoscience community.
6.g. Stratigraphy (ICS)David Harper (DH) introduced officers of ICS. ICS has 17 subcommissions involving 60
executives and over 500 scientists.
DH mentioned that completion of the chart, series/epoch and stat/age definition is
our key priority. DH listed some significant achievements of ICS include: Definition and ratification of some 12 GSSPs in the last four years.
 Key contributions to IUGS 60: IUGS Heritage sites and webcasts on Extinction
and the Stratigraphical Record together with Geodiversity.
 Most downloaded Episodes article: A practical solution: the Anthropocene is ageological event, not a formal epoch.
 Additional translation of the chart, including Korean and Japanese versions of
the 2022/10 update.
 Ratification by IUGS on the adoption of the subseries and subepochs as formal
divisions (tied to stages) to be adopted at the discretion of the individual
system/period subcommisions, published in Episodes.
 Bases of the Lower/Early, Middle/Mid-, and Upper/Middle/Late Neogene
Subseries/Subepochs coincident with the respective global stages GSSPs ratified;published in Episodes.
 Continued major makeover (new content, new design) of the ICS webpages andthe development of an ICS family for the subcommissions.
 Auxiliary stratotype sections, published in Episodes, unanimously approved by
the ICS.
 The next STRATI meeting will be in Lille, July 11-13th, 2023.
 Establishment of an assessment committee for ICS medals.
 A new subcommission for Cambrian stratigraphy.
DH introduced that International Chronostratigraphic Chart is the key product of ICS.
80 of the global stages are completed, some of the older GSSPs are under revisionand 20 are in need of attention. Discussions continue on the applicability of GSSPs in
Precambrian chronostratigraphy.
DH mentioned that in 2022, ICS held several GSSP site dedications for:Base of Chibanian Stage(Pleistocene)
Base of Priabonian Stage (Paleogene)
Base of Coniacian Stage (Cretaceous)Base of Hauterivian Stage (Cretaceous)

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Base of Kimmeridgian Stage (Jurassic)
Base of Artinskian Stage (Permian)
Base of Sakmarian Stage (Permian)
Base of Wuliuan Stage (Cambrian)
Base of Miaolingian Series (Cambrian)
Dapingian Stage (Ordovician) GSSPDH mentioned that in 2022, ICS defined 7 ICS Heritage Sites, including:

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Gubio (end Cretaceous, meteorite impact, extinction and base of Cenozoic)
Meishan (end Permian, major extinction, base of Mesozoic)
Meishucun (Precambrian-Cambrian transition, base of Palaeozoic)
Nhlazatse (Mesoarchean microbially-induced structures)
Sirius Pass (Precambrian-Cambrian rocks, Cambrian Explosion)
Mount Everest (Middle Ordovician tropical limestones)
Klonk (base of Devonian and first GSSP)DH announced that the 4th International on Stratigraphy with field excursions andbusiness meetings will be held on July 11-13th, 2023 in Lille, France.
DH presented the future work of ICS, including: Priority funding is for those subcommissions moving to complete theoutstanding 20 GSSPs, through field meetigns and some laboratory work.
 Work is far advanced on the Burdigalian, Langhian, Bartonian, Aptian, Oxfordian,
Olenkian, Norian, Kungurian stages. There is now a strong focus on completionof the Serpukhovian, Moscovian, Kasimovian and gzhelian stages in the
Carboniferous.
 Support for dedication ceremonies.
 Preparation of data for the DDE. Nominiation of a data officer for eachsubcommission.
 Most subcommissions will hold their own conferences /field meetings in the
coming year.
 A number are publishing books on their respective systems (e.g. Ordovician) Better promotion of ICS activities. Continued modernization of the webpages
and their functionality; accelerate use of social media.
 Support for attendance Commission (including subcommissions) members at
STRATI 2023.
DH explained that currently, each subcommission receives about 2,000 USD for its
activities per year. About 90% of actual costs are funded by research grants toindividuals and institutions together with support in kind. Operational costs plus
support for Lille meeting 65,390 USD are requested for 2023.

6.h. Initiative on Forensic Geology (IFG)
Laurance Donnelly (LD) reported that the aim of IFG is to develop forensic geology
internationally and promote its applications. Main activities include crime scene
examinations, geological trace evidence, ground search for burials (homicide,counter terrorism, serious and organized crime), and mining, minerals and metals
crime. In total, 89 activities and events were recorded in 2022. The IUGS-IFG
Committee was confirmed at the IUGS-IFG Annual General Meeting on 2 August2022 at Glasgow in Scotland.
LD then introduced the structure and governance of IFG, and the IUGS-IFG
Geoforensic International Network (GIN) with a display of the GIN map. 1n 2022,
three main trainings was organized including the one in University Federico II of
Naples in Italy, in Police Scotland and in Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
150 forensic geologists, archaeologist, anthropologists and medical and legal experts
from ten countries focused on the search for missing persons and homicide graves,in conjunction with victim’s relatives in Colombia. Numerous knowledge exchange,
capacity building and teaching have been carried out in universities, research
institutes and professional societies.
A series of outreaching activites, seminars, workshops and conferences have beenorganized as well including soil discriminating and geolocation tracing in China andforensic geology at Japan Geoscience Union, etc. IFG has been providing operational
support for police and law enforcement.
A special project :Crimes in Minerals, Mining and Metals Industry has been initiated.
LD was invited to Brazil to collaborate with INTERPOL, UNODC and Attorney
General’s lab to work on the Clean Gold Program. LD elaborated on close
collaboration with INTERPOL, Colombia National Police, United Nations Office on
Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and European Commission,. A special project on conflictminerals is undergoing along with a huge demand increase due to their use intechnology (phones, laptops, and medical equipment). Special projects on basemetals, battery minerals, and industrial minerals were metioned as well. IFG has
succeeded in increasing and improving IUGS global visibility and international
exposure.
The IFG bank account remained in Aberdeen, Scotland, managed by the IFG
treasurer and verified by the IFG chair and IFG Committee. At the 77th IUGS EC
Meeting held on 16-18 March, 2022, IFG was allocated a budget of USD 9500. The
remaining 2022 budget spend into 2023 is £14,443.16 and residual sum of £443.16 isplanned. IFG request to roll forward the projected balance to support the forensic
geology programme for 2023.

7. New Commission on Geoethics
Silvia Peppoloni (SP) informed the path towards the IUGS-CG. A letter from SF was
received on 20 April 2022, inviting SP (IAPG Secretary General) to draft a proposal tocreate an IUGS Commission on Geoethics. On 25 July 2022, SP accepted theinvitation and submitted a first draft of the proposal. SP and Giuseppe Di Capua (GC)
(IAPG Treasurer) attended the online IUGS EC Meeting and presented the proposal
on 5 October 2022. On 12 January 2023, SP submitted the Statutes and the Plan of
Activity 2023 of the IUGS-CG, requesting for comments and suggestions. Feedbacks
have been invluded in both the final versions.
The new commission is established on the foundations of International Association
for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG), which is founded in 2012 and became affiliated to
IUGS in 2013. IAPG provides a multidisciplinary, scientific platform for widening thediscussion and creating awareness about problems of Geoethics and Ethics applied
to the Geosciences. The great development of geoethics in the last 11 years is
testified by numerous important scientific books, events, initiatives, sessions, mainlyorganized by the IAPG in cooperation with other geoscience organizations.
SP introduced the IUGS-CG Statute, informing that CG is active from 1 January 2023.
CG is the supporting branch of IAPG to the IUGS and the IUGS body that officiallydeals with geoethics and social geosciences for the Union. The IUGS guarantees
organizational and operational autonomy to CG. CG is composed of experts of the
IAPG appointed to coordinate long-tem international cooperative activities on
geoethics and social geosciences, and promote public awareness of the ethical andsocial implications of geoscience knowledge, research, practice, education, andcommunication.
CG focuses on ethical issues, values, approaches, initiatives within the IUGS
community in order to develop a more just, equitable, and inclusive working
environment in IUGS, carry out activities for increasing the awareness of the ethicaland social implications of geoscience knowledge and practice, promote the adoptionof geoethical principles and values, foster a geoethical perspective in practicing andapplying geosciences, make geoethics an essential point of reference for any action
on land, suboil, waters, and atmosphere usage that stakeholders and decision-makers have to take into proper account while interacting with the Earth system,and to enhance multidisciplinary approaches in dealing with local and global
anthropogenic changes by creating opportunities for cooperation between
geosciences and the humanities.
The core businesses of CG are: drafting and updating ethical guidelines for the IUGS,
supporting the IUGS regarding questions such as unprofessional conduct,
misconduct, harassment, retaliation, racism, sexism, conflicts of interest, reducing
the gender gap and increasing diversity, cooperating with IUGS bodies to focus on

geoethical issues, contributing to IUGS events or any other scientific or public events,
supporting the IUGS in developing activities at the geoscience-policy interface anddelicate issues related to geoscience-society interaction, promoting the adoption of
the Geoethical Promise within universities and geoscience organizations, organing
events that address ethical and social implications of geosciences, training on
geoethics, professional ethics, data ethics, and publication ethics, networking withgeoscience and humanities organizations to create opportunities for bridging
geosciences and human and social sciences, fostering opportunities to increase theimpact of IUGS in Latin American and African countries, supporting IUGS in enlarging
its network and preparing an anuual report.
SP then introduced the governing body of IUGS-CG. And the CG Secretariat is hosted
in the head office of IAPG at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia(National Institute of Geophysics and Vocanology), Via di Vigna Murata 605, 00143
Rome, Italy. The minimum duration of CG is 8 years. CG is funded by IUGS annually
and CG will manage its funds through the bank account of IAPG. IAPG will support GC
in managing its financial income and expenses.
Planned activities in 2023 are as follows: Creation of the CG logo, Creation of the CG
webpages, opening of social media pages, promotion of CG inside and outside the
IUGS community, Creation of Task Groups, including TG IUGS Ethical Guidelines, TG
supporting IUGS in internal disputes and TG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, andparticipation in IUGS meetings, congresses, conferences, webinars or any otherscientific or public events.
8. IUGS Joint Programs
8.a. International Lithosphere Programme (ILP)
Hans Thybo (HT) introduced the background of ILP. ILP covers all continents and has
operated 80 programs since 1980s. Each ILP program involves 50 to 1000 scientists.
ILP is a bottom-up organization. HT listed members of ILP Bureau and ILP Advisory
Board.
HT mentioned that ILP research themes include: Geoscience of Global Change,
Contemporary Dynamics and Deep Processes, Continental Lithosphere and Oceanic
Lithosphere. Task forces and coordinating committees are the core of ILP and theirduration is 5 years. New programs are approved by the ILP Bureau after open calls.
HT introduced the ILP Evgueni Burov Medal, which is a medal for praiseworthy
mid-career achievements in honor of Evgueni Burov - an enthusiastic researcher,scientist, teacher and contributor to ILP. In 2022, the Medal was awarded to Dr. Jun
Korenaga from Yale University, United States.

HT introduced that ILP Flinn-Hart Award has since 1991 been presented annually toan outstanding young scientist for contributions to the solid earth sciences covered
by ILP. It consists of a travel grant and a citation, and aims to encourage theparticipation of promising young scientists in the program. In 2022, Flinn-Hart Award
was awarded to Dr. Pietro Sternai from University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy.
HT presented 2023 work plan of ILP as follows: Provide support to the new Task Forces/Coordinating Committees.
 Presence at the IUGG General assembly in Berlin 2023.
 Several sessions with TF and CC contributions at EGU-23 in Vienna and at AGU
2023 in San Francisco.
 Several workshops of individual task forces are planned.
 ILP Business meeting and meeting of the bureau during EGU annual meeting in
Vienna, April 2023.
 Meeting between the ILP officers and the advisory Board.
 Strategic discussion of the ILP role in the scientific community.
 An ILP townhouse meeting and a dedicated ILP session at AGU 2023.
 Award the E. Burov medal and Flinn-Hart award with lectures at EGU 2023.
 Strengthen connection to industry through the most relevant projects.
 Expand the national membership, e.g., with dedicated approach to Africancountries and Australia.
 Seeking new support from national science foundations and industry.
HT pointed out that ILP applies for a contribution from IUGS of 15,000 USD for 2023.
8.b. UNESCO - IGCPÖzlem Adiyaman (OA) introduced that UNESCO promotes the significance of geology
and geophysics to deliever the UN2030 agenda in collaboration with IUGS and plays
an important role in supporting collaborative research in earth sciences, supporting
capacity building.
OA introduced the new composition of IGCP Council, including Dr. Jonathan Craig,
Prof. YoungHee Kim (newly elected in 2022), Dr. Gloria Prieto (newly elected in 2022),
Dr. Mohamed Jalludin and Dr. Hassina Mouri.
OA introduced that there are totally 60 active IGCP projects with 4,400 project
participants from 133 countries. 45% of participants are from developing nations and
40% of project leaders are female. 40.1% of the participants are from Europe andNorth America, 31.4% from Asia-Pacific Region, 11.7% from Latin, America andCaribbean, 10.1% from Africa and 6.57% from Arab. OA introduced that in 2022,
there are 59 African project leaders from 30 participating countries and 47.5%
African project leaders are female.

OA reviewed key capacity-building activities, including ReSToRE 2 (Researching Social
Theories, Resources and Environment) International Summer School held on July 4-8,2022 and the First International Geodiversity Day celebrated on October 6th eachyear.
OA reviewed several events jointly held by UNESCO and IUGS for the IUGS 60th
Anniversary, including IUGS: Celebrating Women in Geoscience, IUGS Energy
Transition Series, Earth Futures Festivals and IUGS Geoheritage Sites. OA presented
the book Geoscience in Action: Advancing Sustainable Development, which is jointly
published by UNESCO and American Geophysical Union (AGU).
OA reported that for 2023, IGCP requires appx. 350,000 USD funding, including
250,000 USD from UNESCO and appx. 100,000 USD from IUGS.
OA introduced a survey to be launched in 2023: Fostering Researchers in the
Geosciences: FoRGe, which is a supporting education activity in Africa.
OA pointed out that in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the IGCP, UNESCO andIUGS will hold a conference titled “Healing the Earth: UNESCO and Earth sciences past, present and future” on March 16th, 2023. The Conference will showcase IGCP’s
achievements, impact and current status.
8.c. DDE
JM introduced that a global launch of DDE was jointly held by UNESCO, IUGS, IYBSSD
and DDE on November 2022 at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France. The
organization of DDE Open Science Forum enabled positive relations with UNESCO,with DDE viewed as a key partner in the implementation of UNESCO Open Science
Recommendation and a DDE-UNESCO MOU has been drafted and is currently underdiscussion.
JM mentioned several follow-up activities, such as establishing new RCEs (DRC, USA),
partnership projects (World Bank) and events activities (GSA, EGU etc.) are foreseen
for development and implementation in 2023.
JM reviewed a meeting co-organized by DDE, IUGS and CGMW at the Maison de laGeologie, Paris, France on November 7th, 2022. More than 50 attending in person
and more online. Presentations and discussions are conducted under three main
themes: deep-time, applied geosciences and standards and processes. The meeting
included a discussion on the role of DDE and geosciences applications, such asenergy transition.
JM reviewed face-to-face meetings of DDE GC, EC and SC on November 8th, 2022 andseveral important decisions were made at the meeting, including that the GC
decided against obligatory financial subscriptions and invited Members to choosethe nature and kind of contributions they wished to promote DDE’s development. SC
evaluated 11 proposals for financing under a 2022 Seed Grand Fund established by
DDE Secretariat. SC recommended 4 projects for funding for the period 2023-2025
and this was approved by DDE EC on December 19-20th, 2022. SC recommended
financial support for 3 ongoing projects for the period 2022-2024 and this wasapproved by DDE EC on December 19-20th, 2022.
JM mentioned that Prof. Joanna Dudzinska-Nowak (co-leader of the MargSeas TG)
explains mission and workplan of DDE Margseas TG at the 4th Baltic Earth Conference,
Topical Session “Comparing marginal seas”.
JM pointed out that DDE Platform (www.deep-time.org) was launched at the GC
session organized at UNESCO Headquarter in Paris on November 8th, 2022 and is
now open to all interested users. The DDE Cloud on which the Platform is based is
the result of more than 100 international scientists working together over 3 years.
JM mentioned that Geological Surveys of Zimbabwe (first in Africa) and Colombia
became DDE Members and Argentina and Iran have indicated interest. Discussions
between DDE and World Bank to launch a Map of Africa Project has been started
and are continuing. Two post-doctoral fellows have been recruited to work with
DDE/RCE in Suzhou, China.
JM presented 2023 plan of DDE, including: Support one major event comparable to the 2022 DDE Open Science Forum.
 Showcase DDE progress and achievements at the GSA gathering in Pittsburgh,
PA, USA in October 2023.
 Other events that could be supported by DDE, particularly in collaboration with
UNESCO and other UN/multilateral organizations are under consideration.
 DDE will be represented at the IPTC Conference in Bangkok, Thailand on March
1-3, 2023.
 Special efforts will be made for more cooperation with Africa.
 DDE will convene a Townhall Meeting during the EGU session in April 2023 inAustria. DDE will launch the “World Cup” Competition at the EGU Townhall
meeting.
 DDE Scholar Group will aim to identify the 10 most important research topics ingeosciences.
 DDE communicated with IGC to set DDE as Theme (T)37 of 37th IGC and willcontinue to explore more DDE activities at the 37th IGC.
9. 37th IGC in 2024 (Busan)
Daekyo Cheong (DC), Chairman of the Organizing Committee for IGC 2024, briefed
on the general information of the IGC 2024 at Busan BEXCO (Aug. 25-31, 2024)

with more than 8000 participants from 120 countries. The theme ofis “The Great Travelers: Voyages to the Unifying Earth”.

the IGC 2024

The Organizing Committee hosted the plenary meeting on July 2, 2021, during which
additional committee members were appointed and roles &responsibilities of
sub-committees were presented along with site-visitis to BEXCO and Busan Cinema
Center.
DC has participated in the Fall Meeting of Geological Sociery of Korera 2022 on
October 26-28 in Jeju Korea and AGU Fall Meeting as a virtual exhibitor for thepromotion of the IGC 2024. DC then displayed the pleliminary masterplan outlined
for the IGC 2024 and Theme and Technical Sessions. The Scientific Program
Committee is chaired by Roland Oberhaensli, composed of the International
Scientific Committee and Advisory Board.
IGC 2024 Field Trips in South Korea includes 28 routes in total, 11 for geology, 6 forgeohazards, and 11 for geoparks. Field trips in neighboring countries are being
prepared. Detailed information will be fully prepared and uploaded on website until
the first half of 2023.
A special Geo Film Festival will be organized, providing locals and visitors with films
related to geoscience during the Busan International Film Festival. A volume of
conversation and interactions, especially through social media platforms, havealready taken place between the members of the Organizing Committee andthousands of prospective delegates. The 37th IGC has made use of three main social
media platforms: Facebook and YouTube, as well as a blog on the website to keep
delegates abreast of preparations for this ‘Olympics of Geology’.
Exactly 20 local organizations have cooperated with the LOC for the successful IGC
2024. Weather conditions in August of Busan is perfect for tranvelers to visit. Busan,a city for gourmets, is known for its diverse food with a lot of history and tradition.
BEXCO, convention center, boasts 46,500 m2 of exhibition hall, and 50 meetingrooms.
At last, DC informed session proposals from IUGS constituent groups and affiliatedorganizations were still welcome until the end of March, 2023.
10. Reports from IUGS Adhering Organizations
D. M. Banerjee (DB) on behalf of the Indian INSA Committee for IUGS &INQUA madea report. INSA-IUGS National Committee became actively involved in organizing the
Virtual Session of 36th IGC in March, 2022 as approved by the President andSecretary General of IUGS. DB with office support of the 36th IGC Organizing
Committee under the administrative control of the Geological Survey of India took

charge of the organization of the virtual congress. A new website Vitrual 36th
IGC.nic.in was launched where all downloadable publications are made available.
The Virtual Congress was formally inaugurated in Delhi at the FICCI Auditorium in thephysical presence and online appearance of several Indian officials. E-copy of about
6000 abstracts orginally submitted for the Congress scheduled to be held in March
2020 were made available on the Virtual 36th IGC website for free dowanload. Sixty
five field guide books which were prepared for various field excursions were printed
as hard copy, formally released for free download. 774 pages of Indian Report to
IUGS with 50 scientific articles and 10 institutional reports were accomplished. Two
postage stamps commemorating the Virtual 36th IGC were released on the occasion
by the Post Master General.
DB elaborated on the detailed program of the virual congress on 20-22 March, 2022.
At the end of the program, the IGC Presidential Cup was virtually transferred toSouth Korean team, led by Weon-Seo Kee, President of the Geological Society of
Korea. Besides, Pyeong-Koo Lee, President of Korea Institute of Geoscience andMineral Resources and Heong-Joon Park, Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City
delivered a speech at the handover ceremony.
11. European Federation of Geologists
Marko Komac (MK), as the President of the EFG, informed that EFG represents theprofessional geoscience associations of Europe, promotes excellence in applicationof geoscience across the continent and creates public awareness of geoscience’s
importance to European socity. 28 Euripean national associations are the European
members of EFG.
EFG aims to promote professionalism in geology, enable international recognition ofexpertise and mobility, and offer standing and credibility at European Level inlicenced sectors. Activities including International Mentoring Programme, andnewly-launched Coaching scheme for career and personal challenges have beenorganized. Training focused on energy transition and geoscience impact will comesoon. By virtue of its network, EFG has participated in the global community andmaintained international networks.
EFG operates in areas, directly related to IUGS objectives: enhancing international
professional &ethical standards, supporting the research in the field of geosciences
and teaching the underpins it, raising public awareness of the importance ofgeoscience to society.
Strategic efforts have been made to strengthen collaboration with global geoscience‘peak councils’, prime movers in sustainability and foreign affairs and environmental
thin-tanks. MK elaborated on the communication and outreach of EFG by virtue of
the EFG website, European Geologist Journal, EFGeoBlogs, webinars, GeoNews

monthly and EFGeoWeek newsletters, EuroWorkshops, photo contest “Legends ofGeoscience” and instant social media communication @efginfo.
MK then briefed the participants on EFG’s projects, with more than 20 EU-funded
research and innovation projects be delivered in last decade. Currently EFG isparticipating in 7 active projects across the EU’s Horizon and EIT programmes withwide range of consortium partners. Expert Panels of EFG are responsible forproviding independent reliable information on geoscience technical topics.
The big objectives of EFG are as follows: Creation of secure quality jobs that can
respond to society’s needs; Secure sufficient awareness of geology and supply of
new professionals; Support evident opportunities where we can contribute topositive change.
The near future activities are as follows: Applying for new projects; Reach-out toEuropean Regional Offices in Brussels; Enlargement of NA&Associated and Observing
members; Organization of 4 events with EAGE; Global Geoscience Professionalism
Group (GGPG) new EFG representative; Representation in UNECE Sustainable Energy
Division expert groups. MK explained why EFG exists: EFG represents a European
voice for profession, demonstrating and sharing expertise.
MK recommended INTRAW (International Raw Materials Observatory), a non-profit
international association which supports worldwide cooperation on mineral raw
materials’(RM) research and innovation, education and outreach, industry and tradeand recycling, management and substitution of strategic raw materials. The common
interest between IUGS and INTRAE lies in: Raising awareness among public onsustainable RM exploration, extraction and use; Supporting proper policy-decisions
related to RM; World Barometer; Commodity Economic Information System; Special
session on RM challenges at IGC Busan; Promotion in IUGS posts/publications.
12. Other groups: Geological Society of Kenya and plans for 2024 IUGS EC Meeting
Chrysanthus Gicheruh (CG), President of Geological Society of Kenya, introduced GSK,
aiming to advance geosciences, study of the earch sciences and interests ofgeoscience professionals and practitioners in Kenya and beyond. GSK is a non-profit
making NGO established to cater for needs of geologists in Kenya and encouragegeo-scientific education, collablration & cooperation in Kenya, across African
continent and the world at large. GSK Fundings are mainly from individuals andcorporate membership. GSK was mooted in 1972 by indigenous Kenyan geologists
and officially established on August 18, 1973 at Madini Hse, Mines & Geology
Department.
CG introduced the four GSK committees, including the Governing Council Committee,
Professional Committee, Programs Committee, and Advisory Committee, andStanding Subcommittees. GSK currently has about 1500 geologists. Interested
persons or institutions can initiate application to join GSK by making an application
through online membership system on GSK website www.gsk.or.ke. Membershipcategories to be approved by GC are as follows: FGSK Awards, Professional
Membership, Graduate Membership, Associate Membership, Technician
Membership, Student Membership, Visiting Members, Firm Membership, andInstitutional Membership. Benefits of membership are including: To attend general
meetings of GSK and participate in GSK activities; Professional Members, Granduate
Members and Corporate Members are eligible to vote at AGM and other meetingscalled by GC; Participation in conferences and seminars, welfare contributions,journals and publications, and tournaments. CG elaborated on the GSK events,
including the GSK celebrating 40 years anniversary and 11th Conference of GSK, and
GSK GC at the 47th AGM.
CG introduced some of the geological resources in Kenya, such as groundwater,
geothermal, industrial minerals, oil&gas&coal, and precious stones. The future
opportunities and partnerships lie in geo-science for socio-economic development,
research & education, natural resources mapping, geo-hazard mapping, disater
management & mitigation, policy formulation, resource mobilization, internationalboundary resolutions & conflict management &geology diplomacy, legal andadministrative
considerations,consultancy,
infrastructuredevelopment,
conservation, dissemination of results/advocacy/action planning, and concensus
building on critical prority issues. GSK wlcomes individuals and institutions interested
in membership and opportunities for partnership and collaboration to further
geological advancement in Kenya and the world.
JL informed that the 79th IUGS EC Meeting will be held in Kenya. Besides, JL
expressed IUGS’s wish to hold a workshop in Kenya with around 100-200 participants
during the next Executive Committee’s performance of duties.
EC77Act_02: JL to set up a committee that evolves African representatives with thecollaborative efforts from GSK for the future workshop in Africa.
13. Discussion: Future of Geosciences; Future of IUGS
Ana Maria Alonso Zarza (AZ), representative of the Instituto Geológico y Minero deEspaña (IGME) pointed out that more funding options should be provided for those
who wanted to join in the geoscience field from a scratch. Secondly, the hot topic ofCarbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) originated from the oil industry.
Geoscience is so powerful and critical to enable our geologists to actively participate
in finding solutions for climate change and change the perception of geoscience.
Geoscience students should be given more diversified knowledge and flexibility sothat they can be more adaptative to different industries.

SF informed that the situation in California is totoally different. Students in California
State University have been getting tremendous support from all aspects. He cited hisson, a young hydro geologist as an example to testify that the young people are
well-trained in these kinds of tools. He emphasized the issue of energy transition
accompanied by a problem. Vast areas of desert in California are being covered withsolar panels, which can be regarded as another type of environmental destruction.
Geologists need to use their knowledge to help guide the transition to avoid similar
disorganized actitivities that are happening.
JM emphasized that geoscientists need to be seen as part of the solution. She
brought up the question how do we make sure that examples around the world thatare good practice can make more awareness in other countries. JM held that thetransition was going to be difficult, in the end driven by industry with help fromgovernment and maybe help from international organizations like IUGS. As aninternational organization, all we can do is communication because of insufficient
funds.
Harvey Thorleifson (HT), Chair of the Commission on the Management & Applicationof Geoscience Information, stated that you have to start by asking six questions
when you think anout the future. The six questions are who, what, when, where,
why and how. When is something that we address in planning out activities. Whereis something that we address in our activities. The why in geoscience is very obvious.
The why in geoscience is energy, minerals, water, hazard, engineering, climatechange and etc. HT emphasized the most important question is the who. Who are
we? What are our goals? What is the state that we want to achieve ten years fromnow on? What resources do we have? Then you could think about how shall we
deploy our resources to maximize progress towards our goals in order to achieve theultimate aim, which is quality of life, along with biodiversity preservation andlandscape preservation. How do you measure progress toward those goals andothers? How do you measure success in terms of who are we? HT cited an instancethat he organized a two day workshop to asset the state of sectors of earth sciencein Canada when he was the President of the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences.
This geoscience summit was a mirror set up so that geoscientists of Canada could
look at themselves and assess their state.
Natarajan Ishwaran (NI) added that geological data is fundamental for politicians,
policy makers and others to understand and justify their own positions about what
transition means. Transition could not be too quick. IUGS, based on data andexpertise, could play a major role in changing the current global energy transition
dominated by environmentalists. NI held that the transition has to come down to arealistic level of discussion between governments.
JL informed that IUGS has worked together with AGU and EGU to participate in COP
this year. The challenge lies in how to make a presentation that really addresses theproblem of energy transition. IUGS, though as a sixty years old organization that was
created to provide standards to build a geology of globe, has not got geophysics
inside. For instance, IUGS cannot solve any geological problems about geology,
geophysics, sociology and and economics.
SF stated that IUGS had long been a bottom-up organization, having the geoheritage
thing that was captured the world’s imagination insights. ICS has been going on foryears to develop this incredible time scale. If you want to do anything, look at thehistory of geology, it's a group of people that come together because they have thisdesire initiative. The strength of IUGS lies in that there is power in that people whohave come together and done incredible things. Unless you have a group of people
coming from the bottom up wanting to push something, can the geophysics groupbe established.
JL agreed that IUGS could not rely on establishment of the geophysics group. IUGS
should cope with IUGG and some other unions, like the International Science Council,
trying to get a group of geounions together to have a position on the energy
transition.
LD added most geologist would be rather being a member of the international public
intelligence or association or enterprise association and that's the group IUGS needs
to increase visibility.
JL proposed that any industrial union for geoscience be created, which has a voice
and underneath the union the commissions could be kept with a better visibility.
David Harper (DH) added the sort of core mission of IUGS is communication andmaking sure that the international community is aware of the standards, of using
standards and these standards come from IUGS. One way which we work out very
hard is to built capacity and get more and more people involved in our
subcommissions globally and get more and more people involved in the working
groups globally. In that way, ICS get the message out to community right across theworld because they are dealing with all sorts of people in many different contries
when they are setting up these stratatypes. The second thing is through societies,
journals, episodes and social media.
QC emphasized that IUGS is a union consisting of affiliated organizations andnational committees, rather than an association consisting of individual scientists.
IUGS could do more to motivate and encourage these organizations to work
together. When QC was the President, he initiated DDE, the big science program, tofacilitate and promote interactions among these organizations. DDE starts with 12
members including 6 geological surveys, such as Canada, China, U.K., Russia andRepublic of Korea, and six international associations. Because the International

Science Council has merged the natural science and social science together, IUGS
should take the opportunity to cooperate with other unions.
Demetriades Alecos (DA) pointed out the problem was how do we motivate all thesepeople and have more energetic national committees. IUGS should have closer
collaboration with EFG and carry out outreach activities to schools, universities, andsocieties.
Courtney Jermyn (CJ), Executive Director of Earth Science Matters Foundation,
informed a four-day speaker series which brought a whole bunch of international
people together to solve the challenge, that is, to help fill the gaps and diversify
energy transition. She hoped the next IGC could bring different associations andpeople together at the event for a specific challenge.
14. Close of the Open Session
JL thanked all the participants for the open session and apologized to the externalaudience for all the technical difficulties during the two days.

ACTION LIST
Item
EC78Act_01

EC78Act_02

Description
Yamirka Rojas-Agramonte (YR) to contact inactive
members in Central and Southern America to encouragethem to reactivate their membership.
JL to set up a committee that evolves African
representatives with the collaborative efforts from GSK
for the future workshop in Africa.

Status