The work of that Group is now being recognised and quoted, and reference to the approach to environmental monitoring developed under the Working Group has begun to appear in the non-geological literature. The Commission decided that the Working Group on Geoindicators had essentially completed its objectives, however there was a need for a continuing effort to assist promotion and implementation of the concepts developed. In September 1999 the Commission asked Tony Berger the Chairman of the former Working Group, to be the Director of a new Geoindicator Initiative, to move on from the Working Group's outcomes to the next phase of activity. The main task of the Director of the Geoindicator Initiative is to promote the application of the concept, implement strategies for revision and updating of documentation as required, and to develop links to sustainable development. In August 2000 Jonas Satkunas was appointed Director of the Geoindicator Initiative, and former Director Tony Berger was appointed a Special Adviser to the Geoindicator Initiative.
Any natural ecosystem is the product of the interaction of geology and climate over time.
Geoscience can add considerably to the understanding of the basic controls on different types of ecosystems and such understanding has the potential to lead to improved sustainable management strategies. This will require close interaction between geoscientists, ecologists, and associates ecosystem scientific disciplines. If you are interested in being involved with this important development please contact the Working Group Chairman.