The best way to do this is to accept amateurs, at least serious ones, as members of the societies. In addition, societies might award outstanding contributions by amateurs. A certain standard of scientific caliber may be needed in some societies, however, to maintain the quality of membership. Paleontological societies should play an influential role in the regulation of fossil collecting on a regional, national, and international basis. Regulation is an issue in many countries and is of direct to concern to the paleontological community.
Fossil sites are a resource belonging to all inhabitants of earth.
They are our main source of basic information and need to be protected as long as possible. Lists and information on endangered fossil localities need to be provided to decision-makers. In particular, societies must take an active role in communicating to politicians the importance of stewardship of fossil sites for future generations. Societies should, continue their traditional activities of organizing meetings and publishing journals and monographs in addition to exploiting electronic communications to maximum effect. Indeed, the publication of monographs is becoming increasingly difficult as the costs of production rise and the sources of income dwindle, and societies may well be the only remaining hope for publication of specialized works.