INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL SCIENCE COOPERATION - THE ROLE OF IUG

Within the earth sciences, governmental and non-governmental structure s support international scientific activities. The aim of the Internat ional Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) which has over 100 member co untries, includes the encouragement of research on geological problems of fundamental or applied character and the promotion of internationa l interdisciplinary cooperation in geology and related sciences. The I UGS does not perform research, but rather promotes the realisation of activities that otherwise might be impossible or very difficult to org anise without an international catalyst. Scientific activities of the IUGS are carried out by its 12 commissions, by international committee s or by affiliated organisations-today more than 30-which are autonomo us international associations or societies. These numerous scientific bodies constitute a network of tens of thousands of geologists around the world. The main role of IUGS is coordination of activities to mini mise duplication of effort and to promote joint ventures so that resou rces and responsibilities are shared.