NORTH-SOUTH COOPERATION IN GEOLOGICAL SCIENCE - WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE21ST-CENTURY

The present status of the geological sciences in developed countries i n the 'north' and the less-developed countries of the 'south' is discu ssed in the context of national geological surveys, universities and t he mining sector: Analysis shows that present 'north-south' cooperatio n practises have, with very few exceptions, failed and have done much more harm than good. Multi-lateral cooperation through IUGS supported projects has perhaps been the most successful. It is clear that both t he 'south' and the 'north' should seriously review their strategies an d agendas, both transparent and hidden, if cooperation and aid program mes are to have any positive impact. Failure to solve problems such as poverty, under development, population growth, environmental degradat ion etc., in the 'south' will no doubt have global consequences in the foreseeable future from which neither the 'south' nor the 'north' wil l be able to escape.