The World Community of Geological Surveys in support of global economic recovery
On June 29 the first conference of the new born World Community of Geological Surveys (WCOGS) was held, which saw the presence of over 100 participants from 20 National Geological Surveys all over the world.
The theme of the meeting was the discussion of how geological surveys can support the post-COVID economic recovery. Governments around the world are presently preoccupied with protecting their populations against the joint catastrophes of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic slowdown. National budgets are under pressure as never before, while governments support the people and businesses affected by this crisis, the growing demand for energy and raw materials is getting stronger, all that adds the constant need to continue to cope with climate change. The world is experiencing profound changes that will resonate for many years. through the revitalization of the economy through the control of measures of resilience to global environments, to safeguard resources and mitigation of natural risks.
The forum has provided an opportunity for Geological Surveys to learn from each other about how they can support their national governments in economic recovery. through the revitalization of the economy, through the control of measures of resilience to global environments, to safeguard resources and mitigation of natural risks.
Daniel Lebel, the Director General of the Geological Survey of Canada underlines: “There are many pressing, global issues, such as COVID-19, which require communication and collaboration amongst geological survey organizations”. The need for a common strategy is also highlighted by the Director of the Geological Survey of Netherland, Tirza van Daalen: We strongly believe in the strength of the EU and the fact that post-COVID recovery should solved as an EU issue and not only as a Dutch one”.
