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IUGG - UNESCO Relations, 1991-1994

R.D. Adams

International Seismological Centre
Newbury, UK

UNESCO, as one of the main UN agencies responsible for science, has always relied heavily on advice in relevant fields from non-governmental bodies such as IUGG, and is keen to continue and expand such contacts where possible within the limitations imposed by budgetary considerations. It must be borne in mind that UNESCO is not itself a funding agency to provide equipment or to undertake major operational programmes. Its role is to coordinate, to help in planning, and in some cases to help other organisations and governments to prepare their proposals to major funding agencies (such as UNDP) or suitable donor countries.

Much of UNESCO's contribution to IUGG is routed through a general subvention to ICSU, for direct support of IUGG for help in administration and for the allocations to Associations. In addition, it is keen to assist in training programmes, through workshops, seminars and publications, and there has thus grown up the practice of direct contracts between appropriate Divisions of the Science Sector of UNESCO and relevant Associations of IUGG to undertake specific tasks or support specific activities, often through joint working groups between UNESCO and the appropriate IUGG Association or Commission.

Three UNESCO Divisions have close relations with IUGG bodies. The Division of Earth Sciences in particular has had strong links with IASPEI and IAVCEI, while the Division of Water Sciences works very closely with IAHS and also the Hydrology and Water Resources Department of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) has particularly strong links with the IUGG Tsunami Commission and also with IAPSO. Within some Divisions there are also international programmes relating to specific topics. The International Geological Correlation Programme (IGCP) has been very active in the Division of Earth Sciences, mainly in collaboration with the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and the International Lithosphere Programme (ILP), but is now more aware of possible involvement with geophysical activities. The International Hydrological Programme (IHP) provides a further active link between IAHS and UNESCO's Division of Water Sciences. On appropriate occasions, UNESCO's Regional Offices have supported geophysical activities in their areas.

Relations between UNESCO and IUGG and its constituent bodies may be summarised as follows:

Union

There appears to be no direct contact between UNESCO and the Union, but general support is channelled through ICSU.

IAG

Up to now there has effectively been no collaboration. The Division of Earth Sciences is now prepared to look favourably on providing some support for activities related to geodetic monitoring of seismological and volcanic hazards, particularly in developing countries.

IASPEI

Good collaboration with the Division of Earth Sciences has existed for many years, although the level of financial support in recent years has not been as great as previously. UNESCO supported IASPEI activities at the 1991 Assembly ($10,000) and has also supported meetings of the IASPEI Committee for Developing Countries in 1992 ($5,000) and the publication in 1993 of a Monograph on Hazard Assessment ($5,000). Some support for the Regional Seismological Assembly in South America in 1994 was given directly to South American organisations.

IAVCEI

The Division of Earth Sciences is helping IAVCEI with the production of a volume on Volcano Monitoring and Hazards, and also of a video on volcanic hazards. There may also be some support for the IAVCEI Decade Volcanoes Project.

IAGA

IAGA's activities have been difficult to relate to specific UNESCO interests, but especially in developing countries there has often been a link between geomagnetic and seismological recording. Geomagnetism now plays an increasing role in the history of tectonic development, and also in the monitoring of physical changes that may be associated with volcanic and seismological activity. The Division of Earth Sciences is hopeful of being able to provide some support for relevant IAGA activities at the Boulder Assembly.

IAMAS

The main contact between IAMAS and UN agencies is with WMO, and there appears to have been no direct collaboration with UNESCO. There are, however, joint interests with the Division of Water Sciences and IOC, particularly in relation to joint programmes on global fluid dynamics.

IAHS

This Association has strong active links with the Division of Water Sciences, and with its International Hydrological Programme. These bodies share many officers in common, and among other activities organise a bi-annual colloquium in honour of Professor George Kovacs, a former IAHS President. There are many joint UNESCO/IAHS publications. The Hydrology and Water Resources Department of WMO is also closely involved in these activities.

IAPSO

IOC has sponsored some IAPSO activities, particularly those involving developing countries.

Tsunami Commission

There appears to be a good relationship between IOC and the Tsunami Commission, with much collaboration, particularly in the Tsunami Inundation Modelling Exchange Programme, based in Japan.

SEDI

The Division of Earth Sciences has strongly supported the International Seismological Observing Period (ISOP) component of SEDI, particularly in sponsoring a workshop in Hong Kong in 1993.

It is thus evident that there already exist some strong links between UNESCO and IUGG. In some disciplines this collaboration is very full, but in others it could be strengthened. The constituent groups of IUGG are urged to continue to liaise with their counterpart Divisions of UNESCO.

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