BGS international activities

Abstract

Through working in over 100 countries during the last 45 years the British Geological Survey (BGS) has become a leading international provider of applied geoscience services. We undertake an extensive programme of international research, surveying and monitoring, including major institutional strengthening and capacity building programmes throughout the developing world and especially in Africa. The programme is managed by BGS International under a team of experienced managers who draw on specialists from across the organisation to undertake multidisciplinary, mainly commercial contracts. In addition, we have well-established links with independent experts, commercial consultants, universities and private sector organisations that can provide relevant expertise not available in-house. We have worked for many of the principal international development agencies including the Department for International Development (DFID), the European Union, and the World Bank; as well as national governments such as Hong Kong, Botswana and the United Arab Emirates. Our international activities are mainly directed toward development issues such as sustainable resource development, protection of people and the natural environment, quality of life and poverty alleviation. Many of these have been long-term residential projects involving working closely with governmental counterpart organisations through capacity building and institutional strengthening. We have assisted governments in formulating and undertaking their national geoscientific mapping programmes and the development of ‘fit-for-purpose’ multi-disciplinary geoscience policy. Our depth of experience has produced an unrivalled understanding of the scientific, logistic, managerial and cultural requirements necessary for the successful design, management and implementation of multidisciplinary geothematic projects. Ongoing international work includes projects in Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, the UAE, Ethiopia, China, the Falkland Islands, Malawi and Tanzania. The latter builds on our long history of international geological mapping and the related transfer of knowledge and skills in developing countries and was undertaken under the BGS Geoschool initiative. This magazine includes examples of recent and current projects, including the Tanzania Geoschool (page 19), that we hope you will find interesting and welcome your enquiries