Thursday, January 17, 2019




Geoethics at the HEGC-1

Katmandu (Nepal), 12-13 May 2019


HEGC-1 - First Himalayan Engineering Geological Congress

IAPG Special Session:
Geoethics in Engineering Geology: doing the right thing while managing the geological environment


Ranjan Kumar Dahal
Convener:
Ranjan Kumar Dahal (IAPG-Nepal co-coordinator).

Description of the IAPG Special Session:
IAEG defines “Engineering Geology” as “the science devoted to the investigation, study and solution of the engineering and environmental problems which may arise as the result of the interaction between geology and the works and activities of man as well as to the prediction and of the development of measures for prevention or remediation of geological hazards”. This definition implies evident ethical and social implications in geo-engineering research and practice. In fact, the interaction man-Earth system produces surely modifications in natural dynamics and equilibria, so managing the natural/geological environment requires great responsibilities by scientists, practitioners and industry in order to minimize the impact on ecosystems, to use geo-resources prudently, to protect the geoheritage and geodiversity, to respect local populations and their cultures. In addition, engineering geology is a fundamental discipline to help society to face natural hazards, to reduce geo-risks and to improve the societal resilience, through accurate scientific studies and effective geoengineering design. Geo-education campaigns and communication to population should be considered as fundamental collateral activities and a real social duty of every scientific activity. This session will collect abstracts discussing ethical and social aspects in engineering geology, from theoretical to practical issues, including case-studies.

Website:
https://nseg.org.np/hegc-i/iapg-special-session/



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IAPG - International Association for Promoting Geoethics: 
http://www.geoethics.org