ALEXANDRIA, VA As the first U.S. organization to become a founding partner of the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) initiative, the American Geological Institute (AGI) is looking forward to enhancing the breadth of participation and perspective to the development of this important effort to enhance the global standing of the geosciences.

AGI's Executive Committee voted on June 19 to become a founding partner of IYPE. This involvement with IYPE will significantly benefit the U.S. geoscience community, giving U.S. geoscientists access to the conceptual and operational aspects of IYPE, while demonstrating AGI's preparedness to invest in international geoscience operations and activities. "AGI's active involvement would guarantee a truly global balance in the science and outreach programs of IYPE," says Stephen Testa, president of AGI.

IYPE was initiated by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), and working through UNESCO will put forward a formal proposal at the next General Assembly of the United Nations in New York to designate 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth. This endeavor brings together numerous geoscience organizations and individuals from around the world in an effort to increase public awareness of earth sciences in society, and to coordinate key research efforts to address society's pressing issues, such as sustainable development. and responsible stewardship of the planet.

Joining the other founding partners including AGI member society, The Geological Society of London, and 18 associate partners, AGI will be involved in supporting the activities needed to make IYPE possible, financially and strategically.

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Contact: Laura Stafford
ljs@agiweb.org
703-379-2480 x216
American Geological Institute
14-Jul-2005

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