Interconnected geoscience for international development

Abstract

Spending in international aid programmes from governments and other agencies represents a >> $100Bn US investment annually. International development and global environmental management greatly benefit from the application of high quality/ appropriate geoscience and related expertise. Barriers exist, particularly between research-intensive geoscience organisations and development agencies, that inhibit the greater application of geoscience within development. Key barriers include differing world-views, performance rewards, and values. This paper argues that geoscience can rapidly evolve in its importance and application to complex regional/global, development and environmental challenges. Changes in ethos, performance rewards, attitudes, and culture, will drive an increase in relevance. Case studies are presented, from Afghanistan, and Solomon Islands, to illustrate how geoscience approaches can be applied, within complex multi-faceted development contexts, with consequent outcomes and challenges. Lessons can be learned from such case studies that inform interconnected approaches. A conceptual model is presented of 'interconnected geoscience', defined as: 'a philosophy that combines geoscience expertise with an equivalent expertise/consciousness in the understanding of developmental situations, conditions, and context, including the integration of diverse world views/ wisdom and values, placing development-goals at the heart of the interconnected-approach'.

Can Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion and Seawater Utilisation Assist Small Island Developing States? A Case Study of Kiribati, Pacific Islands Region

“…Interconnected geoscience is a conceptual model of geoscience/technological/engineering application to international development. A definition of interconnected geoscience is 'a philosophy that combines geoscience expertise with an equivalent expertise/consciousness in the understanding of developmental situations, conditions, and context, including the integration of diverse world views/wisdom and values, placing development-goals at the heart of the interconnected-approach' [2].…”

“…The Pacific Community organisation is experienced in designing and delivering international development projects across the region. Development partnerships and a generous lead-in time (some 6 years) from concept to OTEC deployment in Kiribati, together with numerous initiatives from the Korean side, closely involving Pacific Islanders, have allowed the key tenets of interconnected geoscience to be deployed [2]. Specifically these interconnected characteristics include (1) the realisation of the OTEC technology and the identification of the optimal OTEC site locations from geoscientific and engineering principles, data generation, data modelling, and scenario development;…”

“…Most PSIDS are archipelago nations, some with hundreds or over one thousand islands and tens of island groups within their jurisdiction. Many PSIDS are not only small island states but also large ocean states with exclusive economic zones extending up to 5 million km 2 . Populations vary between 900,000 (Fiji) and 10,000 (Tuvalu).…”

“…This paper will examine a number of aspects of OTEC deployment within the Pacific Islands region, particularly focusing upon the 1-year period deployment and testing of an OTEC plant in South Tarawa, Kiribati. It will critically examine the application of new science and technology to the Pacific region from the philosophical lens of 'interconnected geoscience' [2] and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) [3] and develop the conversation of developmental needs and futures of PSIDS and where OTEC could fit in.…”

“…Interconnected geoscience is a concept advocating the application of excellent geoscience/engineering/technical work to international development that includes contextual conditions such as community, level of development, and local world views/wisdom. This diagram summarises the key 'interconnected' components of the Kiribati OTEC-seawater utilisation programme (adapted from Petterson[2]). …”