The Ukrainian Association of Geologists (UAG) is a nationwide public organization established in 2000 with the goal of uniting professionals in the fields of geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, engineering, and other disciplines related to Earth sciences. UAG membership is voluntary and involves fostering shared interests and professional objectives that encourage the exchange of knowledge, advanced technologies, research endeavours, collaboration, and the advancement of scientific research quality in the field of Earth sciences.
The ideology of UAG is founded on a commitment to the principles of sustainable development, including social justice, inclusivity, environmental integrity, and the reduction of the human impact on the planet's ecosystems. It also promotes sustainable economic growth through efficient resource utilization and innovation, with the goal of fostering balanced development for both present and future generations, improving quality of life, and enhancing global well-being.
Today, humanity is facing global challenges, with the primary ones being the climate crisis, atmospheric, water, and land pollution, the alarming depletion of the planet's natural resources, harmful industrial emissions, environmental problems associated with waste accumulation, the detrimental impact of energy production. This situation calls for a shift towards green practices, utilizing renewable sources and alternative materials. Moreover, inadequate environmental conditions in human settlements, population growth, migration, the emergence of new viruses, and pandemics further contribute to these challenges. These factors establish a complex interdependence between the environment, society, and the economy, necessitating a systematic approach and the immediate implementation of comprehensive measures to mitigate the negative impact of human activities on nature.
The pursuit of global development goals amidst ongoing multiple crises presents a significant challenge that demands the synergy of diverse scientific disciplines to enhance human knowledge and devise integrated solutions. This calls for global cooperation and partnership across various sectors of society, including governments, intergovernmental organizations, businesses, academia, civil society institutions, and individual stakeholders.
The Earth Sciences and the emerging field of New Geology, with their emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and addressing the evolving needs of humanity in the 21st century, while considering the environmental, economic, and social aspects of development, will play a crucial in addressing the complex challenges of the present, accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals, and shaping the green future we want.
Geologists, in particular, with their profound comprehension of the geosphere—its composition, properties, and dynamics, and its interactions with the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and anthroposphere—should take the lead in embracing emerging global trends in natural resource management through collective efforts.
Contemporary geologists, based on foundational knowledge of geological processes and the Earth's evolution, study the interactions among geological, biological, and climatic processes. They apply this knowledge to reconstruct historical climate and environmental changes, forecast shifts in natural systems, and ensure their sustainability, as well as to prevent and minimize the risks associated with natural hazards. They explore the potential of natural resources, ensuring their efficient exploration and sustainable stewardship. Geologists assess the anthropogenic impact on geological systems and, based on these studies, develop effective strategies for environmental preservation, adaptation to climate change, and conservation of the Earth's natural wealth.
To overcome the technological gap and effectively meet the needs of humanity in the 21st century, New Geology is implementing a twin green and digital transition, utilizing a wide range of advanced tools and technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Remote sensing technologies, laser scanning, satellite imaging, and big data analytics enable detailed information gathering on geological formations, climate changes, environmental conditions, and more. Machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence ensure efficient processing of large data volumes to identify patterns and forecast events. Real-time data collection through the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor networks facilitates accurate monitoring and management of geological processes. Geoinformatics and geographic information systems (GIS) expedite the integration and analysis of geographic data, creation of digital models, and cartographic visualization for resource management, land-use issues, and planning. Virtual and augmented reality technologies, modelling and simulation, automation, robotics, and other innovative advancements enable virtual experiments, precise modelling of geological systems, automation of processes, and improved research productivity.
As a professional institute of civil society, UAG actively contributes to the integration of geological knowledge with other disciplines related to Earth's natural conditions and resources. This integration aims to unlock the planet's resource potential and ensure the efficient, balanced, and sustainable use of all natural resources while protecting the environment and preserving ecosystems. In response to the global challenges of the 21st century, UAG mobilizes geologists and experts from various Earth science fields to actively participate in processes such as sustainable development, green transformation, and the transition to a greener future. This is achieved through fostering constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, both at the national level in Ukraine and on a global scale.
The UAG priorities are focused on promoting and enhancing the status of geological sciences, advancing the professional level of network members, addressing global challenges, and expediting the attainment of sustainable development objectives through the utilization of geological knowledge. These priorities are pursued through collaborative scientific research, offering scientific support in governmental decision-making processes, disseminating scientific knowledge to facilitate transformative processes, fostering inclusive cooperation among geologists, and fostering innovative interdisciplinary partnerships.
UAG actively supports and enhances professional connections through the organization of geological congresses, scientific meetings, and conferences, engages with international public geological organizations, industry alliances, and actively participates in the international scientific research community.
To ensure the functioning of its own professional network and foster international cooperation, since 2017, UAG has been working in collaboration with partners to establish modern digital tools in the format of platforms platforms that unite stakeholders and facilitate the exchange of professional information, promote scientific cooperation, enable technology transfer, drive the implementation of multilateral projects, initiate public dialogue, mobilize society to address complex global problems, and contribute to the achievement of global objectives.
The successful development of digital tools, including the launch of the global platform ONEGEO in 2023, empowers the Ukrainian Association of Geologist to transition a majority of operations into the digital realm. This shift streamlines communication channels and enables the seamless operation of a contemporary professional digital network, fostering instant global interaction.