The generous support received from sponsors, donors and over 4,000 registered delegates resulted in a financial surplus after the 35th International Geological Congress that was held in Cape Town during 2016. These funds have been invested and are administered by the Board of 35IGC Legacy Fund to ensure that the legacy of this successful event will benefit the South African geoscience community long into the future.
Annual grants are advertised to promote geoheritage projects or activities in support of deserving geoscience students and researchers. A thematic focus or dedicated conference support funding is identified every year. The level of funding available annually for disbursement varies in relation to investment income and the need to maintain or grow capital from which sustainable support can be provided.
2025 CALL FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS
The 2025 grants are aimed at producing materials that support, promote aspects and enhance asset management of the following themes;
- Geoheritage / geoconservation – Products, outreach or information dissemination pertaining to significant geological features that represent past or on-going Earth processes contributing substantially to the global understanding of the planet’s history and its life support systems. The primary objective is to recognize and conserve geoheritage values of international significance and to disseminate and promote this information to advance geoconservation efforts worldwide (after Brilha et al., 2024; https://engage.iucn.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/Brilha%20et%20al.%202024.pdf).
- Geotourism – products to enhance the educational experience at tourism focus sites or geological aspects of protected areas through improved explanation of geodiversity that constitutes the natural diversity of planet Earth and linkages with biodiversity.
- Geoscience education – products that convey information to the public, interest groups or educators/students related to the description, functioning, and conservation of geoheritage sites or resources.
- The thrust of proposals should be product-focused and applicants must outline how the grant will be utilized to establish a long-term presence that will promote activities and enhance management associated with any of the themes listed above.
- Proposals that include additional sources of funds will be favoured.
- Where proposals aim to create products in support of facilities located in a national- or provincial park or conservation area, a world heritage site or any other established heritage or tourism-focused facility, the written support of the controlling institution must accompany the application.
As the quantum of available funds available is limited, compliance with the above conditions does not guarantee acceptance of the application or the award of a grant.
All provisionally successful applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the Management Committee/Board of the Legacy Fund and their decision with respect to the awarding of grants and the quantum of finance provided is final.
Applications must be made on the prescribed form (downloadable below) and submitted to Peter Stiff at pstiff@jpaudit.co.za before 1 March 2025.
The annual call for applications in respect of funding for the chosen theme or scope of projects to receive support during any year will be advertised by the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) on their Web site, and in other appropriate media.
35 IGC LEGACY PROJECTS
Legacy projects of 35IGC are based largely on activities which were initiated and developed specifically for the event and which can be perpetuated for the benefit of Geoscience in South Africa:
- Field Guidebooks
Over 40 Field Guidebooks were prepared for the various field trips which took 35 IGC delegates to many parts of South Africa as well as several parts of the continent. Most of the Guidebooks have been updated with regard to text and illustrations and represent a valuable asset and basis for the production of virtual field trips and UTube and website presentations. The Field Guides provide excellent material for further development and research. - Publications
“Africa’s Top Geological Sites’ a publication highlighting areas of outstanding Geoheritage importance, mainly in South Africa, was specially prepared for 35 IGC.” The Great Mineral Fields of Africa” a second publication prepared for 35 IGC and published in Episodes, the IUGS publication draws attention to the importance of Africa’s mineral deposits. The remarkable mining heritage of the African continent, particularly with regard to some of South Africa’s iconic mineral fields, is outlined. - Current Initiatives
Comprehensive descriptions of some of the important geosites and particularly those in one or other of South Africa’s ten World Heritage sites are being prepared. Brochures and display boards have and are currently being prepared for selected geosites, particularly in the Western Cape.A geological reference map with fifty geosites and Geoheritage/Geotourism destinations plotted in relation to the country’s major road network has been prepared. Short descriptions for each site/destination have been compiled. Further work is required on virtually all these sites and those who are in a position to assist by providing more detailed information and insights should contact the fund administration for further information.