Geosciences, Development and Sustainability: Africa and Europe Together

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the importance of geological resources for life as we know it, and of geology, as a science, to address global challenges, European citizens often have a negative image of geosciences and associate it with environmental degradation. In general, the perception in African countries is still more positive. Recognizing that geological resources can play an important role in economic growth, foreign mining companies' interest in investments in exploration activities is better accepted or even welcomed, and youths are more likely to be attracted to higher education courses in Earth Sciences. However, in general, higher education institutions in African countries do not benefit from the level of human and material resources for the production and transmission of geological knowledge comparable to that found in Europe. During the last few decades, several African and European institutions developed partnerships focused on fundamental and applied research in Earth Sciences. Dialogues between researchers with different backgrounds; the engagement in collaborative projects; and the gathering of diverse skills, competences, and approaches to reach solutions, has resulted in many positive outcomes that are not always duly recognized.

With this Special Issue, we intend to assemble a set of scientific works that have evolved from a cooperative relationship between African and European institutions, independent of the origin of the authors. Particular interest will be given to research focused on the Sustainable Development Goals most linked to Earth Sciences. As examples, this Special Issue will welcome manuscripts closely associated with the following themes:

• Assessment of tangible and immaterial geological resources and how they can affect the well-being in different sectors of society.
• Evaluate vulnerabilities to geological processes, taking into consideration natural dynamics and disturbances caused by human action.
• Teaching and disseminating geological knowledge, contributing to the increasing awareness of risks and opportunities, and reducing inequalities.
• Diversity to advance towards an inclusive society in Africa.

We hope you will consider this Special Issue of Geosciences an interesting opportunity to publish your research work.

Dr. Pedro Dinis
Dr. Sónia Victória
Dr. Daud Jamal
Dr. Irene De Felipe
Dr. Giovanna Antonella Dino
Dr. Nelson Rodrigues
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• Africa–Europe partnerships in geosciences
• geological resources
• geodiversity and geoconservation
• deterioration and development of natural environments
• earth sciences for safe land occupation
• geological knowledge and human development