International Association for Geoethics

Article I — Name of the Association

The name of the organization is the International Association for Geoethics. The official abbreviation is IAGETH. Throughout these Statutes “Association” or IAGETH refers to the International Association for Geoethics.

The Association builds on geoethical activity begun in 1992 at Příbram (Czech Republic), international geological congress symposia since 1996, and the Working Group for Geoethics established in 2004 within the Association of Geoscientists for International Development (AGID).

IAGETH is a non-profit organisation.

Article II — The Definition of Geoethics

Geoethics is an interdisciplinary field between Geosciences and Ethics involving Earth and Planetary Sciences and applied ethics. It concerns how people think and act in relation to the importance of Earth as a system and as a model.

It covers educational, scientific, technological, methodological and sociocultural issues, including sustainability, development, geodiversity, geoheritage, prudent consumption of mineral resources, mitigation of natural hazards, geoscience communication and museology, together with protocols, scientific integrity and good practice in studying the abiotic world. Planetary geology and astrobiology also require a geoethical approach.

Article III — Aims of the Association

IAGETH aims to advance geoethics through education, publication and research; promote geoethical thinking and action, especially within the geosciences; improve teaching and training; pursue the International Declaration of Geoethics approved in October 2011; and collect, evaluate and disseminate the outcomes of geoethical activities worldwide.

Its methods include encouraging national groups and their affiliation; organizing conferences, symposia, workshops and meetings; establishing specialist commissions; publishing scientific and technical work and news; and cooperating with scientific, technical and sociocultural associations.

An important message of geoethics is that Earth’s future is shaped not only by human influences but also by long-term external and internal natural processes, including disasters beyond human control. Earth and space sciences are essential for understanding and predicting these phenomena. Geoeducation and a geoethical approach can support more realistic views of sustainability, forecasting and mitigation.

Article IV — Membership

A. Types of membership. IAGETH seeks to make participation accessible to geoscientists and others who support its aims and to encourage national networks and international solidarity.

1. National Group Members. Individuals are encouraged to create national geoethics networks. These may be informal, collect locally determined dues where lawful, and fund local projects. They may also operate within existing national Earth-science associations. Each group should designate a contact person and provide an annual activities and membership report to the Secretary General. National Group Members include associations, corporations or societies representing geoethics interests through national groups.

2. Individual Members. Individual geoscientists or other persons who support geoethics may affiliate with the Association.

3. Associate (Supporting) Members. Institutions, organizations and companies that directly support IAGETH and pay the relevant fees are Associate Members. Individual members may be considered supporting members by paying at least ten times the individual fee or sponsoring special events.

4. Honorary Members (Fellows) and Honorary President. Individuals of exceptional service may be appointed Fellows. A distinguished person may exceptionally be appointed Honorary President in recognition of extraordinary, long-term contributions. Nominations are submitted to the President and approved by Council.

B. Admission and resignation. National organizations apply in writing to Council, providing organizational documents, statutes and officers, and preferably their membership list. Individual and Associate applications are submitted in writing to the Secretary General or Council members. Admission takes effect upon Executive Committee approval. Applications must include written acceptance of the Code of Ethical Behaviour accompanying the Statutes. Written resignation before 1 July takes effect on 1 January the following year.

C. Dismissal. Council may dismiss members who act against IAGETH’s aims or Code of Ethical Behaviour by a two-thirds majority of votes cast. Members who fail to pay dues for three consecutive years despite reminders may also be dismissed.

Article V — Languages

The official language is English. Meetings in non-English-speaking countries may include the national language; English abstracts and, where financially feasible, interpretation are recommended. Proceedings of official international meetings should be published in English; later translations are permitted.

Article VI — Administration

The Association is governed by a Council responsible for its business under these Statutes and any By Laws. It approves the programme, commissions, working groups, meeting locations, budget and major expenditures, and elects the Executive Committee. General Assemblies are usually held during International Geological Congresses or selected IAGETH conferences. A vote at an Assembly may be requested by at least 25% of National Groups.

1. Composition. Council consists of the President, Honorary President (if any), First Vice-President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary General, Treasurer, Past Presidents, and one nominated representative of each National Group. Vice-Presidents are chosen from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America; Europe has separate East and West representatives. Council may add regions or Vice-Presidents. The Executive Committee comprises the President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary General, Treasurer, Immediate Past President and Honorary President.

2. Meetings. Council normally meets annually during an IAGETH conference, a sponsored event or International Geological Congress; the President calls an extraordinary meeting at the request of at least one-quarter of Council. Agendas include reports, amendments, elections, scientific meetings and other business. The Executive Committee meets at least annually, and may also meet when called by the President. It decides on authorized awards and prizes subject to Council ratification and otherwise recommends decisions to Council. Urgent postal or email votes are permitted.

3. Voting. Authorized members may vote, and a member may appoint another member as proxy in writing; no person may hold more than three proxy votes. Voting is by show of hands or secret ballot when requested by two members. Ordinary decisions are by simple majority; amendments, affiliation and dissolution require two-thirds of votes cast. The presiding President or Chair has a casting vote in a tie. Executive Committee quorum is at least four members including the President, First Vice-President or Secretary General. Council quorum is one-quarter of members including at least three Executive Committee members.

4. Election or appointment to Council. Executive Committee elections take place at Council meetings during international conferences or General Assemblies. Council may temporarily fill vacancies; the First Vice-President may replace a vacant presidency. Nominations must be made at least four months in advance. Contested offices are decided by secret ballot. Terms last four years, beginning 1 January after election. A third re-election to the same office requires a special By Law. Each National Group determines its representatives and advises the Secretary General of changes.

Article VII — Finances

The financial year is 1 January to 31 December. Income includes annual dues, gifts, grants, advertising, meeting and course receipts, publication sales and other activities. Membership fees are proposed by the Treasurer and determined by the Executive Committee, with Council approval of changes; dues are payable in advance by 1 January.

The Treasurer is responsible for funds, deposited in an account or other approved fiscal instrument in the Association’s name. The Treasurer and Secretary General share signing authority and control. Financial information is provided at Executive Committee and Council meetings or at the President’s request; the Treasurer presents annual accounts and a proposed budget for approval.

Article VIII — Representation

The official representative of IAGETH is the President, who may delegate representation in special circumstances, usually to the First Vice-President, Secretary General or Honorary President. Contracts must be signed by the President (or First Vice-President) and by the Secretary General (or Treasurer).

Article IX — Meetings of the Association

IAGETH organizes or co-sponsors international conferences, symposia and regional meetings to communicate geoethical science and applications. Host National Groups organize international conferences and their financial arrangements in consultation with the Executive Committee.

Where appropriate, an international meeting is held in conjunction with the International Geological Congress. National Groups are encouraged to organize thematic events, preferably outside years with major IAGETH or IGC conferences. Meetings in congress years may be approved where there is no significant conflict. Executive Committee and Council meetings should coincide with scientific events where possible. National Groups must ensure participation rights for all members regardless of origin or nationality.

Article X — Commissions and Working Groups

Council may appoint commissions and working groups to study, report and recommend action on scientific, technical or administrative matters. Council appoints commissions on the proposal of the Executive Committee or a National Group; the Executive Committee selects their chairs. Terms are fixed and cannot extend beyond the current Executive Committee without review and renewal by the incoming committee. Further operating guidelines are given in the By Laws.

Article XI — Awards and Prizes

IAGETH may honor members and others by granting awards or prizes in accordance with existing or subsequently adopted By Laws for each honor.

Article XII — By Laws

By Laws may establish rules, procedures, rights and obligations to implement the principles expressed in these Statutes.

Article XIII — Amendments to Statutes and By Laws

Only Council may amend the Statutes or By Laws. The Executive Committee or any National Group may propose changes. Proposals must reach the Secretariat at least six months before the next Council meeting, allowing the Secretary General to notify National Groups at least four months before discussion and vote.

Amendments require a two-thirds vote, counting votes sent by post or email and votes cast at Council by members who have not already voted.

Article XIV — Dissolution of IAGETH

Voluntary dissolution requires a two-thirds majority of Council, preceded by a simple majority postal or electronic vote of the Association’s entire membership. Dissolution must include a decision on the distribution of property and debts.

Article XV — Preparation of New By Laws

After approval of the Statutes, the President must arrange for consistent By Laws to be prepared and submitted to Council promptly. Other By Laws will be prepared when required by later Council decisions.