SEG Honorary Lecture
Become a MemberGeophysics for Sustainable Futures: Unlocking Opportunities in Africa and the Middle East
2024 Middle East Honorary Lecturer
Cyril Boateng
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Summary
This lecture explores the critical role of geophysics in advancing sustainable development across Africa and the Middle East regions facing unique environmental and historical challenges. As global sustainability goals increasingly prioritize the management of natural resources and the preservation of cultural heritage, geophysics emerges as a vital tool in these efforts. The presentation will focus on two case studies: the first highlights the application of geophysical methods in groundwater exploration, addressing water scarcity and sustainable resource management; the second delves into archaeological geophysics, uncovering and preserving sites connected to the history of slavery and other significant, yet under-researched, historical narratives. These case studies demonstrate the potential of geophysics not only in tackling pressing environmental issues but also in contributing to the understanding and preservation of cultural history. Moreover, the lecture will underscore the growing opportunities for young geophysicists in Africa and the Middle East, encouraging them to engage with these challenges and contribute to regional development. My intention in this lecture is to bridge sustainability with geophysics
and thereby inspire the next generation of geophysicists to leverage their expertise in fostering sustainable futures in these dynamic regions.
Bio
This lecture explores the critical role of geophysics in advancing sustainable development across
Africa and the Middle East, regions facing unique environmental and historical challenges. As
global sustainability goals increasingly prioritize the management of natural resources and the
preservation of cultural heritage, geophysics emerges as a vital tool in these efforts. The
presentation will focus on two case studies: the first highlights the application of geophysical
methods in groundwater exploration, addressing water scarcity and sustainable resource
management; the second delves into archaeological geophysics, uncovering and preserving sites
connected to the history of slavery and other significant, yet under-researched, historical
narratives. These case studies demonstrate the potential of geophysics not only in tackling pressing
environmental issues but also in contributing to the understanding and preservation of cultural
history. Moreover, the lecture will underscore the growing opportunities for young geophysicists
in Africa and the Middle East, encouraging them to engage with these challenges and contribute
to regional development. My intention in this lecture is to bridge sustainability with geophysics
and thereby inspire the next generation of geophysicists to leverage their expertise in fostering
sustainable futures in these dynamic regions.
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