The platform, in which the ICM participates, is aimed at all citizens interested in geology-related topics, but especially at the educational community.
Espaigea is the name of the new virtual space for the dissemination of geology and Earth sciences in Catalonia. The platform is open to all entities and institutions in this scientific field and aims to connect institutions, associations, organizations, museums, interpretation centres and disseminators, among others, that carry out activities related to geology and related sciences.
Espaigea strives to make them known to improve and increase training, culture and aspects of scientific research that provide geological knowledge to the public. Two CSIC centres in Catalonia have participated in the creation of this new tool: Geosciences Barcelona-CSIC (GEO3BCN) and the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM).
"Espaigea will provide the public with resources and scientific topics in the field of marine geology, from processes that affect the evolution of our coasts and beaches, to aspects related to geological risks and energy and mineral resources of the seabed", states Pere Puig, head of the Geosciences Department of the ICM.
"It will be a good tool to help disseminate and give visibility to the geology being done in Catalonia and to highlight its importance for our society," adds Joan Martí, director of Geosciences at the CSIC (GEO3BCN). "It is precisely the lack of awareness of the need for geology and all the geosciences for the development of our society that makes Espaigea a necessary tool," continues Martí.
A loudspeaker of reference for the public
This new initiative was created to become a reference loudspeaker for the different geology dissemination activities that are carried out in Catalonia and to ensure their diffusion. That is why the website has a section where the agendas of the member organizations are centralized and where you can find information on conferences, seminars, debates, webinars, courses, workshops or field trips.
Also, the section called Territory shows, in a geo-referenced way, the facilities, equipment, infrastructures and physical or virtual spaces where geological information about Catalonia is permanently available. On this online map you can find information on universities, research centres, museums, information panels, interpretation centres, places of geological interest or other related unique facilities.
Espaigea also contributes to disseminate all kinds of publications and resources, in material or digital support, that bring people closer to the knowledge of Earth sciences in general and geological heritage in particular. You can find educational resources, books, magazines, field guides, blogs, websites, videos, podcasts, popular science articles and educational projects, among others.
The platform is aimed at all citizens interested in this subject, but especially affects the educational community. In this way, it lists training activities, teaching resources and tools that contribute to the training and scientific updating of teachers in the field of Earth sciences.