Thematic classification

An ethical approach is vital when dealing with resources of the planet earth for their sustainable management. “Geoethics” is emerging as an important field for research and development. Based on its expertise, Géo2D intends to contribute to this vital theme.

Education in Geosciences remains a key tool for sustainable development with good employment prospects. Géo2D partners with various institutions such as the French National School for Applied Geosciences (ENAG), ,Centre d'Etudes Supérieures des Matières Premières (CESMAT), and with Universities of Orléans (France), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and DeKUT (Kenya) to provide professional training and education.

A participative approach is a key tool for geosciences strategic planning. Géo2D has experience working with reknowned individuals and organisations such as Claude Guillemin, Futuribles International, Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM) and Association 4D. In partnership with Futuribles International, Géo2D provides this foresight approach services to clients.

Geosciences offer a wide range of technologies from other fields that still have a lot of potential to be developed. This allows for frontier developments, such as the use of biotechnologies, new approaches to fragmentation or geophysics, as well as energy storage or high temperature (supercritical fluids). Géo2D’s experience includes working with partners and clients in the identification of various technological tracks for further development.

Based on the massive exploitation of fossil fuels, our societies now need to careful consider issues of production and exploitation of mineral resources in order ns that take into account the interest of the future generations. This implies considerations of the CO2 geological storage and environmental impact expertise for the exploitation of resources such as shale gas and oil that can only be exploited in exceptional conditions. Géo2D has capacity to identify these resources and to address issues related to environmental impact.

Developing mineral resources involves transforming rock and ores into metals, industrial minerals or construction materials, as well as wastes recycling. Géo2D has expertise to identify the most efficient and innovative solutions at technical, social, economic and environmental levels.

Géo2D has extensive capacity for telluric risk prevention analysis emanating from holding the position of Presidency of the French Superior Committee of Volcanic Risks coupled with experience with its Prevention and Precaution Committee as well as years of constant contact with field operations. We are capable of evaluating the active geodynamic environments, based on our deep knowledge of the various mechanisms and characteristics of volcanic eruptions in particular the knowledge.

Important issues that need to be considered in the processing of raw materials (minerals and metals) from identification to production stage (and which have been neglected for long) include the duration of this process as well as social, environment and economic dimensions. In this regard, Géo2D has expertise to provide technical training in innovative technologies, implementation of mining exploitation projects with consideration of the social, economic and environmental factors.

The natural earth heat flow combined with suitable geological conditions (reservoir rocks) produce renewable energy resources in stable zones (that can be used to meet heating and cooling needs) and even more in geodynamically active zones (for electricity production). Géo2D offers exceptional expertise gained from hands-on experience in the most diverse environments.. This concerns resource exploration and feasibility studies including advisory on the most suitable exploitation technologies from program conception through to implementation stages.

Groundwater is frequently neglected either due to lack of knowledge related to natural resources or exploitation technologies. Protection of the resources and optimization of their sustainable use also present a major challenge. Géo2D especially deals with the identification of hydrogeological resources in arid climate condition and sustainable use of the water resources.

Géo2D relies upon the rich expertise of its Founder and CEO, Dr. Varet who was awarded the L.R. Wager Prize for Volcanology by the Royal Society of London and International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth Interior (IAVCEI ). This scientific experience is now made available in order to help in the design and implementation of Research &Development (R&D) engineering programs, risk prevention initiatives and in developing natural resources (notably groundwater, mineral resources and geothermal energy).

Géo2D has actively participated in various initiatives that lay emphasis on implementation of policies that promote sustainable development. This has included working with the public (at European regional, national and local levels) and NGOs such as Association 4D (www.association4D.org) and private enterprises. These resources are especially useful to initiatives implemented through local Agenda 21.

Géo2D has authored various educative resources on development programs and research policies with a focus on natural resources and environment. There is an obvious need to include science in national environment policies.

Under this theme, Geo2D draws from its vast experience in designing geothermal programs for the French ministries of research and environment as well as its lead role in the creation of a data production centre in France (French Institute for Environment) which serves as the focal data point for the European Environment Agency.