International Projects

We help to improve lives around the world through a range of international activities, helping to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Water Resource Management in Eastern Africa (2018–)

Millions of people in eastern Africa lack access to clean water, causing serious health problems such as diarrhoea. Persistent health problems, or walking long distances to find clean water, reduces the amount of time children spend in school or adults spend generating an income. 

We are working to improve access to sustainable, improved water sources, by (i) building scientific capacity in eastern Africa, and (ii) supporting NGOs operating in the region. For example, in 2019 we funded an MSc student from Malawi, to complete a thesis evaluating the sustainability of The Eleanor Foundation’s water programme in rural Tanzania. We have also supplied hydrogeology and water management training materials to NGOs in the region.

This work supports SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) and SDG 17 (partnerships for development). 

Geoscience Textbooks (2017–)

Scientific institutions play an important role in building capacity, enhancing research, and promoting the importance of geoscience. We collect geoscience textbooks and distribute these to geological institutions, universities and NGOs in low-income countries. Since 2017, we have sent books to Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania, India, Kenya, and Guatemala. 

This work supports SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 16 (strong institutions) and SDG 17 (partnerships for development).

Strengthening Resilience to Volcanic Hazards in Guatemala (2014–)

Volcanic disasters threaten development progress in Guatemala, and disproportionately affect the poorest and most marginalised in society. We provide financial and logistical support to build the capacity of hazard scientists and risk reduction professionals in Guatemala, and facilitate improved partnerships between Guatemala and the international community. 

2019: We supported the 1st National Congress on Integrated Disaster Management in Guatemala, sponsoring Guatemalan and Mexican students, NGOs and risk management officials to attend.

This work supports the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, SDG 1 (end poverty), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 17 (partnerships for development).