Geoscience for sustainable futures : partner survey and interview analysis

Over 30 partners from lower- and middle-income countries took part in BGS’s ‘Geoscience for Sustainable Futures’ (GSF) programme (2017–2021). Towards the end of the programme (2021), BGS undertook an online survey of partners with some follow-up interviews to find out about their experiences of being involved. This document summarises the views of partners who took part in the survey with additional detail from those who were interviewed. Partners were very positive about working with BGS and the vast majority agreed that BGS added value to the work. The communication skills, attitude, knowledge and experience of BGS staff were particularly valued. Partners were enthusiastic about positive changes that took place because of the work done within the project, citing workshops, training, presentations and publications, as well as datasets and models as key outputs. Similarly, the longer-term impacts of the work were seen as strengthening networks, contributing to knowledge, raising awareness and changing ways of thinking. Good examples of systemic and policy-level influence were given, as well as more numerous examples of benefits internal to the partner organisation. Obstacles to longer-term change were also shared. Examples include limited financial resources of citizens to enable behaviour change and the need for political support to ensure follow-up action.