This year's conference revolved around the pivotal themes of climate and circular economy, echoing the growing global awareness of these issues. While these topics sustain many geologists, there's a compelling need to delve deeper into their geological implications. The event also featured an engaging "free microphone" segment and a vibrant poster session, showcasing the latest advancements in Estonian soil and seabed research, alongside collaborative projects like EGT-TWINN.
The resurgence of April conferences by the Estonian Geological Society in 2023 was met with enthusiastic participation from geologists and allied specialists in Tallinn. The swelling numbers underscored Estonia's demand for geologists, not just for understanding our past and present environment but also for steering its economic trajectory. Geologists possess a unique temporal perspective, essential for deciphering humanity's profound impact on Earth, a narrative now embraced by entrepreneurs and scientists from diverse disciplines.
The April Conference commenced with a warm welcome and a cup of coffee, setting the stage for a day brimming with insightful discussions. The opening remarks by Tiit Land, rector of TalTech, Erik Puura, president of the Estonian Geological Society, and Olle Hints, director of TalTech's Institute of Geology, highlighted the significance of the gathering.
The first session, themed "Climate and Geology," led by Olle Hints, featured a diverse lineup of speakers delving into topics such as climate change's geological impact, the nexus of climate, mineral resources, and governmental perspectives.
The second session, "Highlights of Estonian Geology," led by Alar Rosentau, Professor in Applied Geology at the University of Tartu, explored various facets of Estonia's geological landscape, from the challenges of geological mapping to the historical context of instrumental seismology.
The afternoon session, "Circular Economy and Sustainable Mineral Resources," curated by Sirli Sipp Kulli, the director of the Geological Survey of Estonia, delved into resource efficiency, green transitions, and the feasibility of using coal ash for groundwater replenishment. Noteworthy presentations included discussions on geological storage of CO2 and the integration of mineral resources into circular economies.
The poster presentations showcased an array of cutting-edge research, from sustainable development practices to innovative exploration technologies, underscoring Estonia's commitment to advancing geological knowledge and sustainability.
Amidst this vibrant academic exchange, the EGT-TWINN project marked a fruitful first year, characterized by meticulous planning, resource efficiency, and robust collaboration.
Noteworthy was the comprehensive training provided by esteemed partners like the Geological Survey of Finland, British Geological Survey, Geological Survey of Denmark, and Oulu University, enriching the skill set of EGT geologists through hands-on experiences and theoretical insights.
The project's transparent management approach and comprehensive reporting paved the way for its success, evident in the submission of vital reports and the establishment of an interactive web platform attracting thousands of visitors. Looking ahead, the project brims with promise, promising a flurry of activities, including training sessions, seminars, and international conferences such as the upcoming Tallinn conferences on critical raw materials and soil geochemical research.
Following the enriching conference sessions, attendees savored moments of networking and leisure at the picturesque Nõmme Glehn Castle, forging connections amidst natural beauty.
Abstracts of the conference proceedings are readily accessible in the Eesti Geoloogia Seltsi Bülletään no 10, fostering wider dissemination of knowledge in the geological community and beyond.
