Day for Earth Sciences in Africa and the Middle East

The African Association of Women in Geosciences and African Geoparks Network  are proclaiming the 20th March as a “Day for Earth Sciences in Africa and the Middle East”.

Why the 20th March?

Equinoxes have been celebrated in cultures all over the world. In the northern hemisphere the March equinox marks the start of spring and has long been celebrated as a time of rebirth. The 20th March corresponds to the March equinox where night and day are nearly of the same length all over the world. However, even if this is widely accepted, it isn't entirely true. The March equinox occurs the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north. This happens either on March 19, 20 or 21 every year. In that way, the activities, related to the “Day for Earth Sciences in Africa and Middle East”, could be extended on the 19th and the 21st March."

Objectives of the Day
The day aims to promote Earth Sciences for Society and to increase the awareness about the role that earth scientists could play to help to build a peaceful, healthier and wealthier continent.

Activities:
Conferences, seminars, courses, presentations, field trips, exhibitions, films, games, visits of Earth Sciences departments…etc It is up to you to create and innovate in order to answer the need of your respective societies.

Target public
Pupils from primary and secondary schools, students from universities, policy makers, large public, potential partners and sponsors…all the components of your respective societies.

Partners
Include: YES Network and Society of African Earth Scientists