Fossil Energy and Sustainable Development

Interaction of members enables the development of projects and research initiatives on high resolution stratigraphy approaches supporting basin analysis studies calibrated by biostratigraphy using different fossil groups (mainly trilobites, fossil floras, ammonites, foraminifera, chitinozoans, calcareous nannofossils and ostracods). Studies are oriented both to basic research (on GSSP´s, ASSP´s and on taxonomic studies) and to time constraining of regional and global events, e.g. paleogeographic framework, paleobiologic provinces, paleoceanic dynamics, climate changes, etc. The cluster plays important role in the development of activities under the auspices of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), in global correlation programs. Petroleum systems studies and hydrocarbon exploration projects are oriented to both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resources (oil, gas, shale gas, etc.). These studies receive major contribution of high resolution stratigraphy and turn this knowledge into contribution for industrial and economic activities, through partnerships with companies (e.g., Partex, Petrobras, Repsol, Stateoil, Simula). Natural heritage and geoconservation studies play a main role for a balanced economic development and are a major contribution to improve public perception of the natural resources exploration as a sustainable and useful activity. The cluster leads relevant national and international geoconservation initiatives and conceptual approaches to natural heritage assessment and qualification. It currently plays an important role in the development of geoconservation activities under the auspices of the European Geoparks Network and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. This approach will continue. both in Portugal and beyond, involving European countries and members of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, in articulation with Master and PhD projects, reinforcing the influence of the units ‘members in international academic bodies like IUGS and UNESCO, and in the private sector.