That was the message from the Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds, at the 40th Annual Earth Science Teachers’ Association, (ESTA) Conference, which met in Belfast for the first time today.
Earth Science Teachers from across the UK attended the Conference at Stranmillis University College from 14 to16 September.
Speaking at the conference the Minister told delegates: “Science can contribute to the development of our economy, environment and welfare.
“The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland’s £6 million Tellus Project, a three year initiative to collect scientific data on our geological resources, will contribute to the economic and environmental benefit of Northern Ireland.”
Mr Dodds continued: “Northern Ireland is now probably the most rigorously geoenvironmentally surveyed part of Planet Earth. The results of the Tellus Project will place Northern Ireland in an almost unique position to manage the development of its natural resources in a responsible and sustainable manner.
I understand similar surveys in other countries have resulted in increased inward investment and a better understanding of our natural resources, such as sand and gravel, which are regularly used in our construction industries.”
The three day conference includes workshops for secondary teachers, keynote lectures by leading Earth scientists and field excursions to the Giant’s Causeway and Northern Ireland’s only Geopark at Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh.
The aim of the Association is to advance education by encouraging and supporting the teaching of Earth Sciences at all levels, whether as a single subject such as Geology or as part of Science or Geography or other courses. The conference is open to any teacher or organisation involved in the delivery of Earth Science related activities.
The main sponsors are the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB), the DOE's Environment and Heritage Service, the Geological Survey Northern Ireland (GSNI) and the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI)
Notes to Editors:
Workshops are delivered by the Earth Science Education Unit (ESEU), which is based in the Education Department of Keele University. They are a provider of INSET (in-service education and training) in Earth science to UK teachers.
Prof. John McCloskey will be giving the keynote lecture on Earthquake Prediction on Friday evening and this is open to the public. Topics covered include Monitoring Geohazards, Inspiring Eucation for Sustainable Development through Outdoor Learning and Volcanoes and Climate Change.
For media enquiries please contact DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9604.
Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
Further information about ESTA can be found on their website 
or contact Karen Parks at 07811461558.
