From planet Earth to society: A new dynamic in Portugal concerning geoscience education and outreach activities

Since the United Nations declared 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) (during the triennium of 2007-2009), under the motto 'Earth Sciences for Society', many impacts and changes were generated in Portuguese society. Particular attention was given to educational activities concerning geosciences and these were promoted by several entities in Portugal. The Portuguese National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has assumed an increasing role in the science sector with the promotion of initiatives and the creation of several scientific committees acting as national branches of UNESCO scientific programmes. This is the case of the National Committee for the International Geosciences Programme (NC-IGCP), which has been responsible for multiple initiatives that have been promoted and implemented in the area of geosciences and that contribute to the improvement of scientific literacy. The work developed by NC-IGCP has contributed to developing new ways of promoting geosciences and to creating awareness about the role of geoscientists for a better world based in a sustainable development guided by ethical principles. The use of tools such as itinerant exhibitions, educational training courses, school contests and information available on the website have allowed closer support and visibility to the development of fundamental science projects and outreach activities in Earth sciences.