Final report on: Cooperation between the Geological Surveys of Lithuania and Norway, 1992-96

Abstract

The report describes the cooperation between the Geological Surveys of Lithuania (GSL) and Norway (NGU) in the period 1992-96. GSL existed in 1992 primarily as an administrative body, governing the activities of state enter- prises which had existed prior to 1991. The cooperation has had the following aims: - Assistance to GSL in its development to meet Lithuanian needs (national and local government requirements for advice on geological conditions, water supply, pollution of the subsurface, etc.) - Professional development and technology transfer (new methods, investment in important equipment items and establishment of contacts with relevant bodies in Norway and Europe) GSL's development during this period is largely due to the energy and skills of its staff and leadership. The cooperation with NGU has had an important influence in a number of areas, particularly: - General philosophy, symbolised by the shared motto: \"Geology for Society\". - Organisational structure (matrix form). - Development of a computer network and databases at GSL. - Development of a network of contracts with Norwegian and international organisations and institutions. The Norwegian Directorate of Public Management has carried out a thorough assessment of the project, with positive conclusions. GSL has recently been assessed by two commissions of the Lithuanian parliament (Seima), the com- missions for economics and for the environment. These assessments had very positive conslusions. There is every reason to believe that GSL is now a well- developed and functioning part of the government infrastructure of Lithuania.