The meaning of the IAPG logo

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The inner circle represents the Earth, which is not a closed system, but an open one. The surrounding circles symbolize the "Earth System," comprising the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. The six elements within the inner circle represent both bio- and geo-diversity.

To reinforce the message of the logo, a quote by the Roman Stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca has been chosen, taken from his literary work Naturales Quaestiones (Book III, 15, 1): "Placet natura regi terram." The literal translation from Latin is: "It is a shared opinion that the Earth is governed by Nature."

Seneca wrote this sentence nearly 2,000 years ago while comparing the flow of water in a river to the flow of blood in human veins and the sap in a tree trunk. The meaning lies in this analogy: all components of the Earth system, mineral, plant, and animal kingdoms, are deeply interconnected.

Humans must take this close connection into account when making decisions about the environment and natural resources. Geoethics can serve as a valuable tool in this context, promoting respect for the delicate balance of the Earth system.

 

Many thanks to Arduino Maiuri (Latin scholar at the Sapienza University, Rome - Italy) and to Daniela Riposati (graphic designer of INGV, Rome - Italy).