The CEnvP Scheme is pleased to welcome the launch of the CEnvP Geomorphology Specialisation. This specialisation is a collaboration with the Australian and New Zealand Geomorphology Group (ANZGG), who have been instrumental in developing the geomorphology specialist components of the certification. With all CEnvP certifications, the specialist certification proficiencies and application process is interlinked with the CEnvP General certification. This ensures a consistent minimum level of competence of practitioners and their commitment to ethical practice across all certifications.
As CEnvP Geomorphology is a new specialisation, Paul Corrigan, CEnvP Program Manager asked a series of questions to Dr Michael Cheetham, CEnvP and Chair of the Geomorphology Specialist Environmental Advisory Committee (SEAC). Michael is Principal Scientist (Geomorphologist) at Water Technology Pty Ltd in Brisbane. The SEAC membership is made up of key representatives from the geomorphology profession, including practitioners and academics.
What is Geomorphology?
For the purposes of certification, Geomorphology is defined as the study of landforms and landscapes, and the physical processes that create and shape them at or near the Earth’s surface. Geomorphologists study and interpret landscape form, distribution, process and evolution. They analyse landscapes using a combination of field observations, physical experiments and modelling.
Why was there seen a need for a Geomorphology certification?
The application of geomorphic process understanding is internationally accepted as crucial for the assessment and management of many environmental and planning issues, yet in Australia and New Zealand until now, there had been no certification system for geomorphologists and no standard method to demonstrate the competence of geomorphic specialists. Additionally, there is no requirement for industry professionals to have studied geomorphology to claim they practice it.
How long has the Geomorphology certification been in development and why with CEnvP?
The catalyst came in late 2014. At the ANZGG Annual General Meeting it was decided to establish a working group to consider the criteria and process for a certification program for professional geomorphologists in Australia and New Zealand. The working party concluded that the CEnvP scheme offered the most suitable and beneficial certification program if a geomorphology category were to be developed. Not only is the CEnvP program the best existing program suited the ANZGG’s prescribed needs, but that the additional benefits provided by the program exceed the initial expectations of the ANZGG.
What are the key components of the CEnvP Geomorphology Specialist certification?
There are the standard CEnvP minimum requirements which include: educational qualifications; years of functional geomorphology practice; and evidence of being a respected, active and ethical practitioner.
For the specialist component, an applicant must demonstrate a proficient level of expertise in:
- Understanding geomorphological values and concepts
- Selecting and using appropriate tools, techniques and methods to analyse a landscape or solve a geomorphological issue
- Analysing, assessing, interpreting and presenting data and determining its reliability and accuracy
- Understanding current geomorphological principles and frameworks
With a functional level of expertise in:
- Using and influencing policy and planning
- Risk assessment
- Communication and advancement of geomorphology
For detail on the Geomorphology Guidance Notes or to start the process in becoming a certified CEnvP Geomorphology Specialist, click on the logo below or navigate via the website’s Requirements menu item at the top of this page.
