The IGCP is a cooperative enterprise of UNESCO and the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and has been stimulating comparative studies in the Earth Sciences since 1972. After three decades of successful work, the "International Geological Correlation Programme" continued, as the "International Geoscience Programme".

To date, the IGCP has financially supported international research teams through roughly 400 projects on geological problems of global importance.  Special focus is given to projects related to a safer environment; the relationship between natural geological factors and health problems; biodiversity; climate change; and mineral and groundwater resources extraction. The IGCP promotes collaborative projects with a special emphasis on the benefit provided to society, capacity-building and the advancement and sharing of knowledge between developed and developing nations.