Integrated Global Observation Strategy Partnership - Igos-P

22 October 2003

INTEGRATED GLOBAL OBSERVATION STRATEGY PARTNERSHIP - IGOS-P

Information Note issued by the Co-Chairmen of IGOS-P

Origins and Objectives

The IGOS Partnership, created formally in June 1998, consists of the following 14 partners:

- FAO, ICSU, UNEP, UNESCO, UNESCO/IOC and WMO (sponsors of the Global Observing Systems) - GCOS, GOOS, GTOS and GOS/GAW Programme Offices (the Global Observing Systems) - Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) - International Group of Funding Agencies (IGFA) - International Geo-sphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) Programme Office - World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Programme Office

The Partnership is unusual, in that it brings together the world's major space agencies, the international organisations which sponsor the Global Observing Systems, together with their Programme Offices, a group of major funding agencies and two important international research programmes. An agreed procedure is in place for further widening the partnership, if this appears to be appropriate.

All Partners have exchanged letters agreeing to the basis for cooperation. This document, a copy of which is attached as Annex A, states:

"The Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) seeks to provide a comprehensive framework to harmonize the common interests of the major space-based and in-situ systems for global observation of the Earth. It is being developed as an over-arching strategy for conducting observations relating to climate, atmosphere, oceans and coasts, the land surface and the Earth's interior. IGOS strives to build upon the strategies of existing international and global observing programmes, and upon current achievements."

It can be seen from the above that the IGOS Partnership has a great deal in common with the GEO Initiative. IGOS-P Theme Process

Because it seemed over-ambitious for the newly-associated Partners to aim for a single, fully integrated, observing strategy, it was decided in 1999 to adopt a theme approach to the definition of the overall strategy. This modular approach allows the progressive and coherent definition of such a strategy, whilst recognising the different state of development in the various areas. A priori, no list of themes was produced, and it was agreed to encourage user communities to identify areas requiring action. On its side, the Partnership established criteria for theme selection, and places great importance on proposals being based on a sound set of observational requirements of relevance to the Partners involved.

An IGOS-P Process outlines the requirements for making a theme proposal using an end-to-end approach. The process covers initial approval of the theme topic, constitution of the theme team (with clearly stated responsibilities), an agreed timetable for the work, leading to the presentation and approval of a theme report by IGOS Partners, including implementation arrangements and responsibilities. It is also intended to carry out assessments of the efficacy of the themes and their implementation.

CEOS has nominated a senior sub-committee (SIT—the Strategic Implementation Team)) to bring together space agencies and the theme teams, and to assist them in the shaping of their space observation requirements.

Participation in theme teams is open to non-partners, provided that they are recognised as having an important contribution to make.

Thus far, IGOS-P has approved an Oceans Theme which is now well into its implementation phase, and a Coral Reef Sub-theme, which will in due course become part of an IGOS Coastal Theme currently under development. Three other IGOS themes are expected to be approved at an extraordinary meeting in November, 2003: Global Water Cycle, Integrated Global Carbon Observation and Geohazards, and they will then move straightaway into the implementation phase. Global Atmospheric Chemistry and Coastal Themes are at an advanced stage of preparation. Each of the theme reports represented many hundreds of man hours involving experts from all over the world, and the product is of obvious value to the GEO User Requirements Subgroup.

Theme work will thus, by the end of 2003, have reached the point where IGOS-P needs to address some of the strategic choices ahead. Other themes are in view, but some consolidation and integration work is now also required. Method of Working

Each IGOS Partner bears the cost of its own efforts, as well as providing external resources whenever these are required. Voluntary though it is, Partners have made significant investments in IGOS-P since its inception five years ago, showing the value of, and the broadly based interest, in international cooperation on integrated Earth observation. .

From 2003 an annual IGOS-P meeting takes place in late May or early June, under two Co-Chairmen. One is the current Chairman of CEOS and the other is nominated by the other Partners. Currently the Co-Chairmen are from NOAA (changing to the Chinese National Remote Sensing Centre in mid-November) and FAO.

IGOS-P work between meetings is carried out by a distributed secretariat, with part-time staff nominated by partners, with the main burden being borne by the representatives of the two Co-Chairmen. Most of the work is carried out by electronic mail. Specific tasks are allocated to ad hoc teams of experts.

IGOS-P and the GEO Initiative

It seems clear that the future of IGOS-P will to some extent be affected by the role it is called upon to play in the GEO Initiative. At a meeting of Partners in November, 2003, it is intended to discuss future options, with particular reference to the Partnership's contribution to and relationship with the GEO Initiative.

IGOS-P has already nominated senior representatives to serve on the five GEO Subgroups and the GEO Secretariat, but by the time of the GEO-2 meeting in Baveno on 28/29 November, 2003, the Partnership aims to be in a position to propose a more organic cooperation, allowing the GEO Initiative to take better advantage of the considerable resources and experience of IGOS-P, thereby saving GEO work and time.

Attachment: Annex A - Annex to IGOS Partners' initial exchange of letters, dated 15 September 1998

Further information on IGOS-P and its Partners: http://www.igospartners.org Annex A

IGOS Partnership

(Annex that accompanied exchange of letters among IGOS Partners, dated 15 September 1998)

Introduction

The Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) seeks to provide a comprehensive framework to harmonize the common interests of the major space-based and in-situ systems for global observation of the Earth. It is being developed as an over-arching strategy for conducting observations relating to climate and atmosphere, oceans and coasts, the land surface and the Earth's interior. IGOS strives to build upon the strategies of existing international global observing programmes, and upon current achievements. It seeks to improve observing capacity and deliver observations in a cost-effective and timely fashion. Additional efforts will be directed to those areas where satisfactory international arrangements and structures do not currently exist.

Basis for cooperation

Cooperation between the Partners will reflect:

1. The principle of "best efforts" to maintain the commitment to the overall strategy and any specific purpose or project.

2. The principle of "no additional financial obligation" or exchange of funds except with the mutual consent of relevant Partners.

3. The principle of "synergy" among existing efforts, including optimal use of meetings and of resources. Two important meeting opportunities are the CEOS Plenary and meetings of the Sponsors' Group for the G3OS.

4. Organization and reporting responsibilities for IGOS Partnership meetings will rest with the hosting agency.

Terms of Reference

The IGOS Partnership will further the definition, development and implementation of an Integrated Global Observing Strategy. Towards this end, the Partners will:

1. exchange information on the Partners' relevant activities; 2. promote dialogue between the space agencies and in situ observation communities;

3. identify gaps and seek to address IGOS-related user requirements;

4. identify requirements to strengthen institutional capacity to make integrated global observations;

5. carry out specific activities to develop individual components of the strategy;

6. identify and suggest projects that complement and demonstrate the value of an IGOS; and,

7. promote all aspects of strategy implementation, among national and international agencies, as well as different user groups.

Partners

The IGOS Partnership will initially comprise the following partners:

1. Sponsors of the Global Observing Systems (ICSU, IOC of UNESCO, FAO, UNEP, UNESCO, WMO);

2. Global Observing Systems (GCOS, GOOS, GTOS) Programme Offices;

3. Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS; comprising member space agencies contributing to an IGOS);

4. International Group of Funding Agencies (IGFA);

5. International Geosphere - Biosphere Programme (IGBP) Programme Office;

6. World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Programme Office.

Other organizations prepared to contribute to an IGOS may be added as Partners.