international cooperation subgroup (icsg) international cooperation mechanism international...

International CooperationInternational CooperationSubgroup (ICSG)Subgroup (ICSG)

International Cooperation MechanismInternational Cooperation Mechanism

International Cooperation Subgroup Co-ChairsInternational Cooperation Subgroup Co-Chairs

Patricio Bernal (IOC)Patricio Bernal (IOC)Harlan Watson (USA)Harlan Watson (USA)

John Zillman (Australia)John Zillman (Australia)

GEO-4 PlenaryGEO-4 PlenaryApril 23, 2004April 23, 2004Tokyo, JapanTokyo, Japan


OUTLINEOUTLINE

• GEO-3 Discussions (Cape Town)GEO-3 Discussions (Cape Town)

• GEO-3 Results — Framework DocumentGEO-3 Results — Framework Document

• GEO-4 Discussions (Tokyo)GEO-4 Discussions (Tokyo)

• Towards a Successor Mechanism to GEO (Key Towards a Successor Mechanism to GEO (Key Considerations and Strategy)Considerations and Strategy)

• Guidance Needed From GEOGuidance Needed From GEO



GEO-3 DiscussionsGEO-3 Discussions• Intensive discussions in IC-SG and Plenary.

• GEO determined it was too early to choose any one approach, although there was agreement that a formal mechanism of some kind would be needed for the effective and sustained implementation of GEOSS.

• Many factors identified as important in reaching agreement on optimal approach, including need to be as globally inclusive as possible, especially in terms of engaging participation of developing countries, and need to build on, avoiding duplication or competition with existing systems and structures



GEO-3 RGEO-3 Resultsesults — Framework Document— Framework Document

“ 7.2 For 2005 and beyond, the implementation of the ‘10-Year Implementation Plan’ will require a ministerial-guided successor mechanism with maximum flexibility—a single intergovernmental group for Earth observations drawing on the experience of the ad hoc GEO, with membership open to all interested governments and the European Commission, and with representatives of relevant international organizations taking part. ”



GEO-3 RGEO-3 Resultsesults — Framework Document— Framework Document“ 7.3 The GEOSS 10-Year Implementation Plan will elaborate

details for this Group, which will provide generally for:

a. Coordination and planning of GEOSS implementation (in situ and remotely sensed);

b. Opportunities for engagement of all members and relevant international and regional organizations;

c. Involvement of user communities;

d. Measuring, monitoring, and facilitating openness of GEOSS to improve cross-flow of observations and products;

e. Coordination and facilitation of the development and exchange of observations and products between members and relevant international and regional organizations.”



GEO-4 DiscussionsGEO-4 Discussions

• Considered a Non-Paper by France and a

Discussion Paper by the U.S.

• Discussed Points of Convergence/Differences

• Identified Key Considerations for a GEO

Successor Mechanism



Key Considerations for a GEO Successor MechanismKey Considerations for a GEO Successor Mechanism

1. A high-level, GEO-like, successor mechanism is needed to provide overall leadership and guidance for the implementation of GEOSS and ongoing coordination of its operation.

2. Governments should have primacy in the successor mechanism, but representatives of all international organizations with Earth observation mandates should be encouraged to take part in its sessions and its work.

3. Membership should be open to all countries who are members of the UN system and all should be encouraged to contribute to its work.

4. It should meet in plenary at senior officials’ level, but with explicit provision for periodic Ministerial sessions.



Key Considerations for a GEO Successor MechanismKey Considerations for a GEO Successor Mechanism

5. It should foster, facilitate and coordinate, but not duplicate or compete with, the work of the existing mechanisms used by the UN system and other international organizations for managing the component systems of GEOSS.

6. It should draw fully on the international scientific community through ICSU.

7. It should not be a new international organization, but it should have clearly defined terms of reference, agreed working methods and a small, international secretariat funded by member governments on a voluntary basis.

8. It should evolve incrementally from the present GEO following the guidelines identified in the Framework Document.



Guidance Needed From GEOGuidance Needed From GEO

• Identify the Process by which the details of a consensual proposal (*) can be further elaborated for inclusion in the GEOSS 10-Year Implementation Plan.

(*) proposal for “(…) a ministerial-guided successor mechanism with maximum flexibility—a single intergovernmental group for Earth observations drawing on the experience of the ad hoc GEO, with membership open to all interested governments and the European Commission, and with representatives of relevant international organizations taking part” (paragraph 7.2 Framework Document).

international cooperation subgroup (icsg) international cooperation mechanism international...

Documents