Report from GEO Post2015 WG and GEO Ministerial

Report from GEO Post-2015 WG and GEO Ministerial WG D. Brent Smith, NOAA CEOS Representative CEOS SIT-28 Meeting Hampton, Virginia, USA 12 March 2013

CEOS and GEO Post-2015 SIT-28 Meeting Hampton, Virginia, USA 11 -15 March 2013 • • Clear from GEO Member statements at • 2012 GEO Plenary that CEOS contributions recognized and highly valued • CEOS has for several years led or co-led GEO Work Plan Tasks CEOS “space arm” contributions have been much more prominent than comparable in situ contributions within GEO/GEOSS; thus there will be increased emphasis on in situ observations in Post-2015 GEOSS Integration of space-based and in situ observations into products of use to decision-makers and end users is big priority for GEO Post-2015 • Good for CEOS to learn from incomplete handoff of IGOS to GEO Communities of Practice---some working well, others not It has been major challenge for underdeveloped GEO infrastructure to assimilate and pass on CEOScontributed data/products to users; this situation hopefully now being addressed head-on in GEO Boards’ infrastructurerelated initiatives in connection with 2013 Sprint to Summit CEOS should engage in ongoing GEO infrastructure efforts 2

SIT-28 Meeting Hampton, Virginia, USA 11 -15 March 2013 1. Continuation of GEO and GEOSS Implementation GEO Post-2015 WG Recommendations 2. GEO Strategic Objectives • GEO a unique global initiative mandated to coordinate/facilitate • Focus on seeking active collaboration with relevant global initiatives with • Integration/access to observing networks/ associated information systems • Complementary mandates (e. g. GFCS) to promote full/open access to EO • Recommends GEOSS implementation continue 2015 -2015 • Data, identification of needs for applications and services 3. GEO Core Functions • Strengthen space-based, airborne, and particularly, in situ observation • Systems and networks • Advance interoperability and integration of Earth observations • Promote the GEOSS Data Sharing Principles • Build/sustain information system that provides access to data/products • Build capacity to collect/use EO, and promote regional implementation • Support R&D of integrated EO applications • Engage with users and decision-makers Draft as of March 2013

SIT-28 Meeting Hampton, Virginia, USA 11 -15 March 2013 4. Societal Benefit Areas • Maintain current basic SBA structure, possibility of modifications • Identify complementary roles with other global EO organizations GEO Post-2015 WG Recommendations 5. Governance • Retain present general structure: flexible, agile, inclusive partnership • But explore possibility of strengthened role for Participating Organizations 6. Engagement with Developing Countries • Strengthen capacity building, sustainable development, regional cooperation • Assist countries/ regions increase capacity to acquire, utilize EO data • Work with partners to mobilize resources to promote EO tech advancement Draft as of March 2013

SIT-28 Meeting Hampton, Virginia, USA 11 -15 March 2013 GEO Post-2015 WG Recommendations 7. Engagement with the Private and Notfor-Profit Sectors 8. Resources for GEO and GEOSS post 2015 • Where possible, engage private, notfor-profit sectors in building GEOSS • Based on voluntary contribution principle, strengthen resource commitments • Seek to sustain GEO Secretariat and GEOSS Information Systems • Support mechanisms for developing countries participation • Support mechanisms for developing global initiatives, as 9. Development of a New Framework for GEOSS 2015 -2025 • To be guided by recommendations adopted by GEO-X and Ministerial that address strategic objectives, governance and resourcing Draft as of March 2013

SIT-28 Meeting Hampton, Virginia, USA 11 -15 March 2013 GEO Ministerial WG • GEO Ministerial Summit set for Geneva, 17 January 2014, hosted by the Swiss Government • Ministerial WG established, co-chairs are Romero/Switzerland; Briggs/ESA; Bussoletti/Italy; Hirsch/U. S. ; met 30 -31 Jan. , will meet again 21 -22 Mar. • Summit expected to confirm continuation of GEO after 2015; Ministerial and Post-2015 WGs to coordinate way forward via GEO Ex. Com and 10 th Plenary • WG identified necessary documentation as Summit Declaration, Agenda, Progress Report, Post-2015 Vision, GEO/GEOSS fact sheet, and a twopage “Case for GEO” high-level document • Foresee exhibition, a few short video showcases of achievements, no publications, potentially build on GEO Boards’ “Sprint to Summit” • Communication and outreach plan, and invitation letter are in preparation • Commitment to fully involve GEO Participating Organizations, UN Organizations and Programs, and Developing Countries

SIT-28 Meeting Hampton, Virginia, USA 11 -15 March 2013 GEO Ministerial WG CEOS to: • Participate at Ministerial as GEO Participating Organization • Consider CEOS Chair statement, exhibit, publication or one-pager (as at previous GEO Ministerials: 2005 Brussels, 2007 Cape Town, 2010 Beijing) • Work through its Member Agencies and their Governments to shape and refocus a viable post-2015 GEO/GEOSS Thank you!