International Groups/Mechanisms Text Document

[Alternate Text for International Groups/Mechanisms Page]
Last updated: February 13, 2007

Listed below are the various foreign environmental and space agencies of other nations that NESDIS cooperates with, through international agreements and cooperative programs. There are links for a brief description of their relationship with NESDIS and a link to their home page. With each description, there is a link to the primary IA staff member who supports NESDIS management in its cooperation with that particular agency.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites serves as the focal point for international coordination of space related Earth observation activities. Policy and technical issues of common interest related to the whole spectrum of Earth observation satellite missions and data received from such are addressed. Founded in 1984 under the auspices of the Group of Seven Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations, CEOS now comprises some 23 space agencies along with 21 associated organizations that meet in Plenary annually, with activities and coordination occurring throughout the year in a Secretariat and three Working Groups. NOAA/NESDIS is a charter CEOS member. It participates in the Secretariat and chaired CEOS in 2003.

The Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) is an informal international group of member countries that operate meteorological satellites and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in its role as a major user organization. Membership currently includes China (PRC), EUMETSAT (for Europe), India, Japan, Russia, the USA and the WMO.

In May 2004, members met in Sochi, Russia for CGMS XXXII. NOAA Satellite and Information Services presented 34 working papers at this meeting. Topics include various operational aspects of the systems.

CGMS was known as the Coordination of Geostationary Meteorological Satellites when it was founded in 1972. During the past decades, CGMS has helped to ensure that key facilities are standardized across the entire global system.

The Cospas-Sarsat International Satellite System for Search and Rescue is an international, humanitarian search and rescue system that uses satellites to detect and locate emergency beacons carried by ships, aircraft, or individuals. The system consists of a network of satellites, ground stations, mission control centers, and rescue coordination centers. The program was initiated in 1979 by the United States, the former Soviet Union, France, and Canada and was fully established in 1985. NOAA represents the United States in this international forum. Since its inception, the Cospas-Sarsat system has been instrumental in saving over 15,000 lives worldwide.

The functions of UNESCAP have been defined by the Secretary- General include promoting economic and social development through regional and
subregional cooperation and integration; serving as the main economic and social development forum within the United Nations system for the
UNESCAP region; formulating and promoting development assistance activities and projects commensurate with the needs and priorities of
the region while acting as an executing agency for relevant operational projects; providing substantive and secretariat services and documentation for the Commission and its subsidiary bodies; carrying out studies, research and other activities within the terms of reference of the Commission; providing advisory services to governments at their request; developing and executing programmes of technical cooperation; coordinating UNESCAP activities with those of the major departments/offices of the United Nations at Headquarters and specialized agencies and intergovernmental organizations.

Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) was established in 1992 to ensure that the observations and information needed to address climate-related issues are obtained and made available to all potential users.
-- Co-sponsored by WMO, IOC, UNEP, ICSU
GCOS does not itself directly make observations nor generate data products. It stimulates, encourages, coordinates and otherwise facilitates the taking of the needed observations by national or international organizations in support of their own requirements as well as of common goals. It provides an operational framework for integrating and enhancing observational systems of participating countries and organizations into a comprehensive
climate observing system.
Structure:
- Steering Committee
- Science Panels for Atmosphere, Oceans, Terrestrial
- (new) Cooperation Board
Has worked the UNFCCC arena to its advantage and the advantage of Earth observations
generally.
- 1st and now 2nd Adequacy Report
- UNFCCC decisions

Group on Earth Observation    Contact: Linda Moodie
On July 31, 2003, thirty-three nations plus the European Commission adopted a Declaration that signifies political commitment to move toward development of a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained Earth observation system(s). The Earth Observation Summit attracted a distinguished group of government dignitaries from around the world who are committed to significantly advancing our collective ability to gather Earth observation data.
The Summit participants affirmed the need for timely, quality, long-term, global information as a basis for sound decision making. In order to monitor continuously the state of the Earth, to increase understanding of dynamic Earth processes, to enhance prediction of the Earth system, and to further implement environmental treaty obligations, participants recognized the need to support the creation of a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained Earth observing system or systems.
To further this goal, the Summit participants launched the intergovernmental ad hoc Group on Earth Observations (GEO) to develop a 10-Year Implementation Plan. The group, co-chaired by the United States, the European Commission, Japan, and South Africa and joined by more than 21 international organizations, began its work by organizing five subgroups as well as a secretariat to support its activities.
Ministers met for Earth Observation Summit II in Tokyo, Japan, on 25 April 2004, where they adopted the Framework Document for a 10-Year Implementation Plan for this initative. The plan itself will be presented at Earth Observation Summit III in February 2005.

Global Ocean Observing System       Contact: John Morrisroe
Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is a permanent global system for observations, modeling and analysis of marine and ocean variables to support operational ocean services worldwide. GOOS endeavors to provide accurate descriptions of the present state of the oceans, including living resources; continuous
forecasts of the future conditions of the sea for as far ahead as possible; and the basis for forecasts of climate change.

Global Terrestrial Observing System        Contact: NESDIS IIA
Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) is a program for observations, modeling, and analysis of terrestrial ecosystems to support sustainable development. GTOS facilitates access to information on terrestrial ecosystems so that researchers and policy makers can detect and manage global and regional environmental change. Its sponsors are: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Council for Science (ICSU),
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) .

Integrated Global Observing Strategy        Contact: Brent Smith
The Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) unites the major satellite and surface based systems of the globe as partners in a strategic planning process linking research, long-term monitoring and operational programs - as well as data producers and users - in a structure that focuses on observation gaps and identifies the resources to address observation needs. Organized in 1998, IGOS brings together the space based and in situ assets of 14 founding partners (CEOS, FAO, GAW, GCOS, GOOS, GTOS, ICSU, IGBP, IGFA, IOC, UNEP, UNESCO, WCRP, and WMO). Efforts to address observational gaps have
focused on the identification of themes, an Ocean Theme being the first. Integrated global carbon cycle, water cycle, coastal atmospheric chemistry and land themes are under development. Geohazards themes have also been completed as well as a coral reef sub theme.