An agreement among the partners for the definition, development and implementation of an Integrated Global Observing Strategy

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.