Observing System of Systems (GEOSS)

ICSU and GEOSS

ICSU continues to support the development of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). ICSU is a member of the Science and Technology Committee for the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the body set up to develop and implement GEOSS. ICSU also participates in the GEO Plenary and Ministerial Summits, most recently in Beijing in November 2010 (see below).

The aim of ICSU’s involvement in GEO is to strengthen the role of science in the ‘system of systems’ and ensure that scientific research benefits from it. Several ICSU Interdisciplinary Bodies are actively involvement in GEO, including:

• the three global observing systems—climate (GCOS), oceans (GOOS) and terrestrial (GTOS)—as components of GEOSS;
• DIVERSITAS, through the development of the GEO Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON); and
• the Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA), which is providing scientific and technical support for the development of the GEO Data Sharing Principles, calling for free and open exchange of data. The implementation guidelines for the Data Sharing Principles were accepted at the 6th Plenary session and an action plan was agreed at GEO-VII in November 2010.

Note: The Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS), an ICSU Interdisciplinary Body, has already been transitioned into GEO.

7th Plenary Session and Ministerial Summit, Beijing, November 2010

At the plenary, an Action Plan for implementing the GEOSS Data Sharing Principles was agreed, while the summit adopted the GEO Beijing Declaration. The ICSU Executive Director, Deliang Chen, presented a statement at the summit. ICSU also made a joint statement with the GEO Principals of UN agencies, co-sponsors of the global observing systems for climate (GCOS), oceans (GOOS) and terrestrial (GTOS). ICSU’s Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA) organized a side event in Beijing prior to the GEO Plenary.

ICSU, in cooperation with CODATA, WDS, Diversitas, IRDR, WCRP, GCOS, GOOS and GTOS, had a dedicated exhibition booth throughout the GEO meetings in Beijing. The booth was an excellent opportunity to showcase how each organization links with GEO/GEOSS, and also how the organizations are linked with each other. ICSU’s contribution focused on the linkages between research, observations, assessments, data and information, and policy making.

For more information visit the GEOSS website.