CEOS has embraced the concept of an Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS), primarily in fulfilment of its own set of objectives and to derive greater benefit from both operating and planned observing systems. Through working together, CEOS agencies are in a position to plan their Earth Observation programmes with the minimum of unnecessary overlap and to devise joint strategies for addressing serious gaps in their observation capabilities. CEOS has also embarked on the initiative to link its activities with complementary observation programmes. The goal of this initiative is to develop a comprehensive strategy for enhanced levels of support to scientific, operational and research communities.
IGOS intends to unite the major satellite and ground-based systems for global environmental observations and monitoring of the atmosphere, oceans, land and life. It is a strategic planning process, involving a number of partners, that links research, long-term monitoring and operational programmes — as well as data producers and users — in a structure that helps determine observation gaps and identifies the resources to fulfil observation needs. The IGOS partnership currently consists of CEOS, FAO, GCOS, GOOS, GTOS, ICSU, IGBP, IGFA, IOC-UNESCO, UNEP, UNESCO, WCRP and WMO.
An IGOS brochure can be downloaded from ioc.enesco.org.
For more information and a copy of the biannual IGOS bulletin visit www.igospartners.org.
WGCV
Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS)