Osamu Ochiai , Guy Seguin, Timothy Stryker, Prasad Thenkabail , Martin Wegmann , et al.

1. Emerging Issues in the 2011 CEOS Work Plan Agenda Item 17 Osamu Ochiai, Guy Seguin, Timothy Stryker, Prasad Thenkabail, Martin Wegmann, et al.

2. Report on 2011 CEOS Work Plan “Emerging Areas of GEO Interest” • Initial support to the Joint Experiments on Crop Assessment and Monitoring (JECAM) initiative • Continued and expanded support to the Geohazards Supersites initiative • Exploratory dialogue on potential CEOS contributions to enhanced conservation and informed management of the world’s fresh water resources  water cycle • Exploratory dialogue on potential CEOS contributions to the GEO Biodiversity Observation Network

3. Agricultural Research (JECAM)ref 2009-11 GEO Work Plan Task AG-07-03a • GEO Agricultural CoP inter-comparison of EO data, analysis techniques, monitoring methods and models • Experimental data sets acquired for a limited set of experimental sites around the world • Wide range of agricultural ecosystems represented • Coordinated EO data acquisition program with CEOS Agencies and commercial data providers • Data access protocols • Piloted for two S. Hemisphere sites in late 2011 • Science foundation for G20/GEO-GLAM initiative

4. JECAM (cont’d) • CEOS Agencies providing remote sensing data/information: CSA, ESA, DLR, ISRO, NASA, USGS • Data/information provided to: JECAM Site Coordinators • When/how is this data/information being provided? Data is expected to be provided by end of CY2011, directly through agency/order desk points of contact • Feedbackfrom CEOS “Customers”? Initial feedback from JECAM site coordinators is very favorable. They have particularly welcomed the technical advice and support provided by the CEOS Systems Engineering Office. • Plans to continue the project? Yes, for a three-year time period of data collection. Some additional sites will be added in the future (e.g., India). Total satellite data requirements are in the hundreds of scenes.

5. Geohazards Supersitesref 2009-11 GEO Work Plan Task DI-09-01a • Program of access to spaceborneEO and in situ geophysical data of selected sites prone to earthquake, volcanoes, or other hazards • Objectives • Initial: Address observational gaps through multi-satellite on-line SAR data repository for the selected Supersites, and enhanced data access • Long-term: International, sustainable and integrated approach to geo-hazards, with optimal use of GEO members’ satellite and in situ data • Supersites Side Meeting: Sept 2011 FRINGE Conference • Principal Investigator (PI) proposal process review • Broadest possible data sharing within existing data policies • Science reporting to data providers • Requests to CEOS Plenary • CEOS Agencies data provision on Hawaii Supersite as GEO showcase • Concur on establishment of a CEOS Disaster SBA Team subgroup to review Supersite proposal requests and coordinate Agency data provision

6. Supersites (cont’d) • CEOS Agencies Providing remote sensing data/information: CSA, DLR, ESA, JAXA, NASA • Data/Information Provided to: Supersites PI’s • When/how is this data/information being provided? Data resides in CEOS Agency databases and can be accessed through Supersites virtual cyber-infrastructure • Feedback from CEOS “Customers”? Feedback from Supersites PI’s is very favourable. Multi-source SAR data has benefitted research at various sites worldwide. Interest in additional sites and demand for related data is very high and needs to be developed in a systematic way so as to not overwhelm CEOS Agency resources, or run afoul of prevailing data policies. • Plans to continue the project? Yes, for an indefinite period of time, to an undefined number of sites, including those subject to other geo-hazards (e.g., landslides)

7. Water ref 2009-11 GEO Work Plan Task WA-06-07 • A top GEO priority • Relates to water security, food security, natural hazards, sustainable development, and climate change impacts • Proposed strategic-level GEO Report for supporting the Water Cycle Integrator (WCI) • Opportune time for CEOS review of water-related coordination • Progress in Virtual Constellation for Precipitation • Current/future research and operational missions • Better understanding of regional requirements • Scoping team to consider closer water cycle-related cooperation • JAXA, NASA, and NOAA – other CEOS Agencies welcome • Early December teleconference with GEO task lead (Prof. Koike) • Prepare for GEOSS Asia-Pacific Symposium (Ahmedabad, India, Jan 23-25) • Report to SIT-27: CEOS Agencies’ assessment of the need for a GEO Water Strategy Report, its approach, and the possible CEOS role therein

8. Water (cont’d) • CEOS Agencies Providing remote sensing data/information: • Not yet applicable – too early in this initiative’s formulation • CEOS Precipitation VC coordinates missions and sensors to provide multiple, merged satellite-derived global precipitation products for research and applications • Many other CEOS Agencies operate missions which provide other, water-related information, but not in any coordinated fashion • Data/information provided to: Not yet applicable • When/how is this data/information being provided? Not yet applicable • Feedback from CEOS “Customers”? Initial interest from the Water CoP(IGWCO) is very high, to consult with CEOS Agencies and define a more systematic framework for remotely-sensed water cycle observations. • Plans to continue the project? Further development of this initiative is expected through GEO, with an interest in further CEOS participation and support

9. Biodiversity (GEOBON) ref 2009-11 GEO Work Plan Task BI-07-01 • Observation capabilities assessment for UN CBD 2020 targets • Initial development of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) • Interest in closer remote sensing and in situ data integration to support biodiversity studies • Ongoing data provider/user community consultations • Proposed CEOS remote sensing experts-biodiversity data managers workshop to consider joint demonstration projects • CEOS-related interest areas • Data Democracy • GIS-ready products (WGISS) • QA4EO

10. Biodiversity (cont’d) • CEOS Agencies Providing remote sensing data/information: • Not yet applicable for CEOS-level general coordination –too early in this initiative’s formative stages • Agencies with direct involvement in biodiversity activities include CSIR, CSIRO, ICSU (as DIVERSITAS), UNEP (through its World Conservation Monitoring Center), DLR, ESA, NASA, and USGS • Data/Information Provided to: Not yet applicable • When/how is this data/information being provided? Not yet applicable • Feedback from CEOS “Customers”? • GEO BON and CBD representatives are very interested in the prospect of more coordinated CEOS support to for potential data provision and related support to EBV development. • DLR-proposed conference would provide a good venue for more focused discussion • Plans to continue the project? Further development of this initiative expected through GEO, with interest in further CEOS support

11. Conclusions and Recommendations • JECAM and Supersites • Relatively focused activities • Dedicated CEOS Agencies support and procedures for data access and utilization (greater or lesser extent) • Existing/pledged CEOS Agencies’ support should ensure successful implementation at current scope of activity • Water and Biodiversity • Larger and more complex • Earlier stages of development • Smaller base of CEOS-coordinated support (to date) • Further definition/development required and recommended • Supporting CEOS Agencies recommend inclusion of all four activities in 2012 CEOS Work Plan / multi-year strategic plan • Other CEOS Agencies’ support also desired