INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SUBGROUP Co-chairs: Sue Barrell (John Zillman) (Australia)

1. International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SUBGROUP Co-chairs: Sue Barrell (John Zillman) (Australia) Patricio Bernal (IOC) Harlan Watson (USA) GEO-3 Plenary February 26, 2004 Cape Town, South Africa

2. Who Are We? What Do We Do? What Have We Done? What Guidance Do We Need From GEO? International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) OUTLINE

3. 3 Co-chairs (Australia, IOC, U.S.) Membership 15 Countries and the EC: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Russia Federation, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and U.S. 9 Intergovernmental/International Organizations: CEOS, ESA, EUMETSAT, GOOS, ICSU, IOC, IGOS-P, IOC, UNESCO, AND WMO. International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) Who Are We?

4. ICSG Terms of Reference Purpose: Develop for the GOESS 10-Year Implementation Plan a long-term, international organizational strategy and coordination mechanism. Approach and Functions: Identify international coordination needs; Review and assess existing international coordination mechanisms; and Identify and develop a set of alternative proposed strategies, models, and organizational structures. International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) What Do We Do?

5. Recognized need for a governance structure to take the process forward post-Earth Observation Summit III and through the implementation of the agreed GEOSS 10-Year Implementation Plan­—a structure we designate as the Intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations (IGEO). Also recognized that IGEO must engage governments at a high political level and be inclusive of existing organizations and systems. International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) What Have We Done?— 1

6. An effective IGEO will, either directly or through appropriate linkages, address the needs for: Coordination of systems implementation (in situ and remotely sensed), data collection, and dissemination; Opportunities for engagement of all governments and relevant international organizations to provide components/systems; Involvement of all relevant user communities; Measuring, monitoring and facilitating openness of the system to improve cross-flow of data products and results; Broadening involvement and ownership to all governments and relevant international organizations; Facilitation of the development and exchange of information services between participating governments and relevant international organizations; and Maintaining a high political profile for GEOSS. International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) What Have We Done?— 2

7. Expect that IGEO would perform a number of functions, including: Developing further and implementing the GEOSS 10-Year Implementation Plan; Identifying issues, gaps and redundant overlaps, and setting priorities to address them; Committing to address identified priorities; Monitoring and coordinating progress; Building capacity; Promoting outreach; and Providing opportunities for engagement of all governments and relevant international organizations to provide components/systems. International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) What Have We Done?— 3

8. Identified two approaches: Approach 1: IGEO as a continuation of GEO with revised Terms of Reference; and Approach 2: Establish-ment of IGEO by formal agreement between countries and relevant international organizations. International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) What Have We Done?— 4 Commonalties: • Based on GEO composition and modus operandi with membership open to all interested governments and the EC, and with representatives of participating organizations invited to take part; • Operation by consensus; • Ability to set up subgroups or working groups as needed; and • Ability to maintain strong links with the scientific community through inviting ICSU to participate in a formal capacity, possibly as an advisory body.

9. Identified two approaches: Approach 1: IGEO as a continuation of GEO with revised Terms of Reference; and Approach 2: Establish-ment of IGEO by formal agreement between countries and relevant international organizations. International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) What Have We Done?— 5 Real Differences: • Flexibility; and • Universality of membership. Potential Differences: • Legally binding versus legally non-binding arrangements; • Voting; • Budget implications; and • Secretariats—permanent versus non- permanent.

10. Key Question for GEO-3 Action Recognizing the need for a governance structure to take the process forward post-EO Summit III and through the implementation of the agreed 10-Year Implementation Plan, and that such a structure is inclusive of existing organizations and systems, the ICSG identifies the following two broad approaches for GEO-3 consideration: a. Continuation of GEO with revised Terms of Reference; and b. Establishment by formal agreement between countries and relevant intergovernmental organizations. Within these broad approaches, the Subgroup recognizes there are multiple options, and requests guidance from GEO-3 on which of the above broad approaches to pursue. International Cooperation Subgroup (ICSG) What Guidance Do We Need From GEO?