IGOS Partnership Update

1. IGOS Partnership Update G. Bryan Bailey, USGS

2. Presentation Topics • Transitioning the IGOS-P Themes to GEO • Determining the Future of IGOS-P • IGOS-P-15 • The GEO Symposium on Earth Observation

3. Transitioning the IGOS-P Themes to GEO • In response to a IGOS-P-13bis Action, Co-Chairs prepared a plan for “Transitioning IGOS-P Themes to GEO,” which they presented at IGOS-P-14 in May 2007. • After minor revision, the Plan was approved by IGOS-P-14. • Details of Theme transition were then negotiated separately by the GEO Secretariat and individual Theme Leaders. • Results of the detailed planning were captured in a “Themes Transition Process Paper” and presented to IGOS-P-14bis in November 2007. • Concerns about certain aspects of Theme transition planning expressed by some Partners at IGOS-P-14bis were addressed ahead of the final Themes Transition Report presented to the Partners at IGOS-P-15 in May 2008.

4. Determining the Future of IGOS-P • With approval to begin the process of transitioning the IGOS-P Themes to GEO, the Partners turned their attention to the larger question of the future of the Partnership. • Co-Chairs were asked to prepare a report on Themes transition progress, including the implications of a successful transfer of its Themes on the future of the Partnership. • Their report was presented to IGOS-P-14bis, and it contained a Resolution that called for – • Partners to continue support of Theme-related activities in a GEO context. • One final meeting of the Partnership – IGOS-P-15. • Dissolution of the IGOS Partnership at the conclusion of IGOS-P-15. • A scientific symposium featuring research results of the IGOS-P Themes. • The Resolution was adopted by the Partners with minor revision.

5. IGOS-P-15 • IGOS-P-15 provided Partners with a final opportunity to affirm satisfactory progress in IGOS-P Themes transition to GEO. • Partners received a detailed status report on the individual transition progress of the eight IGOS-P Themes, and the four major concerns raised at IGOS-P-14bis also were addressed. • GEO Secretariat Director offered the GEO perspective on the transition of the Themes to GEO. He stressed the importance of continued support of Partners for future Theme-related activities, and he noted three conditions of a successful transfer. • IGOS Theme identity must be preserved in GEO. • Science cannot be lost in transition. • Reassurance that the IGOS vision and work will continue in GEO.

6. IGOS-P-15 (cont.) • IGOS Partners voiced appreciation for the open embrace of the Themes by GEO, and they gave final support for transitioning their Themes to GEO. • Partners reaffirmed the Resolution adopted at IGOS-P-14bis, including continuation of their support of Theme-related activities in a GEO setting. They also expressed satisfaction with the fruitful work of the Partnership and its activities. • Partners heard a presentation on the proposed Earth Observation Symposium, and they discussed aspects of its planning. • The Co-Chairs offered some thoughtful and inspiring Closing Reflections about the IGOS Partnership. • Finally, the IGOS Partnership was dissolved by declaration of the Co-Chair.

7. The GEO Symposium on Earth Observation • Planning is underway for a GEO Symposium on Earth Observations that will feature science results of the former IGOS-P Themes. • The Symposium will be held in November 2009 in the margins of GEO VI. • A Programme Committee with diverse membership has been established to develop a conference with strong scientific and technical content. • Once a venue for GEO-VI has been determined, an Organizing Committee will be established to handle organizational and logistical planning.