The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and Access to Information UNECE Aarhus Convention Task Force on Access to Information Francesco Gaetani, PhD GEO Secretariat 5 December 2014 Geneva, Switzerland

U.S. Department of State, Washington DC July 31, 2003 Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Created in 2005

© GEO Secretariat 77 Participating Organizations

 Improve and Coordinate (existing) Observing Systems  Provide Easier & More Open Data Access  Foster Use (ST Applications)  Build Capacity for the use of EO data GEOSS is being built from the expansion and interlinking of existing observation and information systems and the investments of Members and Participating Organizations in new systems. GEO Objectives

What are Earth Observations?

Earth Observation Satellites

A Global, Coordinated, Comprehensive and Sustained System of Observing Systems GEOSS

Geohazards Supersites and Natural Laboratories Oceans and Society: Blue Planet Global Agricultural Monitoring Initiative GEO - Biodiversity Observation Network AfriGEOSS Global Land Cover Global Urban Observation and Information GEO Global and regional Initiatives

Foster the sustained availability of earth observations for national forest monitoring systems; Support governments that are establishing national systems by providing a platform for coordinating observations, providing assistance and guidance on utilising observations, developing accepted methods and protocols, and promoting ongoing research and development; Work with national governments that report into international forest assessments (such as the global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO) and the national greenhouse gas inventories reported to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) using methods of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). A compelling example of GEO achievement GFOI Global Forest Observation Initiative

GEOSS Implementation Requires: Data Sharing Principles Full and Open Exchange of Data Data and Products at Minimum Time Delay and at Minimum Cost Free of Charge or Cost of Reproduction

Change in data policy The Demand for Earth Observations Before Open-Data Policy 53 scenes per day After Open-Data Policy 5,700 scenes per day

GEOSS Common Infrastructure

Introduction of the Brokering approach

Broad open data policies/practices essential for publically funded collections & must be strengthened Economic value in downstream elements – value-added products and services Broader stakeholder engagement needed, including the private sector Strengthen policy linkages/mandates National, Regional and International collaboration is essential Summary

Francesco Gaetani