GTOS Forward Looking 2010 – 2015

GTOS Forward Looking2010 – 2015

Riccardo Valentini (GTOS Chair)

GTOS Steering Committee 4th Session

Paris, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

PURPOSE

To provide elements for a strategy for GTOS for the 2010-2015 timeframe Vision, mission and logic model Priority thematic areas for GTOS Organizational structure suitable for the next

period To built an implementation plan for the next 3 yeras

Observations that changed governments environmental policies

RegulatingBenefits obtained from regulation of

ecosystem processes

CulturalNon-material benefits from ecosystems

ProvisioningGoods produced or

provided by ecosystems

What was unique? Ecosystem services

Photo credits (left to right, top to bottom): Purdue University, WomenAid.org, LSUP, NASA, unknown, CEH Wallingford, unknown, W. Reid, Staffan Widstrand

GTOS strenghts

Upheld responsibilities in terrestrial – climate area, arguably the most difficult among the three domains

Provided leadership and substantially advanced global land cover observation methods and products

Significantly advanced the establishment of global in situ networks (sites, observations, data bases), and the use of the information for reporting

Improved connections of “in situ” and space observation communities

GTOS strenghtsMany successes (see biennial and other reports); e.g.: Panels’ work:

GOFC-GOLD: land cover methods and products, fire methods and products, ECV contributions, advocacy for satellite observations continuity, numerous regional networks

TCOIGCO: CarboAfrica and its outputs, in situ methods documentation,..

TOPCGCOSUNFCCC: ECV definition and documentation, analyzing and documenting status of+need for improvements in observations,..

Other: framework for standardization (UN ISO) IGOS, GEOIGOL, .. GTNs: -Glaciers, -Hydrology, -Permafrost; -Lakes, -Rivers, -

Mountains

GTOS strenghts

GTOS has a strong authoritative mandate (UNCED)

In all, to date GTOS made key contributions and visible impact on global observations methods, products, and systems; these would not have happened without the GTOS’ systematic approach

GTOS has become a “brand”

GTOS weaknessCritical issues and challenges: Programmatic/ organizational

GTOS position in the international arena and leadership

Lack of a coherent results-based planning framework

Weak engagement of sponsor needs and priorities in the workplan

Better allocation of responsibilities among panels and with GTOS partners

Risks due to dependence on voluntary efforts (within GTOS and with partners)

Resources: limited, non-increasing

GTOS 2010-2015VISIONA world where international policy decisions are based

on timely, reliable and comprehensive information about the status of the terrestrial environment, its components, and the natural resources it provides for humans and other species.

MISSIONLead and facilitate the design, implementation and

continuity operation of long term observation systems that enable the acquisition of consistent, timely and accurate information on ecosystem services and their changes at global, regional and national scales.

GTOS Structure

GTOS POSITIONParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

FAO: LADA, GLADA, REDD;ICSU: DIVERSITAS, IGBP, WCRP, WDS;UNEP: Environment Watch Strategy, WCMC, DEWA/ Global Environmental Outlook;UNESCO: PECS, SUMAMAD, GOOS;WMO: IPCC, GCOS, GFCS

COCOS; ICOS; IMECC; GCP;

CARBOAFRICA; CARBOEUROPE;

NACP; projects in ESA The Living Planet

program, ICOS, NASAUNFCCCBD

UNCCDRAMSAR

GTOS

GTOS is grounded on the scientific community but with an operational mandate

GTOS IS -



PRODUCTS

1. Development of guidelines and standards for improved terrestrial observation systems.

2. Synthesis products, position papers, databases, georeferenced analysis of global/regional/national terrestrial ecosystems services and their changes

Two main products categories :

GTOS IS -



PRODUCTS

GTOS IS -



GTOS DOMAINS FOR OBSERVATIONS

1. Climate2. Carbon Cycle3. Land degradation and water scarcity4. Biodiversity

CLIMATE

A1: FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC)

WHY:Climate change is the major environmental challenge to society for the 21st centuryTerrestrial observations are needed to provide robust and effective adaptation plans

WHAT:Continue supporting GCOSUNFCCC on ECVsExpand work on ECVs to include other drivers (i.e soil moisture)

CLIMATEParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

CARBON CYCLE (2000-2006)

Canadell et al. 2007, PNAS

1.5 Pg C y-1

+7.6 Pg C y-1

Atmosphere45%

4.1 Pg y-1

Land30%

2.8 Pg y-1

Oceans25%

2.2 Pg y-1

A1: FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC)

WHY:Terrestrial carbon plays an important role in shaping the greenhouse gas balance of the atmosphere both in terms of sources and sinks.Terrestrial carbon observations are becoming key issues of future climate policies

WHAT:Continue support to IGCODevelop capacities in regional/national carbon observations – Focus on AFRICAContribute and advice to REDD

CARBON CYCLEParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

Blue and Green Waters

100%60%

40%

A2: CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION (UNCCD)

WHY:Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) is a global problem affecting more than 2 billion people in over 100 countries, costing more than 40 billion dollars a year“to monitor the processes of degradation and improvement at global and regional scales without having to wait for generalization from detailed, local information” CST/UNCCDA Global Desertification Observing System (GDOS) proposed in 2009Water scarcity and conflicts are becoming critical areas of terrestrial observations

WHAT:Address monitoring capabilities for water (water catchment integrity, soil moisture)Link with LADA, GDOS and CST/UNCCDEstablish a role for GTOS via modified Panel responsibilities

LAND DEGRADATION AND WATER SCARCITY


Habitat Suitability maps under projected climate change SRES A1F1, 2030 & 2050

Alpine ibexNational Park Adamello-Brenta

BIODIVERSITYHabitat losses : implication for fauna

A2: BIODIVERSITY CONVENTION (UNCBD)WHY:

Earth's biological resources vital to economic and social development, but survival of species and ecosystems is under increasing pressure and species extinction continues at an alarming rateCOP/CBD expressed the need for integrated regional and sub-global ecosystem assessments and for improvements in the availability and interoperability of biodiversity dataSpace observations on habitat fragmentation, land cover, species recognition are a unique niche for GTOS

WHAT:Establish a role for GTOS via modified Panel responsibilitiesWork with GEO BON and the SBSTTA/UNCBDLink with DIVERSITAS for the observation componentFocus on protected areas and national parks/reference sites

BIODIVERSITYParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

GTOS - AFRICA

ERC GRANT AFRICA GHG2.5 M€ (2010-2014)

Climate change predictions in Sub-Saharan Africa: impacts and adaptations

CLIMAFRICA EU FP73 M€ 2010-2013

CARBOAFRICA 2.5 M€ (2007-2010)

Proposed new GTOS Structure


BiodiversityLand degradation &

water Carbon cycle Climate

TCO TOPC

GTOS activities, GT-Net, C-GTOS

GOFC-GOLD

CBD UNCCD UNFCCC

Sponsors

WHY LINKING GTNS TO PANELSBased on precedent and current practice: both TOPC and GOFC-GOLD have actively pursued the establishment, nurturing, and use of data from thematic in situ networksRecognizing this across GTOS structure will clarify responsibilities and help future evolution of these (and other) networks

In practice, it means that: GOFC-GOLD would continue the work previously undertaken on the development of regional networksTCO would oversee/ interact with C- and CCD- relevant networksTOPC would continue taking responsibility for GTN-G, GTN-P, and GTN-H; and for the establishment and operation (directly or through GTN-H) of GTN-R, GTN-L, and other potential water-cycle related networks (e.g., ground water)

IN SITU NETWORKSParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

C1: ‘MAINTENANCE’ ACTIVITIES - WEBSITEWHY:

Is the ‘face of GTOS’ for the world, serving as the main source of information for most people not directly involved in GTOS activities. Its content must therefore be comprehensive, up to date, and presented in user-friendly manner GTOS website could also have a more direct functional role as ‘GTOS-online’ with access to metadata, data, and other terrestrial information

WHAT:Redesign and enhance website by adding links to ‘GTOS partners’ where actual data sets and information are accessible and kept up to date (requires identifying such partners and obtaining their consent) Also revise GTOS-GOSIC websites linkagesA model for this approach: GOOS website

WEB SITEParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

C1: ‘MAINTENANCE’ ACTIVITIES - SECRETARIATWHY:

The principal contact point between GTOS, its partners, and other agencies relevant to GTOS activities and plans. Also tracking new issues and developments relevant to GTOS mission, and ensuring coordinated response to theseMaintains GTOS website and coordinates its developmentSupports communication within GTOS, with Sponsors and with external entities, including preparation and publication of reports etc.

WHAT:Experience from its companion programs (GCOS, GOOS) clearly shows a full-time Director with adequate support in the Secretariat is requiredA more intense/ complex Website role (see above) Secretariat must be adequately resourced – this essential (core funding issue); otherwise GTOS progress hampered (or worse)

SECRETARIATParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

C1: ‘MAINTENANCE’ ACTIVITIES - SECRETARIATWHY:

The principal contact point between GTOS, its partners, and other agencies relevant to GTOS activities and plans. Also tracking new issues and developments relevant to GTOS mission, and ensuring coordinated response to theseMaintains GTOS website and coordinates its developmentSupports communication within GTOS, with Sponsors and with external entities, including preparation and publication of reports etc.

WHAT:Experience from its siblings programs (GCOS, GOOS) clearly shows a full-time Director with adequate support in the Secretariat is requiredA more intense/ complex Website role (see above) Secretariat must be adequately resourced – this essential (core funding issue); otherwise GTOS progress hampered (or worse)

SECRETARIATParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

COMMUNICATION WITHIN GTOS (2)

A GTOS-wide, agreed- upon protocol for documenting and reporting on activities and plans;Cross-representation on Panels (e.g., one TOPC member also being a member of GOFC-GOLD, one of TCO);Copying that member and all Panel chairs on ‘significant’ within-panel communications (emails, reports, …). Additional cross- membership, attendance of teleconferences etc. as appropriate or for special reasons (dealing with issues requiring joint work, hot topics, short timeline tasks, coordination of reporting,...)

COMUNICATIONParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

PROPOSED REVISED GTOS STRUCTUREPropose/Endorse the strategyOversees the implementationAdvices on user needs

1. Maintain regular communication with sponsors2. Possibly appoint a contact person for each sponsor3. Revisit the external membership

STEERING COMMITTEEParis, UNESCO HQ30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009

GTOS STRUCTURE

PROPOSED STEPS

Discuss the strategy and taking inputs from SC(this meeting)

Finalize the strategy(December 31st)

Draft the elements for an implementation plan based on panel inputs (January 31st)

Finalize implementation plan(February 29th)



END

Thanks



GTOS Forward Looking 2010 – 2015

Documents

Transcript of GTOS Forward Looking 2010 – 2015