Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
GTOS Steering Committee
4th Session
Riccardo Valentini (GTOS Chair)
GTOS Forward Looking
2010 – 2015
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
What was unique?
Ecosystem services
Provisioning
Regulating
Cultural
Goods produced or
provided by
ecosystems
Benefits obtained
from regulation of
ecosystem processes
Non-material
benefits from
ecosystems
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 strenghts
Many 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
 TCOIGCO: CarboAfrica and its outputs, in situ methods
documentation,..
 TOPCGCOSUNFCCC: ECV definition and documentation,
analyzing and documenting status of+need for improvements in
observations,..
 Other:
 framework for standardization (UN ISO)
 IGOS, GEOIGOL, ..
 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 weakness
Critical 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 2010-2015
VISION
A 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.
MISSION
Lead 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.
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
GTOS POSITION
GTOS is grounded on the scientific community but with an operational mandate
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
GTOS
COCOS; ICOS;
IMECC; GCP;
CARBOAFRICA;
CARBOEUROPE;
NACP; projects in ESA
The Living Planet
program, ICOS, NASA
GTOS Structure
UNFCC
CBD
UNCCD
RAMSAR
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
GTOS Steering Committee
4th Session
PRODUCTS
Two main products categories :
1. Development of guidelines and standards for
improved terrestrial observation systems.
2. Synthesis products, position papers, databases,
georeferenced
GTOS
IS - analysis of global/regional/national
terrestrial ecosystems services and their changes
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
GTOS Steering Committee
PRODUCTS
GTOS IS -
4th Session
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
GTOS Steering Committee
4th Session
GTOS DOMAINS FOR OBSERVATIONS
1. Climate
2. Carbon Cycle
3. Land degradation and water scarcity
4. Biodiversity
GTOS IS -
CLIMATE
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
CLIMATE
WHY:
Climate change is the major environmental
challenge to society for the 21st century
Terrestrial observations are needed to provide
robust and effective adaptation plans
WHAT:
Continue supporting GCOSUNFCCC on ECVs
Expand work on ECVs to include other drivers (i.e
A1:soilFRAMEWORK
CONVENTION
moisture)
ON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC)
CARBON CYCLE (2000-2006)
1.5 Pg C y-1
4.1 Pg y-1
Atmosphere
45%
2.8 Pg y-1
Land
30%
+
7.6 Pg C y-1
2.2 Pg y-1
Oceans
25%
Canadell et al. 2007, PNAS
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
CARBON CYCLE
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 IGCO
A1:Develop
FRAMEWORK
CONVENTION
capacities in regional/national
carbon
– Focus
on AFRICA
ONobservations
CLIMATE
CHANGE
(UNFCCC)
Contribute and advice to REDD
Blue and Green Waters
100%
60%
40%
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
LAND DEGRADATION AND
WATER SCARCITY
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/UNCCD
A Global Desertification Observing System (GDOS) proposed in
2009
Water scarcity and conflicts are becoming critical areas of
terrestrial observations
WHAT:
A2:Address
CONVENTION
COMBAT
monitoring capabilitiesTO
for water
(water catchment
integrity, soil moisture)
DESERTIFICATION
(UNCCD)
Link with LADA, GDOS and CST/UNCCD
Establish a role for GTOS via modified Panel responsibilities
BIODIVERSITY
Habitat losses : implication for fauna
Alpine ibex
National Park
Adamello-Brenta
Habitat Suitability maps under projected climate
change SRES A1F1, 2030 & 2050
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
BIODIVERSITY
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 rate
COP/CBD expressed the need for integrated regional and
sub-global ecosystem assessments and for improvements
in the availability and interoperability of biodiversity data
Space observations on habitat fragmentation, land cover,
species recognition are a unique niche for GTOS
WHAT:
A2: BIODIVERSITY
CONVENTION
Establish a role for GTOS via modified Panel responsibilities
Work with GEO BON and the SBSTTA/UNCBD
(UNCBD)
Link with DIVERSITAS for the observation component
Focus on protected areas and national parks/reference sites
GTOS - AFRICA
CARBOAFRICA 2.5 M€ (2007-2010)
ERC GRANT AFRICA GHG
2.5 M€ (2010-2014)
Climate change
predictions in SubSaharan Africa: impacts
and adaptations
CLIMAFRICA EU FP7
3 M€ 2010-2013
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
Proposed new
GTOS Structure
Sponsors
UNCCD
CBD
Biodiversity
GOFC-GOLD
Land degradation &
water
UNFCCC
Carbon cycle
TCO
GTOS activities, GT-Net, C-GTOS
Climate
TOPC
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
IN SITU NETWORKS
Based on precedent and current practice: both TOPC
and GOFC-GOLD have actively pursued the
establishment, nurturing, and use of data from thematic
in situ networks
Recognizing 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 networks
TCO would oversee/ interact with C- and CCD- relevant
networks
TOPC would continue taking responsibility for GTN-G, GTNP, 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)
WHY LINKING GTNS TO PANELS
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
WEB SITE
WHY:
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 userfriendly 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 byACTIVITIES
adding links to ‘GTOS
C1:
‘MAINTENANCE’
partners’ where actual data sets and information are
WEBSITE
accessible and kept up to date (requires identifying such
partners and obtaining their consent)
Also revise GTOS-GOSIC websites linkages
A model for this approach: GOOS website
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
SECRETARIAT
WHY:
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 these
Maintains GTOS website and coordinates its
development
Supports communication within GTOS, with Sponsors
and with external entities, including preparation and
publication of reports etc.
WHAT:
Experience
from its companion programs
(GCOS,
C1:
‘MAINTENANCE’
ACTIVITIES
GOOS) clearly shows a full-time Director with adequate
support in the Secretariat is required
SECRETARIAT
A more intense/ complex Website role (see above)
Secretariat must be adequately resourced – this
essential (core funding issue); otherwise GTOS progress
hampered (or worse)
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
SECRETARIAT
WHY:
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 these
Maintains GTOS website and coordinates its
development
Supports communication within GTOS, with Sponsors
and with external entities, including preparation and
publication of reports etc.
WHAT:
Experience
from its siblings programs
(GCOS, GOOS) C1:
‘MAINTENANCE’
ACTIVITIES
clearly shows a full-time Director with adequate support
in the Secretariat is required
SECRETARIAT
A more intense/ complex Website role (see above)
Secretariat must be adequately resourced – this
essential (core funding issue); otherwise GTOS progress
hampered (or worse)
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
COMUNICATION
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
COMMUNICATION
WITHIN
GTOS
teleconferences etc. as appropriate
or for special
reasons (dealing with issues requiring joint work, hot
(2)
topics, short timeline tasks, coordination of reporting,...)
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
STEERING COMMITTEE
Propose/Endorse the strategy
Oversees the implementation
Advices on user needs
1. Maintain regular communication with sponsors
2. Possibly appoint a contact person for each
sponsor
3.
Revisit the external
membership
PROPOSED
REVISED
GTOS
STRUCTURE
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
GTOS Steering Committee
4th Session
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)
GTOS STRUCTURE
Finalize implementation plan
(February 29th)
Paris, UNESCO HQ
30 Nov - 2 Dec 2009
GTOS Steering Committee
4th Session
END
Thanks