Mr. Robert C. Landis
Former Director, World Weather Watch Applications (WMO)
Outgoing Chairman IGOS-P
One of the major items discussed in the Partners' session was the continuation
and expansion of "Themes". The Partners were urged to accept the Ocean
Theme Report as the strategy document for the implementation process and,
as appropriate, to seek governing body approval at the earliest opportunity.
The Ocean Theme is to be implemented under the leadership of GOOS. As to
the important
observation of the Carbon Cycle, it was agreed to develop an overarching
Global Carbon Theme that would incorporate the output of the existing Terrestrial
Carbon Cycle along with the Carbon component of the Ocean Theme. WCRP and
CEOS were encouraged to further develop the Coordinated Enhanced Observation
Period (CEOP) proposal to maintain the momentum already established as
a precursor to a possible gWater Cycleh Theme. UNEP, with other interested
parties, was encouraged to investigate development of an IGOS Coral Reef
Activity as the initial phase of a broader possible Coastal Theme.
WMO, with other interested parties, was encouraged to investigate development
of a possible Atmospheric Chemistry Theme, taking into account the results
of the CEOS/SIT Ozone and Upper
Air Projects. Finally, the Partners discussed the need to develop themes
with a focus on an end-to-end process with commitments, feedback mechanisms,
and implementation resulting in maximum visibility.
The concept of Data and Information Systems and Services was discussed, and the Partners reviewed a tentative list of principles and guidelines which should be formally agreed upon at the next IGOS meeting.
The session discussed options on the continued visibility of the Partners in promoting IGOS as a necessary tool within the UNFCC and IPCC frameworks. It was agreed that the Director of the GCOS Secretariat should continue to provide an active leadership role for the Partners in the COP and SBSTA sessions. In particular, it was decided to provide information on the themes at "side" events of COP-6 scheduled for The Hague in November 2000. It was also agreed that the Partners, particularly the G3OS sponsors, should actively participate in the preparatory process for the Ninth Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (April, 2001), including the possibility to organize a side event on IGOS. The Partners stressed the need to continue to enhance the dialogue with the scientific and technical subsidiary bodies of the international environmental conventions.
In a discussion on the IGOS process, the Partners requested a select
group to draft a revision that would provide comprehensive guidance on
Themes, partnership selection procedures, and other IGOS issues. The Partners
also commissioned a study to
(to be continued on page 4.)
