Better coordination of Earth observation
Bern, 18.12.2013 - The Tenth Plenary Session of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and associated Ministerial Summit will take place in Geneva from 15 to 17 January 2014. Almost 90 states and 70 organisations will convene with the aim of improving the access to information on the global environment. In accordance with the mandate adopted by the Federal Council on 18 December 2013, the Swiss delegation, led by Bruno Oberle, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, will support the development of a comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable central system.
With the development of highly effective instruments on the ground, in the atmosphere and in the oceans, Earth observation has become increasingly sophisticated. Buoys measure the currents, temperature and salinity of the oceans; ground stations record the quality of the air and trends in relation to precipitation; sonars and radars survey fish and bird populations; seismic stations measure movements of the Earth; GPS (Global Positioning System) stations enable geolocation; and over 60 high-tech satellites scan the Earth from space. All of these instruments evaluate the state of and changes to both the natural and anthropogenic environments.
In 2003, the G8 established the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) with a view to increasing cooperation in this area. Nine priority areas were defined: disasters, health, energy, climate, water, weather, ecosystems, agriculture and biodiversity. The main objective of the GEO is to establish a central system that will provide universal access to all Earth observation systems by 2015: the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS, see box).
During the Geneva conference, the states and organisations shall adopt decisions relating to the continued implementation of the GEOSS up to 2015. The Swiss delegation will support the development of the comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable central system that will be able to provide decision-makers with a rational basis for their decision-making. In addition, Switzerland will organise a special Biodiversity Day on 14 January 2013. This event will demonstrate the importance of biodiversity observation for the decision-making in the various sectors involved. This event is open to the public.
During the Ministerial Summit, which will be held on 17 January 2014, Switzerland will also appeal for the extension of the GEO's mandate to 2025 and for the development of a new plan for the implementation of the GEOSS by 2025. It will also encourage the states and organisations to intensify their efforts with a view to increasing the sustainability and quality of the observation networks and making the maximum possible volume of data freely accessible in the context of the GEOSS.
During the Ministerial Summit, the Swiss delegation will be led by Bruno Oberle, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). Karine Siegwart, Vice-Director of the FOEN and Switzerland's in the GEO will lead the negotiating delegation. The latter will include representatives of other federal authorities with responsibilities in the area of Earth observation, in particular the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Switzerland's strong interest in Earth observation
Switzerland has actively participated in the establishment of the GEO, the secretariat of which is based at the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva. The GEO makes a considerable contribution to the identification, definition and monitoring of environmental objectives which Switzerland would like to see established at international level. Moreover, Switzerland would like to intensify its contribution in relation to the monitoring and management of data in the areas of disaster risk, climate, water and biodiversity, in which it has the benefit of extensive experience.
What is the GEOSS ?
As stated on the GEO website, the GEOSS (Global Earth Observation System of Systems) will revolutionise "our ability to understand and manage the planet". The system of systems will be used by a wide range of users and will enable decision-makers to respond more effectively to the numerous challenges they face.
The GEOSS aims to fulfil the following objectives:
prevent and reduce loss of life and property from disasters;
study the environmental factors that affect human health;
improve the management of the available energy resources;
study the evolution of the climate;
study the water cycle and improve the management of this resource;
improve meteorological information and forecasting, and climate models;
study and protect terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems;
monitor and protect biological diversity.
Address for enquiries
Ms Karine Siegwart, Vice-Director of the FOEN, Swiss representative in the GEO, +41 31 323 09 20
Ms Elisabeth Maret, Information Officer, FOEN, +41 79 371 62 82
Publisher
The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html
General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC
https://www.uvek.admin.ch/uvek/en/home.html
Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en
