As a response to the Arctic Council Tromso Declaration, April 2009, the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) process has now begun a second phase. SAON has recently formed a Steering Group (SG) to lead this continuing process, consisting of representatives of the eight arctic countries, permanent participants in the Arctic Council, and Arctic Council working groups. With the inclusion of representatives from the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the SAON SG is also connected to the arctic science, observing and data management activities and interests of the non-arctic countries, as well as to global observing systems.
The SAON SG is the successor to the SAON Initiating Group (IG), which organized a consultative process during IPY 2007-2009 that culminated in a set of recommendations for the development of sustained arctic observing networks.
The SAON SG aims to facilitate the development of SAON and the realization of arctic and global value-added services and benefits, particularly as they relate to the changing arctic environmental system.
The SAON SG relies on information and advice from, and aims to serve, those who use observing data and information, those who operate observing sites, systems and networks, and those who provide data and information management services. The SAON SG will work with users, providers, and operators to promote communication, cooperation, and coordination. The SAON SG will also work with government agencies to advocate for the resources necessary to sustain and increase arctic observing activities, and to encourage inter-governmental cooperation in arctic observing.
The SAON SG is currently developing a work plan and setting priorities for its activities between now and April 2011, when the Arctic Council Ministers meet in Greenland.
For more information you can contact:
| John Calder Email: |
David Hik Email: |