Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) Update
Arctic Council
For further information, please go to:
http://saon.arcticportal.org/
Or contact:
John Calder
Email: john.calder [at] noaa.gov
David Hik
Email: dhik [at] ualberta.ca
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 further information, please go to:
http://saon.arcticportal.org/.
Or contact:
John Calder
Email: john.calder [at] noaa.gov
David Hik
Email: dhik [at] ualberta.ca