1. Foundational Task prioritization GEO Programme Board 21 September 2016 Geneva, Switzerland

2. Foundational Task prioritization: Outcomes of PB meeting
Programme Board reached consensus on Foundational Tasks with greatest priority for WP2017 – 2019 at meeting on 7th – 8th Sept.
Review of priorities provided to EXCOM as answer to request and to GEOsec (as initiator and with a key role for Foundational Tasks).
PB Subgroup refined recommendations (approach & scope within FTs) to guide GEO in focussing this part of WP 2017 – 2019.
As second stage PB made suggestions for GEOsec and Community on how elements not a priority as FTs might be implemented in WP 2017 – 2019 as part of synthesized recommendations below.
The Foundational Task review process will have to be continued by the next PB (drawing i.a on progress report from GEOsec)

3. Synthesized recommendation from PB
Priority Foundational Tasks for WP 2017 – 2019, GEO Community led
GEOSS Development and GCI Operations
Synthesized recommendation from PB
GD-02
Advancing GEOSS Data Sharing Principles
DSP are a key success story of GEO and are important. PB recommend to streamline activities in period , de-scoping some activities from the FT.
GD-03
GCI Operations (includes some key elements of GCI development)
GCI Operations are a critical part of GEO and is explicitly cited in Strategic plan as an example of FT. PB recommends FT to focus on core of operations of GCI, bringing in key elements from old GD-04. Evolution or exploratory activities from both FTs to be shifted to an initiative or (if not resourced from community) dropped.
GD-05
Coordination of satellite Earth observations
The FT is an enabling 'coordination activity' (consistent with priorities for FT in strategic plan) within which space agencies work to ensure completeness/continuity of satellite observations to support current and future GEO community activities, flagships and initiatives. It will be a key part of the effort to respond to the outcomes from GD-09 [user requirements]. It is a community-lead activity, with no expectations of specific / exceptional GEOSEC resourcing.
GD-06
Coordination of in situ Earth Observation Resources
In-situ coordination was a known weakness requested to be strengthened in GEO. Cannot create value along value chain with insecure foundational observations. Longer term investment. PB recommends a community led FT with scope and approach altered could connect better with existing domain coordination mechanisms & communities. Focus GEOsec support on weakest domain and maturing of community leadership. Progressively strengthen to needs in GEO WP. Improve link to existing inventory type products rather than creating new products. Keep link to GD05 strong and explicit. De-scope citizen observations.

4. Synthesized recommendation from PB
Priority Foundational Tasks for WP 2017 – 2019, GEO Community led
GEOSS & Community Development
Synthesized recommendation from PB
GD-07
GEONETCast Development and Operations
PB recommends that this activity is a critical part of GEOSS operational infrastructure. GEONETCast is a system that operationally facilitates discovery, access and use of EO by diverse user communities – especially from developing countries. This enabling activity cuts across SBAs and includes elements of infrastructure and data/information. Strong links to Capacity Building Coordination and GCI operations needed.
GD-09
SBA process: Systematic determination of user needs / observational gaps and Knowledge Base development
GD09 user needs identification is key element of assuring GEO adds value. FT scope somewhat confused by inclusion of exploratory activities on knowledge base and lack of specificity about gap analyses (which, who, when). PB recommends to streamline FT on the design and undertaking user needs processes stepwise (ex by SBA) with investment of Community and significant GEOsec resources (Trust Fund and secondments). Exploratory activities on knowledge base should be shifted to CA (if support from community) with a view to include in later FT, with support from Initiatives/Flagships to collect/curate the info.
CD-01
Capacity building coordination
A failure to effectively build capacity around use of data and information to support decision making is a critical risk for the success of the GEO strategic plan. Growing a FT coordination activity on capacity building does not remove GEO community responsibilities in initiatives and flagships to undertake capacity building. The FT can enable more effective delivery of capacity building, creating more widespread visibility, deployment, and improved uptake of training, best practice and use. PB recommends a community led FT on capacity building coordination, building on previous WG, and keeping whole of WP perspective (drawing on capacity building elements described) whilst working to extend successful aspects of regional capacity building models (such as in AFRIGEOSS) to other domains and regions.

5. Synthesized recommendation from PB
Priority Foundational Tasks for WP 2017 – 2019, GEO Secretariat led
GEOsec operations
Synthesized recommendation from PB
SO-01
Management and Support (includes resource mobilization)
SO-02
Communication and Engagement
SO-03
Monitoring and Evaluation

6. Synthesized recommendation from PB Synthesized recommendation from PB
Suggestions on how Foundational Tasks with less priority might be handled in WP GD
GEOSS Development and GCI Operations
Synthesized recommendation from PB
GD-01
GEOSS concept refinement and implementation: Global Observing and User Information Systems (includes RF protection)
PB recommends that this activity is not a priority for a FT and is not on critical path in 2017 – 2019 timeframe. Suggests could be a Community Activity at this stage. RF protection should be included as aspect of SO-02.
GD-04
GCI Development
PB recommend to combine GCI operations and elements of GCI development focussed on day to day services addressing specific user needs. Suggest to recast GD-04 as an initiative (GEOSS EVOLVE) focussing on evolutionary elements.
GD-08
Communications Networks
PB recommends that this activity is not a priority for a FT. CD
Community Development
Synthesized recommendation from PB
CD-02
CAs, GIs and GFs Implementation Support
PB recommends that this activity is not a priority for a FT. Generic elements are part of GEOsec operations.
CD-03
Reinforcing engagement at national and regional level
Recommends that this activity is not a priority for a FT. Could be led thru regional GEOSS initiatives by GEO community.
CD-04
Assess the benefits from EOs and of their socio-economic value
PB recommends that this activity is not a priority for a FT. De-scope most activities. Existing literature can be used to evaluate impact of EO. (M&)E should include a task to keep an eye on literature (keep aligned with good practice, summarise and draw on literature where needed). If there is a gap in methodology, GEO community (MS & POs leading CA or Initiative) take specific action to address gap, noting this is very resource intensive to do.

7. Proposed next steps
PB recommendations on Foundational Task prioritization provided to EXCOM (for info) and GEOsec (for action).
GEOsec has responsibility to initiate Foundational Tasks for WP 2017–2019.
GEOsec to re-cast Foundational Tasks taking into account resourcing availability, results of PB prioritization and own considerations.
GEOsec take contact with communities involved in de-prioritized FTs – discuss next steps.
Summary note on use of FTs as implementing mechanism prepared by PB. PB co-chairs to send note & mail to FT leads & contributors.