1. IGWCO CoP Overview Richard Lawford
Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
USA, Japan / Future Earth (SWFP)
Side Event: GEOGLOWS and the Harmonization of GEO Water Activities

2. Mission / Objectives and Goals
IGWCO CoP
Mission / Objectives and Goals
Mission
The IGWCO CoP undertakes or contributes to GEO studies involving innovative approaches to data collection and the application of Earth observations to decision making in the water sector.
Goals:
To expand the range of data, data products and services available through GEO to water managers.
To provide advice on synergies among GEO water activities and with other SBAs to advance GEO.
To undertake exploratory studies and reviews to assess the adequacy of current activities and the feasibility of exploring new opportunities, technologies and program relationships.
To track the implementation of the GEOSS Water Strategy.

3. IGWCO CoP Geographical Scope Methodology
The IGWCO CoP undertakes or contributes to studies involving innovative approaches to data collection, data services and the application of Earth observations to decision making.
IGWCO CoP has a global scope with focus areas in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia.
Project Governance Structure
IGWCO CoP is a horizontal organization of approx. 150 members with a chair. It receives administrative support from the GEO Secretariat.

4. Significant achievements in 2016-2017
IGWCO CoP
Significant achievements in
Achievement 1
Supported the implementation of GEOGLOWS and the movement of GEO Water Activities into GEOGLOWS
Achievement 2
Contributed to the completion of the CEOS study of synergies in water cycle observations
Achievement 3
Completed a revision to a BAMS article on the followup to the GEOSS Water Strategy

5. Tracking Contributions to the Implementation of the GEOSS Water Strategy
CEOS developed two major studies in response to the GEOSS Water Strategy and is now exploring mechanisms for coordinating some aspects of the Strategy’s implementation.
GEOSS Water Strategy
CEOS Response
Plus a Water Quality Study
GEOSS Water
Strategy
January 2014
CEOS Water
Strategy
October 2015
CEOS Water
Constellation FS
October 2016
GTN-H made some adjustments to improve the quality control in its data centres and added the FAO Aquastat archive to its list of centres. However, changes in GTN-H structure and personnel have introduced uncertainties in its future ability to deliver.
Kyoto CEOS Plenary last year decided one year extention of the WSIST to implement the CEOS water strategy actions including the water constellation FS.

6. GEOGLOWS has made a commitment to implement GEOSS Water Strategy recommendations and is progressing in areas such as:
User Needs Assessments,
Water Use,
Essential Water Variables,
Capacity Building,
Promotion of open and free access to data,
Other topics under development.

7. Plans and Deliverables for 2018-2019
IGWCO CoP
Plans and Deliverables for
Deliverables
2018: Annual meeting to bring together all the elements of GEO Water.
General Plans
Based on its recent annual meeting GEOGLOWS will consider the potential for developing applications related to Smart Cities and water, comprehensive Water Assessments (such as COMPASS), climate extremes and resilience, and the role of indices and accountability in engaging stakeholders.

8. Plans for cross SBA linkages and SDG support
IGWCO CoP
Plans for cross SBA linkages and SDG support
Links to other SBAs or initiatives
The IGWCO CoP continues to seek links between GEO Water initiatives and other GEO SBAs (e.g., Food, Energy, Ecosystems, Disasters, etc) and other water science groups such as SWFP. It works closely with GEOGLOWS.
Contributions to SDGs
Continue to identify and, where appropriate, develop linkages between Space Agencies capabilities, in-situ programs and the SDGs.
Challenges and Issues:
Fostering the development of a new focus for its analytical capabilities,
Integrating new observational capabilities and practices into data streams and data products for users
GEOGLOWS and the Harmonization of
GEO Water Activities

9. (richard.lawford@morgan.edu)
Thank You
Richard Lawford