1. GFOI Update & CEOS Next Steps
Committee on Earth Observation Satellites
GFOI Update & CEOS Next Steps
Osamu Ochiai, CEOS Lead for GFOI
CEOS 2018 SIT Technical Workshop
Session 4 Agenda Item 4.4
EUMETSAT, Darmstadt, Germany
13 – 14 September 2018

2. Objectives
Update CEOS agencies on GFOI developments
Phase 1 outcomes
Phase 2 context
Debate CEOS engagement models for Phase 2
Prepare for CEOS Plenary decision

3. Data Driven CEOS Phase 1 Outcomes
Founding partner and instrumental in design and operation of the GEO Flagship ( )
Execution of the Space Data Strategy for GFOI
Global baseline coverage for all nations UNFCCC reporting (2017 milestone)
Observation strategy adjustments to L-8, S-1, S-2
Data for R&D (and funding for coordination)
National archive characterisation for many GFOI countries
Key pilot (Colombia) – evolving to operational NFMS
GFOI brings CEOS closer to users than ever before – in a managed way and with substantial CB support (FAO, WB..)
Data Driven 3

4. GFOI Phase 2
Key donors (Norway, Australia) periodic aid funding review successful – resulted in definition of a ’Phase 2’ for GFOI
Phase 2 characterisation:
Joint assessments of country needs and collaboration to address them
IPCC- and UNFCCC-compliant country guidance for REDD+ reporting
Expanded data support to put more emphasis on access, uptake and application and the relevant tools
Coordinated R&D activities to support above
Expanded participation and leadership
Significant success in attracting donor (Ge-No-UK-WB) participation to harmonise forest financing, all around MGD
User Driven

5. Data Component & CEOS issues
Data Component ToR
Coordinate the acquisition, availability, accessibility and capacity to use remote sensing and ground based datasets (data) and tools to support national greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting from forests.
CEOS considerations
Expanded participation brings in major forest donor governments and provides opportunity to ensure EO aspects benefit (UK and DE both have active space agencies)
Multiple CEOS agencies planning new biomass data-streams of direct policy relevance
Core GFOI business is the coordination among the donors and capacity builders. CEOS must continually engage to ensure representation of its issues and the ensuing benefits
World Bank wishes to co-lead with CEOS through their FCPF projects (result- basis payment)

6. Phase 2 engagement
Refer to detail in SIT TW Discussion Paper

7. Phase 2 engagement SDCG facing several challenges
Reduced participation and engagement from CEOS agencies
Co-Leads capacity (beyond attendance)
Operating capacity (SEC provided for first 5 years by Govt. Australia)
The way forward for the CEOS engagement with GFOI depends on whether a critical mass of agencies exists to continue a stand-alone group (such as SDCG or some evolution of it); as well as the provision of capacity for the management of that group and for the execution of the Work Plan targets.
Constructive discussion at LSI/GFOI/GEOGLAM meeting on merger and operational efficiencies for SEC, as well as new capacity offers

8. Phase 2 opportunities for CEOS
Biomass – accelerating policy relevance of new data streams
World Bank cooperation
New Early Warning module
Tools and services emphasis
ARD engagement
New donor-driven R&D programme

9. Phase 2 opportunities for CEOS
L-band SAR constellation
Biomass mission and application team engagement – new constituency for an SDCG?
Closer integration of CEOS’s GFOI work with the relevant mission and application teams in these agencies – more effective framework for cooperation
WGCV/LPV coordination

10. Options Minimal engagement - Low/no cost - Loses user & IFI links
dissolve SDCG
resign as GFOI Lead, and as Data Component Manager
appoint a CEOS Liaison to GFOI (who may attend GFOI Plenary as business requires)
address issues arising at LSI-VC meetings and/or CEOS SEC as appropriate.
Continuity of dedicated group
renew SDCG with clarity in leadership and capacity
assure contributions to new WP – developed by consensus of contributors
appoint & resource new Data Component Manager
continue annual meeting at GFOI Plenary (~Apr) and jointly with LSI and GEOGLAM (~ Sept)
SDCG constituted based on SIT TW discussion, either as AHT or standing group
ensure optimal representation from CEOS agency relevant programmes
 Expanded and reinforced dedicated group
actively seek stronger connection with and resource from the major space agency forest monitoring programmes, including new biomass missions
consider expanded leadership group with sustained support
active engagement of World Bank as Data Component partner and identification of new collaborative activities
standing CEOS group
- Low/no cost
- Loses user & IFI links
- Needs new resources
- Sustains role
- Needs organization (LPV, mission teams..)
- Biomass policy relevance

11. Discussion Reflect on opportunities and costs
Consider options for engagement
Establish level of interest and support from relevant agencies
Actions for Plenary decision