1. Introduction to Session 2 CEOS Virtual Constellations and Working Groups Pascale Ultré-Guérard SIT Chair

2. SIT-29 Meeting CNES, Toulouse, France 9 th -10 th April 2014 Slide: 2 Session 2: VCs and WGs My goals as SIT Chair are first to build on the efforts developed and the results achieved by the former SIT Chair, Michael Freilich I see the CEOS WGs and VCs as the main tools in trying to reach our collective remit It is thus of paramount importance to consolidate each and everyone of these bodies, and to establish and strengthen the linkages between them To this end, my team and I have defined a series of strategic objectives and corresponding lines of action This session aims at reviewing these objectives and at moving forward toward their achievement

3. SIT-29 Meeting CNES, Toulouse, France 9 th -10 th April 2014 Slide: 3 Strategic lines of action (1) Objective #1: develop the synergy between CEOS Virtual Constellations and Working Groups To achieve this objective we suggest two main lines of action: Encourage more focused exchanges and collaboration between the WGs and the VCs to support and develop the VCs and thematic WGs Follow promising examples o WGCV and SST-VC o WGISS support for WGDisaster Recovery Observatory o Production of ECVs by VCs interacting with WGClimate

4. SIT-29 Meeting CNES, Toulouse, France 9 th -10 th April 2014 Slide: 4 Strategic lines of action (2) Objective #2: in continuity with 2015 GEOSS deliverables and new 3-year work plan, increase focus on WG and VC deliverables To achieve this objective we suggest two main lines of action: Interact with GEO during the development of the next Implementation Plan/Work plan Seek alignment with GEOSS post 2015 10-year plan

5. SIT-29 Meeting CNES, Toulouse, France 9 th -10 th April 2014 Slide: 5 Strategic lines of action (3) Objective #3: broaden active participation of key asset holding agencies not yet fully involved in CEOS WGs and VCs To achieve this objective we suggest two main lines of action: Engage more agencies into WG and VC leadership and activities Revitalize the LSI-VC

6. SIT-29 Meeting CNES, Toulouse, France 9 th -10 th April 2014 Slide: 6 Strategic lines of action (4) Objective #4: establish and/or improve the linkages between VCs and existing relevant scientific groups To achieve this objective we suggest two main lines of action: Identify gaps and/or hurdles in these linkages Work with the sponsors of the relevant scientific groups with a view to build on complementarity, commonalities, and to improve overall coordination and efficiency

7. SIT-29 Meeting CNES, Toulouse, France 9 th -10 th April 2014 Slide: 7 Session 2 agenda Working Group Process Papers (CEO) Session objectives and content (J.-L. Fellous) WGs and VCs VC Focus o VC Leads will review briefly the current status and issues for SIT decision/action of their respective VC. LSSG report WG Focus o WG Leads will review briefly the current status and issues for SIT decision/action of their respective WG Discussion and wrap up ALL SPEAKERS ARE INVITED TO ORIENT THEIR INTERVENTION IN VIEW OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES