The Earth Sciences Sector (ESS), led by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, is an active participant in the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). GEO is an international organization focused on collecting and integrating Earth observation (EO) information to help ensure the sustainable management of the Earth's resources.

GEO was inspired by the 2003 G8 Summit held in Evian, France, which emphasized environmental responsibility and sustainable development, and identified several requirements, including EO, for the sustainable management of the Earth. In response, the GEO initiative was launched at the first Earth Observation Summit in Washington, DC on July 31, 2003.

Through collaboration with 35 nations and over 25 international organizations, GEO's ten-year goal is to create a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). GEOSS will be an integrated, distributed system that enables the collection and distribution of accurate and reliable EO data, information, products, and services.

Irwin Itzkovitch, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Earth Sciences Sector, Natural Resources Canada with Chip Groat, Director of the United States Geological Survey, Department of the Interior at the signing of the agreement.

Canada-US Project on Disaster Reduction using GEOSS Principles: ESS and the US Geological Survey (USGS) have signed an agreement that builds on their already strong relationship by permitting the seamless sharing of hazard-related information through common standards and interoperable systems. This initiative focuses primarily on projects in trans-border regions, and will lead to better integration of hazard information throughout North America and beyond. Ensuring the free and unencumbered exchange of Earth observation information to reduce hazards will decrease duplication of effort and inefficiencies of data interpretation, and will also contribute to improving the safety and security of Canadian and American citizens. The goal of the project is to demonstrate through greater cross border collaboration and under the principles of GEOSS that citizens of both countries can benefit from increased interoperability of Canadian and American resources and networks. This will help ensure that science and technology are being effectively used to address priority issues.

Canadian Secretariat: NRCan (through ESS and the Canadian Forestry Service) will partner with Environment Canada, the Canadian Space Agency, Agriculture Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, Health Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to create a Canadian GEO Secretariat that will coordinate Canada's contribution to the development of GEOSS. This contribution will take place through partnerships with Canadian industry, academia and other sectors that create and use EO technology, expertise and data. ESS will contribute its strengths and expertise in satellite Earth observation, earthquake monitoring and in other areas.

Internationally GEOSS has identified nine areas in which to initially focus efforts. These areas include:

• Reducing loss of life and property from natural and technological disasters
• Understanding environmental factors affecting human health and well-being
• Improving management of energy resources
• Understanding, assessing, predicting, mitigating and adapting to climate variability and change
• Improving water resource management through better understanding of the water cycle
• Improving weather information, forecasting and warning
• Improving the management and protection of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems
• Supporting sustainable agriculture and combating desertification
• Understanding, monitoring and conserving biodiversity

What is Earth Observation? Earth observation refers to the study of the environment through remote sensing and in situ measuring instruments. One of its principal tools are Earth imaging satellites, which can cover vast expanses of the earth's surface (land, ocean and atmosphere), on a repetitive basis. Surface observations, and measurements from aircraft, balloons, and in-situ sensors also provide valuable information. Connecting and sharing EO data allows for a vastly improved understanding of the environment.

For more information:

• Canadian Group on Earth Observations
• International Group on Earth Observations
• Earth Observation Data Services
• Canada Centre for Remote Sensing